Secluded Staycations: Luxe, Little Known, Los Angeles Birding

One of the most rewarding aspects of birding is finding new and unexpected spots to point your binoculars. Bird enthusiasts in Los Angeles have an abundance of options when it comes to the sheer diversity of bird species and places to observe them in the local region, but the hunt for new places to explore is always part of the fun, and the more unlikely the better.

One surprising alternative to the same heavily trafficked parks and hiking trails is hidden in plain sight—some of the best hotels in the L.A. area feature spectacular birding from the comfort of their grounds and even the privacy of their rooms. In this time when we find ourselves keeping closer to home, these hotels offer opportunities for tranquil birding staycations without risking travel or crowds.

A Quiet Canyon Retreat

The Hotel Bel Air is a birder’s paradise with Old Hollywood pedigree tucked away in the canyons. The Bel Air has an elegant and distinctly Southern California style, updated in 2011 with a more contemporary feel that still nods to its rich history. The best birding at the Bel Air is on the canyon side rooms, which attract a host of avian visitors to their secluded private patios.

If you want to stretch your legs, the grounds of the Bel Air are extensive and designed almost like a botanic garden, with plant species labeled and ample room for observing the wildlife attracted to the lush foliage. One of my favorite garden flowers at the hotel is the pink abutilon that trails along the walking paths on the lake side of the property. The lake itself draws a variety of indigenous waterfowl and is also home to the Bel Air’s beloved swans, whose images appear as a recurring motif throughout the hotel. The Swan Lake Suite (a favorite of Cary Grant and Gene Kelly) boasts a breathtaking view of its namesake.

Greener Pastures on the East Side

The Langham in Pasadena is the East Side’s answer to the Hotel Bel Air, with a more traditional feel to its design. The Cottages at the Langham have patios that open onto the grounds, where the flowering plants attract hummingbirds and other pollinators just outside your door. If you choose instead to stay on the seventh floor of the main building, you’ll be treated to an eye level view of woodpeckers as they flit and peck about the treetops. Strolling the grounds in the early morning or dusk, expect to see (and hear!) geese flying in formation overhead.

If you’re looking to venture beyond the hotel grounds, the Huntington Library and Gardens and Descanso Gardens are both close by and offer more opportunities for safe and distanced outdoor exploring and are each home to more than one hundred species of birds. Both gardens currently require advance ticket reservations to maintain a reduced capacity for safe distancing.

A Breath of Fresh Air on the Beach

Lovers of sea and shorebirds will find their birding utopia at the modern and beachy Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica. The ocean-view rooms claim breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas from their balconies where you can watch gulls soar through the air, sandpipers scamper across the beach, and pelicans make spectacular dives for fish.

If you keep your eyes on the waves, you may be treated with a view of a pod of dolphins or migrating humpback whales (look for the spouts!). Although the ocean is the main attraction at the Miramar, you can also roam to the readily accessible hiking trails in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains, where red-tailed hawks make their home.

In Los Angeles, we’re lucky to have the biodiversity of the natural world so deeply integrated into the city itself, where it’s easy to enjoy the wellness benefits and calming presence of nature alongside the comfort of a polished urban environment. For bird loving Angelenos, adding new species to your life list while recharging in a serene environment is just a reservation away.

Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah’s work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).   

Cosmopolitcal Design: A New Modality Harnesses the Connection between Home and Nature

With global society and climate in flux, mapping out new ways to live and create in the world has become an essential project. Amid the competing approaches to this transformation, the philosophical school of cosmopolitics, as its name suggests, addresses this challenge in a uniquely holistic way and presents an entirely new perspective on the human relationship with the world.

Albena Yaneva, in her introduction to What is Cosmopolitical Design?: Design, Nature, and the Built Environment, explains that “Cosmopolitical thinkers...see nature as no longer being unified enough to provide a stabilizing pattern for the experience of humans; it is not ‘out there,’ a simple backdrop for human activities.” Cosmopolitics distinguishes itself from cosmopolitanism by positing a relationship with nature and its non-human denizens defined by cohabitation rather than dominance. As Yaneva writes, “These thinkers abandon the modernist idea of nature as being external to the human experience—a nature that can be mastered by engineers and scientists from outside.” 

How does this cosmopolitical perspective manifest in the world of home design? To Yaneva, “It challenges design...to encourage the enactment of new relationships both within and potentially outside the designed space.” Cosmopolitical home design is deeply tied to its locality and integrated with its environment. Yaneva describes cosmopolitical design as “required more than ever to address the primordial question of what it means to live together. That is, the co-existence of humans and non-humans, of how they share space and find ways to live together in peace.”

Because the cosmopolitical way of thinking is so all-encompassing, the approaches to incorporating cosmopolitics into home design are fittingly varied and can be scaled to projects as vast as urban planning or as circumscribed as landscaping a backyard. Manifestations of cosmopolitical home design can range from home renovation with the local climate in mind (for example, placing windows for optimal warmth or cooling of interior spaces) to pollinator-friendly gardens teeming with plants indigenous to their region.

To interior designer Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, bringing cosmopolitics into her home design practice means cultivating spaces that are specific both to her clients and as well as to the local environment and that encourage an accord with the natural world. Sarah says, “Finding ways to harmonize the design of a space to a specific environment instead of working against it is both challenging and rewarding. When a designed space and its greater environment are fully integrated, the effect is almost easier to feel than observe.”

Sarah explains, “I always look for opportunities to create inviting connections between the indoors and the outdoors. This continuity with the natural world is beneficial for emotional and mental health—it’s not just a source of beauty but nourishment.” For an artist’s bungalow, Sarah created a visual continuity between lush indoor plant life and the garden outside, and then took it a step further. Sarah designed the outdoor garden to support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. The garden is a Certified Monarch Waystation, providing resources to support migrating Monarch butterflies by providing food, water, cover. Sarah said, “Designing homes for wellbeing doesn’t have to stop at the comfort of the client. Incorporating elements of design that nurture the local ecology deepen our relationship with nature and result in spaces that are unified with their surroundings.”

This particular expression of cosmopolitical home design can be achieved even with limited outdoor space. For an oceanview penthouse, Sarah transformed a balcony into an inviting habitat for local and migrating wildlife by adding potted olive trees and an herb garden. “Considering plants not just for their decorative beauty but also what they can offer to the local environment is a concept that works on virtually any scale,” Sarah says. To decorate the interiors, Sarah selected natural and eco-friendly furnishings and textiles, adding that “Organic materials have a gentler environmental impact, and from a wellness perspective, are kinder to the people who live with them.”

When selecting materials and furnishings for home decorating, Sarah often looks to her clients’ priorities to guide her approach to creating spaces that embody a cosmopolitical perspective. For one high-rise suite, the owner’s love of animals was demonstrated not only through the choice of art and decorative objects, but also wanted this care toward animals extended outside home design and beyond aesthetics. Sarah addressed this by using exclusively vegan materials and furnishings for this project. Sarah explains, “No space exists in a vacuum—every object and material we use has a footprint that goes well beyond the front door, so considering the story of the materials we use and the impact that they have on the world is a way to invite cosmopolitical ideas into home design.”

Sustainable materials can also have unexpected origins. For the kitchen of a historic craftsman bungalow, Sarah installed a countertop made of recycled beer bottles, a non-extractive alternative to a more traditional quarried stone countertop. “Not only is the material beautiful and environmentally conscious, but there’s also a little whimsy in how it reinvents something ordinary and adds character to the space,” Sarah says. The implications behind cosmopolitical home design may be weighty, but there is always room for playfulness.

“When I look at my work from a cosmopolitical perspective,” says Sarah, “I see tremendous opportunity for creativity. We are seeing our way of life change in real-time, and as a home designer, I’m lucky to be able to be a part of facilitating that transformation for my clients.”

Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah’s work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Curating a Mindful Experience: Focusing on Art at Home

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Artwork by Renae Barnard.

Selecting and arranging artwork in a home can be a gratifying process for all involved. While science is only beginning to explore the emotional effects and benefits of art, people have been driven to produce and seek artwork throughout human existence. In a study at the University College London, researchers found that looking at beautiful artwork activates pleasure centers in their brain and elicits a neurological response similar to falling in love. 

Sarah Barnard helped this client curate and collect an extensive collection of feminist artworks.

It only makes sense that we should turn to artwork to influence emotional experiences in home design. As an interior designer with a fine art background, I recognize art's incredible power to enhance wellbeing in design. Commissioning artworks or objects by local artisans can be an incredibly rewarding way to elevate a client's home, and invest in the local creative community. 

A diverse collection of local and international artists.

When selecting artwork for a family or group, it's key to ensure that everyone has a voice. Inviting individuals to have control over their domains and some level of veto power in shared spaces can aid in decision making in the home design process. Having a say over designated personal spaces guarantees that everyone is getting something they love, at least in one part of the home.  In common areas, everyone should have a choice, and this is where having a designer with additional resources helps. I have developed relationships with many unique and talented artists throughout my career, which has helped me find and commission beautiful and obscure pieces.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Artwork by Susan Hannon.

When approaching all home design elements, it's essential to consider a room's use and intentions before purchasing or commissioning artwork. For family rooms that are often bustling, high traffic spaces, bold, energetic works of art can invigorate a room and inspire conversation. Large scale works can provide a welcome alternative to a television, and offer a focal point in spaces with many moving parts and multiple functions. Shared areas of congregation are ideal for bold abstract pieces or narrative works that inspire investigation and conversation.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Artwork by Kevin Moore.

In a recent home remodel for a family residence, Scalar Field by Kevin Moore hangs above a breakfast nook composed of a custom dining sofa and handmade walnut dining table. The warm colors and textures of the pieces play off each other, for an inviting eating space that encourages both quiet daydreaming and lively discussion. The piece's unique, geometric shape adds architectural interest to the corner, expanding the room and adding to the area's significance in the home. The nook encourages a mindful dining experience, inviting the owner and guests to pause and enjoy the beauty and serotonin-boosting effects of an in-house art display. 

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Artwork by Reid Winfrey.

A small, sleek bar becomes increasingly expansive with a dreamy painting of a surfer by artist Reid Winfrey in a beachy bachelor pad. In areas without windows, artworks with natural themes or escapist qualities are often beautiful alternatives to a view. This piece reflects the homeowner's interests and passions, connecting them to natural locations and activities they love, and offering insight into their personality to guests. Creating intentionality in small areas of the house can significantly affect overall mood and pacing, offering small, meditative opportunities. Art can be a useful tool to train the mind to slow down and be appreciative of surroundings and experiences. 

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Artwork by Renae Barnard.

Collecting artwork invites a level of personal connection and customization that can create a deep emotional experience of the home. A large wall sculpture by Renae Barnard entitled Aggregate Liberty compliments custom furniture in a residential redesign. Colors and textures in the artwork and the living room mimic each other, softening the boundaries of the artwork and the residence for an immersive and transcendent experience. Quiet rooms for focus may benefit from works that feel calm and soothing. Natural colors and themes help decompress, and textile pieces, in particular, can bring an added layer of comfort and calm. 

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Artwork by Renae Barnard + Ruben Vincent.

For a home office redesign, our studio commissioned a sculptural piece by artist Renae Barnard for artwork that referenced the home's natural surroundings. As an alternative to the already prominent ocean view, our studio saught to connect to nearby natural elements that required more careful observation. Ultimately, the studio found inspiration in the finches visiting the olive trees on the homeowner's patio. Noticing them requires careful consideration of the surroundings, inviting the homeowner and guests to become increasingly mindful. The finches' flight to the skyrise penthouse in the clouds inspired the final form of the fiber sculpture Cumulous. 

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Artwork by Karrie Ross.

Fanciful imagery in muted earth tones creates an airy and uplifting mood for rest. Displaying artwork near a bed may contribute to peaceful habits before sleep, and provides mind-quieting observational opportunities. A watercolor and mixed media piece by artist Karrie Ross is an atmospheric addition to a residential bedroom redesign. The piece's overall effect is peaceful, guiding the viewer away from chaotic thoughts or visuals before bedtime. The details within the artwork hold the viewer's attention and offer avenues for thoughtful examination, pulling focus away from the stresses and memories of the day. Using the emotional experience of a work of art to guide a room's mood can provide ample opportunities to shape home design support and uplift its residents. 

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Artwork by Brian Johnson.

Commissioning or curating artwork is ultimately about inviting positive emotions and experiences into the home. A piece does not need to mirror a pre-existing aesthetic to be the perfect fit for a client's home if it inspires pleasure and supports wellbeing. Incorporating artwork into living spaces can be an enriching process, inviting time to reflect, think, and appreciate the beauty of daily life.  

Interior design by Sarah Barnard.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP and LEED AP, designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that connect deeply to nature and art. Barnard has been featured in publications internationally and was named a "Ones to Watch Scholar" by the American Society of Interior Designers. Empathy and mindfulness are the foundation of her practice creating healing, supportive environments that enhance life.

This image used with permission provided by Gregory Firlotte @ LA Design Magazine

This article was written by Sarah Barnard for Issue 2 of LA Design Magazine, Celebrating Design and the Arts. Published by the American Society of Interior Designers, Los Angeles, CA.

Ultra Personalized Color : How an interior designer can help create a home that feels like you

Interior Design by Sarah Barnard, Painting by Reid Winfrey.

Decorating with color is entirely subjective — we all have our likes and dislikes. And yet, in consultations with home designers, clients often struggle to come up with a suitable color scheme on their own. They might identify red as their favorite color without understanding the physical and emotional reactions it can evoke, especially when used in a restorative space like the bedroom.

Interior Design by Sarah Barnard, Artwork by Renae Barnard.

An interior designer with an understanding of color theory and color psychology can help clients define their personal color story by evaluating the hues they like to wear, studying their favorite keepsakes, or delving into their hobbies and interests for inspiration. Home designer Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, has guided many clients through this process, creating healthy, sustainable spaces using colors that reflect their unique personalities. She’s well-versed in the intricacies of color with a Master of Fine Arts degree and undergraduate degrees in Art and Interior Architectural Design.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Artwork by Renae Barnard.

Sarah proposed a purple and teal palette reminiscent of an agate specimen for a client with an extensive book collection and a cheerful demeanor. These colors make the client’s heart sing, bringing her instant joy every time she comes through the front door. In the living room, vibrant colors pair with bold patterns and rich texture. A large wall sculpture by artist Renae Barnard hangs above a custom teal sofa with handmade toss pillows. Two armchairs with mid-century silhouettes are upholstered in a painterly textile, adding chromatic dimension.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard.

The client requested that the primary bedroom “feel like a hug,” so Sarah settled on a two-tone wall color, a marriage of plum and lavender, to envelop the space. The curved, velvet-lined headboard mimics the action of hugging and is complemented by an Egyptian cotton reversible duvet in a custom color scheme. The bedroom delivers feelings of comfort and safety, supporting the client’s well-being.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard.

When designing a bachelor pad in a coastal locale, Sarah took inspiration from the client’s interest in surfing and his desire to feel closer to nature. The palette reminds him of the sea, sand, and sky, from the navy velvet sofa to the burnt orange armchair, and the custom Calacatta marble bar. The rich wood tones observed in the entertainment console and reclaimed side table make the space feel earthy and grounded.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Painting by Reid Winfrey.

A calming environment was essential to the client as he has a high-stress job and needs to unwind at the end of a long day. The outdoor patio is awash in cool blues and weathered acacia to reflect the home’s natural surroundings.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Painting by Kevin Moore.

Another project in which the home’s location influenced the color scheme was this family residence that incorporates warm sunset hues and oceanic blues. The tones are representative of the coastal and desert sides of Southern California’s mountain ranges. Within the context of color theory, the chosen hues are energizing and invigorating, perfect for a busy family with young children and active dogs.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Painting by Karrie Ross, Sculpture by Kevin Moore.

Bright white walls allow the artwork to pop and prevent any single color from overpowering the space. Each room has a different color story to tell, but it all ties together to deliver a fresh, youthful aesthetic.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard.

Sarah is particularly fond of designing children’s rooms and enjoys collaborating with little ones to create spaces that reflect their personalities and interests. She did just that for this family of five, bringing in their favorite colors, personal photographs, and handmade artwork. The lavender bedroom was designed for a teen girl who is passionate about travel and collects elephant figurines. Sarah worked with her clients’ daughter to curate a gallery of photographs from her most memorable trips.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard.

For a boy who loves to read, Sarah designed a custom-made, built-in bed from American Walnut that features floating nightstands with plenty of storage for books. He opted for muted shades of blue and green that are frequently found in nature and feel serene and calming.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard.

The family’s teenage son wanted his room to look like autumn in New England. Sarah painted the ceiling a deep orange, which casts a warm glow, and used pumpkin-colored draperies for a bold impact. A reclaimed wood bed frame and natural log nightstand lend an organic feel, while an armchair covered in a retro-inspired fabric serves a nod to the boy’s effervescent personality.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard.

When tasked with designing a Tudor Revival-style estate, Sarah drew upon some of her clients’ favorite TV shows, specifically the BBC’s Downton Abbey and Sherlock. To achieve the Victorian-era aesthetic, Sarah chose saturated colors with historical significance. The jumping-off point for the formal dining room was the luxurious tapestry that adorns the walls. She pulled shades of forest green, chartreuse, and burgundy from its design and painted the wainscoting a custom color by Fine Paints of Europe.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard.

The library is a contemporary take on that of Lord Grantham’s. The American Walnut floors, oak-paneled fireplace, and coordinating bookcases add a richness to the space. Sarah updated the original fireplace with a new stone slip in a swirl of green and coral with an abstract painting by artist Kevin Moore above it. An antique kilim rug from Turkey anchors the reading area, injecting soft blues and grays into the room. The plush velvet armchair appears to change color depending on the time of day, transitioning from a buttery yellow to toasted oatmeal.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Painting by Sara Pae.

When conferring with clients looking to redesign their home, Sarah asks them several questions about their personal style: What are your favorite colors to wear? Are there any colors that you would never wear? She will even take a peek in their closet if that’s something they’re comfortable with to get a better sense of their color preferences. She brings a variety of samples to the meeting, including textiles and wallpapers, so the client can see and touch products they might not have otherwise considered.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard.

She observes how they react to not only colors but different sheens like matte or gloss. Curating a color palette isn’t as simple as picking out a few swatches and calling it a day. Home designers are well-trained in color theory and are aware of how color affects our behaviors and emotions. They can harness that extensive knowledge to create a color palette that matches your home to your personality — and when a space feels like ‘you,’ happiness will follow.

Interior design by Sarah Barnard.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art. With a contemporary approach that employs traditional vocabulary, Barnard’s range of style is innovative yet time-honored.

Sarah Barnard Celebrates Over Ten Years of LEED Accreditation

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) designers bring their expertise to every project, creating healthy and environmentally responsible spaces for their clients. LEED certified buildings and homes provide lasting benefits for users, the surrounding community, project stakeholders, and the environment at large.

Photos by: Brad Nicol

A sustainably designed, constructed, and maintained LEED-certified building positively affects the health of its employees or residents by improving air quality, reducing exposure to toxins, and ensuring adequate levels of natural light. LEED buildings yield lower operating costs and higher resale values and lease-up rates for property owners. They also consume less water and energy, reduce carbon emissions, and divert waste from landfills.

LEED-certified homes benefit not only their inhabitants but the community and environment. Green homes offer year-round comfort and healthy indoor environments. They, too, use less water and energy, which is a win for homeowners’ wallets but also reduces strain on the community’s resources. LEED-certified homes are known to sell faster and for more money, which can raise property values for the entire neighborhood.

Sarah Barnard is an interior designer, WELL AP, and Legacy LEED AP who recently celebrated the 13th anniversary of earning her LEED credentials. Legacy LEED AP is the title given to early participants in the program who passed the LEED exam before 2009 when the U.S. Green Building Council introduced specialties.

“I care about the future of our environment and work to ensure that my home design projects support wellness for people and the planet,” says Barnard. “The Legacy LEED AP credential demonstrates my long-standing commitment to healthy, sustainable design.”

As a leading expert in her field, Barnard has given lectures at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California State University, Northridge (CSUN), Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), and SCALE: The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) National Student Summit. She has presented at the LA Home and Garden Show, Pacific Design Center, California Preservation Foundation, and Textile Arts LA. Most recently, OM Chats hosted Barnard and fellow design leaders Adaeze Cadet (AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Vice President at HKS) and Julie Smith-Clementi (AIA, ISDA, Product Designer and Architect, Smith-Clementi) to take part in a multi-speaker conversation around the role of empathy in home design.

In 2017, Barnard was recognized as an ASID Ones to Watch scholar in the program’s inaugural class. ASID created the leadership development training program to promote diversity and propel the industry forward. Barnard confers with a national network of her fellow interior design scholars to share research and feedback.

While the LEED rating system focuses on the design, construction, and operation of buildings, the WELL Building Standard emphasizes the health and wellness of the people inside of them. The LEED and WELL programs are complementary and receiving accreditation with both has informed Barnard’s holistic approach to healthy, sustainable home design.

Barnard is an advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process. Through her speaking engagements, pro-bono work, and writing, Barnard hopes to draw attention to these critical design objectives. Barnard is creating a future that includes greener buildings, healthier interiors, and enlightened home design.

Why a Custom Weighted Blanket may be the Secret to Your Best Sleep Ever

Photo: Steven Dewall

Weighted blankets were the must-have holiday gift of 2018. You couldn't scroll through Instagram without being bombarded with ads for these sensory aids. But weighted blankets aren't exactly new, in fact, home designer Sarah Barnard has been creating custom versions for years.

As a child, she came across a roll of peacock blue mohair fabric in her family's garage that she used to complete a patchwork quilt she was sewing. Little did she know that her father intended to use the luxurious fabric as the upholstery for a 1949 Chevrolet he was restoring.

Although her father was furious, she was ultimately allowed to keep the blanket, which weighed close to 20 pounds. "I found the tremendous weight and enveloping warmth encouraged my body to sleep more peacefully and longer," explains Barnard.

Photos: Scott Van Dyke

These days, she's still creating natural, custom bedding for her clients using designer textiles and stitching techniques taught to her by her father. This expertise allows Barnard to deliver better-designed therapeutic blankets with endless customization options in terms of fullness and weight.

A custom design allows the client to choose the fabric, color, interlining material, and weight. Barnard's team of trusted artisans, handmakes each calm blanket locally and sustainably. Recently, Barnard designed a biophilic primary bedroom suite for a couple who prefer blankets in different weights. Her solution? One large duvet cover with two blanket inserts tucked inside, providing a seamless look that caters to individual needs.

Photo: Chas Metivier

One of Barnard's clients explained that she had been having trouble sleeping for some time and tried sleep aids, teas, and melatonin. She never felt fully rested using these remedies, but when used together with a customized weighted blanket, she experienced notable improvement. 

Photo: Charlie Daniels

Children especially may benefit from the use of a sensory blanket. A study from 2011 published in the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry found that children with ADHD fell asleep faster and awoke fewer times during the night when covered with a weighted blanket. Barnard enjoys designing colorful, custom blankets for the children of her clients. "Involving the child in the selection of the textiles allows them to personalize their environment and surround themselves with things that comfort them the most," she notes.

Barnard's weighted blanket, which she made herself, is fabricated of two heavyweight Schumacher fabrics sewn together sans lining. Even without a traditional interlining, it weighs in at 13 pounds. When the blanket is not in use, it adds contrast and texture to the room — quite unlike the characterless models one can purchase online.

The textiles Barnard used were prewashed and preshrunk to remove any allergens or dust. She chooses to wash her weighted blanket regularly in the washing machine despite the fabric's dry clean only warning. "I accept a rough and tumbled appearance in trade for the ease of maintaining my everyday life," she says. Barnard points out that this is a common request among her clients. "Families want to be able to launder their weighted blankets, so we test each sample to see how it survives the washing machine," she adds.

As mass-produced weighted blankets have risen in popularity, their quality has suffered immensely. Most ready-made options are filled with plastic poly pellets or glass beads. Custom made blankets are most often filled with organic cotton interlining or organic cotton batting in varying lofts to reach the desired weight. Organic wool and organic hemp interlinings are also available. For homeowners who want organic textiles and a natural lifestyle, being able to identify where the materials come from, and how they are made help us to sleep easier at night. 

A wellness-minded interior designer can help create a custom weighted blanket that suits your health needs, and personal style to ensure an even better night's sleep.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art. With a contemporary approach that employs traditional vocabulary, Barnard’s range of style is innovative yet time-honored. The ideas most essential to her practice and design process are wellness, historic preservation, and the infinite ways in which design can enhance life.

How To Stay in Your Home Forever

For many, a home is a place of comfort. It acts as a sanctuary, where people can escape the busyness and hectic atmosphere of life. The benefits of making a home a place of comfort, luxury, and accessibility will not only be beneficial for immediate satisfaction but will also allow people to stay in their homes for as long as possible. By utilizing the resources that are available such as hi-tech designs, strategies that benefit everyone in your home, and spaces that focus on the emotional value, homeowners can enjoy being in the comfort of their own home for many years and will benefit from its results in their daily lives.

Homes designed for everyday ease-of-use can benefit everyone from toddlers through grandparents. By utilizing available technology, everyone will be more comfortable in his or her living environments. One current emerging design in the industry that has benefitted its users is the addition of motion sensor lighting to rooms. Not only are these developments benefitting people practically, but it also helps the environment by saving electricity. Another developing design that benefits its users is smart appliances. Appliances that offer sensor operating systems also can positively impact day-to-day living by making food preparation and kitchen storage simple and easy to use.

Home redesign can seem like a daunting process; however, the results will ultimately make a home more luxurious, safe, and accessible to its users. Living in a comfortable environment should not decrease the aesthetic value of a home. Interior designers can be used as helpful tools in this area to create and organize a unified living environment that meets all the needs of its users, while still being a beautiful space. By integrating designs with features such as walk-in showers, sensor faucets, under-counter appliances, and larger pantries, homeowners will see the immediate results that can improve their day-to-day living.  Spaces that are open and barrier-free can create an inviting and spacious feel to the bedroom and living room areas while being safe and functional spaces for everyone. This consideration not only can improve the lives of many but also help homeowners through every stage of life from having young children and the elderly in their homes. These small changes will enhance the quality of living that everyone deserves.

Photo by: steven dewall

A sanctuary can come in many forms, but people should be able to call their own home a safe place of comfort especially. Everyone should experience a living environment that is comfortable, easily accessible, and a beautiful place to be. There are benefits of integrating designs and technology that will benefit a homeowner’s life currently, and for many years after. The rewards experienced when investing in making a home the best possible place to live are priceless. It is vital that people have a connection to their living environment, and it all starts with making that first step. Simple upgrades that are available now will have long-term benefits that will impact everyday living. Making improvements will create a better overall living environment, and will cause homeowners to be satisfied with their home now and in the future.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

CODAWorx: National Immigration Law Center

Sarah Barnard organized a pro bono art and design project featuring local artists and the National Immigration Law Center, one of the leading organizations in the U.S. dedicated to defending and advancing the rights to low-income immigrants.

Gardeners, Exodus, and Nabe by Jose Ramirez. Photo by Chas Metivier.

Overview

National Immigration Law Center recently expanded/relocated. Their new suite would nearly triple the square footage of their existing space (almost 13,000). NILC is a non-profit and has minimal financial resources. Sarah Barnard Design was asked to take on the project on a pro-bono basis through the 1% for the Design Program. In addition to creating specifications for the construction project and overseeing the interior design/furnishings purchasing, Barnard curated a long term exhibition for the organization that would feature 16 artists from around the globe. The artworks were created specifically for NILC’s space and with their organization mission in mind.

Cherry Picker I and Cherry Picker II by Narsiso C. Martinez. Photo: Chas Metivier

Goals

Defend & Advance is a temporary exhibit of 39 original artworks by 16 artists that celebrates the establishment of the National Immigration Law Center’s permanent art collection. With broadly varied approaches and narratives, the artists in this exhibition explore current conditions of immigration and migration, displacement and labor, and struggle against collective amnesia. The artists are from a diverse range of geographic, political and social backgrounds. Considering their work in dialogue allows us not only to reflect on their differences but also to discuss their shared concerns. The exhibit offers new perspectives on issues we may have previously thought familiar. The curation seeks to discover shared experiences that can be explored in conversation and used to promote intellectual and emotional engagement with the presented subjects. The artwork becomes a critical component in the overall design experience.

Soul of Food and Nutrition by Jose Ramirez. Photo: Chas Metivier.

Process

The designer was entirely responsible for curating the works made only for this space. Sixteen exceptional artists were selected from a pool of nearly 300 and commissioned to create site-specific works for the National Immigration Law Center. Working closely with the fine artists, Barnard encouraged works that explore controversial political themes and offer opportunities to contemplate socio-political issues that affect us all. Access to healthy foods and education, farmworker rights, border politics, the terror of uncertainty, domestic worker rights, transportation issues, and the plight of the refugee are some of the many poignant themes explored in the works exhibited. Painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media installation and fiber sculpture are among the mediums employed by the participating artists. The curator/designer held an artist potluck at her home so that the artists might form permanent relationships with one another before the show opening. While the design project helps NILC staff to work more productively, the art installation encourages hope by way of connecting people with ideas and each other. This collaboration of designers, artists and non-profit attorneys to promote social justice may be the first partnership of its kind.

With Her Own Hands by Xilomen Rios. Photo: Chas Metivier.

Additional Info

Established in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants. NILC believes that all people who live in the U.S.—regardless of their race, gender, immigration or economic status—should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Over the years NILC has been at the forefront of many of the country’s most significant challenges when it comes to immigration issues and plays a vital leadership role in addressing the real-life impact of policies that affect the ability of low-income immigrants to prosper and thrive.

https://www.codaworx.com/project/national-immigration-law-center-national-immigration-law-center

 Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Elle Decor: Designers Reveal Their Favorite Kitchen Paint

Sarah shares one of her favorite paint colors for kitchens.

FARROW & BALL CABBAGE WHITE 269

"It's a delightful, versatile neutral that pairs brilliantly with blues, greens, and grays. The hint of green elicits thoughts of the first days of spring and the taste of fresh garden vegetables."

Kloss, Kesley. Designers Reveal Their Favorite Kitchen Paint Colors. Elle Décor. April 2016

http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/color/tips/g3027/best-kitchen-paint-colors/

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Life Rolls on in LADESIGN Magazine: Repurposed and Renewal

Burnett, Cindi. Repurposed/Renewal. Life Rolls On. LADESIGN Magazine. P30-31. June 2016.

Life Rolls On, a subsidiary of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, works to inspire others to see the boundless possibilities beyond paralysis through adaptive sports programs such as surfing, skateboarding, and skiing. Giving careful consideration to the organization’s financial limitations and environmental responsibilities, Sarah Barnard Design re-used the building’s existing carpet, specified inexpensive materials, and rallied donations of recycled items and labor. Inspired by LRO’s signature adaptive surf/skate program, the design is a catalyst of hope; creating a fun, energetic space that includes columns and counters made from salvaged skateboards and surfboards painted by LRO youth and a visual timeline chronicling LRO’s history and achievements. By combining local, non-toxic materials with salvaged finishes and fixtures, SBD’s design reinforces the organization’s core purpose of promoting accessibility, interaction, and wellness. 

SBD worked closely with the organization to understand their specific needs, as well as their core mission so that the design solutions would promote that mission. Throughout the design process, SBD sought to create better working environments, focusing on ergonomics, daylighting, indoor air quality, and human connectivity. This space is designed to foster community within the organization and by extension to the people they serve.

Burnett, Cindi. Repurposed/Renewal. Life Rolls On. LADESIGN Magazine. P30-31. June 2016.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com

Resources:

Interior Design: Sarah Barnard Design www.sarahbarnard.com

Custom Skateboard Tile: Art of Board www.artofboard.com

Signage: Signarama Santa Monica www.signarama-sm.com

Life Rolls On: wwww.liferollson.org

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation www.christopherreeve.org

Photography by: Chas Metivier

Burnett, Cindi. Repurposed/Renewal. Life Rolls On. LADESIGN Magazine. P30-31. June 2016

Drop Dead Gorgeous Bathrooms: California Design Styles

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Historic Craftsman Bungalow: Small Footprint, Big Personality!

When the homeowner decided to invest in a neglected 1918 Craftsman bungalow, the task of home remodeling seemed daunting.  Back then he says he was “insane enough to believe that it would be fun and rewarding to revive the house.” Drawn to the house’s beautiful raw Douglas fir post-and-beams sticking out amidst holes in the roof, broken windows with old layers of bizarre paint colors, the writer, lifelong traveler, and lover of the outdoors - saw something unique in the personality of the building.  

At first, the homeowner undertook a lot of the basic structural repairs like repainting and patching holes in the roof himself. However, the overwhelming potential he saw in the space made the necessity of a remodel clear: “[It] got to a point where the house looked okay, but needed someone to integrate who I was with what the house could be. I had all these inchoate ideas, but did not know how to use them to bring out the best in the house.” With the house being historic and also less than 1000 square feet, he had a lot of ideas for his first home and a vast collection of objects and photos from his travels. “I was hoping,” he muses, “that somehow I could make a home that had enough of my past to feel safe, enough of my present to feel comfortable, and enough of my dreams to be inspiring.”

From there, the owner knew he needed interior designer Sarah Barnard to help translate his vision into home that was both functional and a reflection of his personality. Since she not only listened but also challenged him, he knew Sarah was the perfect fit: “She didn’t mirror my ideas back to me, she brought her own strong aesthetic to the table. I could see that she was going to challenge me, and I think conflict is as important as collaboration in an artistic process.”

It is evident in her design how Sarah thinks deeply about the client’s personality, especially in the case of this house: “She’s always looking for harmonious contrasts, both in materials and design, and the surprising connection between things on a deeper level.” The use of eco-friendly and natural materials highlights the homeowner’s love of nature, such as the recycled beer bottle kitchen countertop, and the sun tubes and pebble rocks in both showers that make him “feel like [he’s] showering outdoors.”

The final design of the house is filled with surprises, such as the wall cut-out between the kitchen and the dining room, uniting the front and back of the house. Besides the primary bathroom with pebble flooring and sun-tubes, the owner loves the fireplace with its collection of books, art, and objects from his years of travel.

Some of the essential details in the property were abandoned by the previous owner, which made for daunting projects. “The cabinet was built with the house, and took about 90 hours to strip, sand, and stain.” The homeowner’s handiwork is evident in the beautifully refinished cabinet, which now displays his personal collection of objects from around the world.

After all the stories which unfolded in this bungalow, perhaps the most perfect was gaining a new friend: his cat Lulu “adopted him” almost a year to the day after his dog passed. “Max was with me when I bought the house, and suffered through the renovations and mess - but he didn’t get to see it in its finished state. Then just before the final renovations are done, in waltzes Lulu - the same black coat with white fringe as Max…” The breezy Craftsman is ideal for Lulu who relishes her posts on windowsills to keep guard against squirrels, birds and other critters.

One great benefit of his new house that he entirely attributes to Sarah is space: “The best thing she did was recognize what was important [and] create space around that - which is really what I wanted in the end. I love my stuff, but I need space. She saw that before I did.”

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Home Design Tips for Small Spaces

Designing small functional spaces is always a challenge, but when done right, they create a cozy environment. Learn how to maximize your space with these tips! For kitchens, utilize built-ins to help organize storage. Use the built-ins to generate height and open up your room vertically.

Lighter colors help to make the area appear more spacious, while blues recede into the background.

Glass shower doors help this bathroom feel open and unrestricted.

Mirrors can give the illusion that the room is bigger than it appears.

Decorating with furniture that fits the scale of the room will also help make the room feel less cramped.  Feel free to add pops of color with accessories, but avoid clutter to maintain openness.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Restaurant Design with Cuban Flair

Add a tropical flair to your household by drawing inspiration from Cuba! Mix earth tones and tropical colors with mid-century decor, and you'll instantly feel like you're on vacation. Use your chosen color scheme to color block the walls, pairing a bright color with a neutral like Terra-cotta. Explore natural elements like rich wood grains, and add tropical household plants to enliven your space. Choose furniture that predates the 1950's, and feel free to mix and match styles to give the area a vintage flea market look. The masonry walls, exposed beams, and outdoor style lighting create the illusion that the diners of this Cuban Café are relaxing on a cozy patio.

The lounge area in the rear allows patrons to relax and enjoy the infectious Cuban atmosphere while playing dominoes or listening to live music.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.
 

Old World Elegance: Luxury Primary Bedroom Suite

Give your home an old-world elegance by drawing inspiration from grand European interiors.  Use a darker color palette, and use wall texture to give your walls depth.  Through Sarah's home design, this primary bedroom transformed into an intimate and warm haven complete with elegant bed and plush tufted ottomans in colors ranging from mocha to chamois to beige to burnt sienna.

Accessorize your space with pottery and other mementos that recall European elegance.  Here Sarah gives reflective items highlights by placing a spark of rust that adorns twigs bundled at the hearth and places bronze tinted pots inside the inlaid wall. 

To lighten this bathroom, Sarah uses a buttery blend of cinnamons lending itself well to the highly sought after soft light of such spaces.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Award Show Glamour at Home

Award show season is in full swing! Take a peek behind the scenes, and tour this backstage VIP lounge for the Academy of Country Music Awards. In the style of glamour and grandeur for A-list celebrity guests, this lounge conveys the traditional spirit of the event complete with organic decor. Sarah Barnard had the honor of designing this tasteful lounge for the Academy of Country Music Awards and their guests. This stylish yet classic lounge features natural linens and vintage furniture- a perfect example of how sound design and sustainably sourced materials can make a space inviting and enriching.

Sarah chose a palette of warm neutrals garnished with bright colors via plants and luxurious fabrics. This lounge has elegant decor which can inform design and decor in your home.

Bring nature inside. Potted succulents, freshly cut ranunculus stems, and a bold brass pheasant adds interest to this space. Plants and art inspired by nature make areas feel comfortable and natural.

A sofa outfitted in menswear woolens pairs elegantly with the "Dressmaker" lamp from Baker and an antique wooden horse.

These gorgeous vintage art deco chairs and an ebonized oak vintage coffee table by Galerie Sommerlath add the air of refinement and lushness. A brass bar cart demonstrates how recycling can be chic.

A burlwood sculpture and ceramic urchins' physical beauty is forever captivating. The glass lamp by Baker echoes the ocean and subtly provides the natural element.

Natural silk, linen, and wool toss pillows complement the organic linen on this beautiful couch. Choosing a creamy, light fabric like this one is an excellent way to highlight the elegant design of the sofa and make the sitting area more inviting.

We hope you found inspiration in this luxurious lounge outfitted in natural materials and organic decor.

Galerie Sommerlath and Baker generously provided Furniture, art, and lighting for this backstage lounge. silk, linen and wool toss pillows complement the organic linen on this gorgeous sofa. Choosing a creamy, light fabric like this one is an excellent way to highlight the elegant design of the sofa and make the sitting area more inviting.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Living With History: Focus on Antiques

Collecting antiques can quickly become a way of life. Not only are you accumulating one of a kind objects, but you are surrounding yourself with history.  When purchasing antique furniture, it's essential to have done your research!

An excellent place to start is by educating yourself on different types of antiques.  Did you know that an authentic antique must be over 100 years old?  A great place to start is the library.  Familiarizing yourself with different styles will make you an educated shopper.

Learn how methods of furniture fabrication have changed throughout the eras.  This familiarity will help you distinguish a real antique from a modern day knock off.  Keep in mind that imperfections mean that a piece was hand made rather than cut from machinery.

Develop an eye for different types of wood; it will help determine a piece's value.  Walnut, for instance, is considered high-end and will appraise the piece at a higher cost.

Once you are familiar, start shopping! Often you can find great deals at garage sales and flea markets.  However, if you're looking for something specific it might be a good idea to check with an antique dealer or well connected interior designer.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Interior Design Focus: Roman Shades

Window coverings are the perfect finishing touch to any room, but sometimes long draperies can end up looking too fussy. Roman shades are the ideal alternative window covering that helps create a classic yet practical home design solution to blocking out the sun.

Adding neutral linen roman shades to these french doors are a subtle way to block out sunlight.

Here you have subtle roman blinds blending in with a well-designed room.

In this dining room, Roman blinds are used to add texture and contrast.

Natural woven shades mimic the textures and materials seen in this family room

 These wood woven shades are a great way to diffuse natural light.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Long Luxurious Draperies

Window coverings serve many purposes. Not only do they block out sunlight and create privacy, but they add a decorative element to the room that ties it together. Long beautiful drapes add an item of luxury and sophistication to any home design.

This lightweight linen sheer drapery adds an airy elegance to this seaside room.

Pale pink draperies add a sense of luxury to this majestic room.

An example of how light sheer linen draperies can complete a room without looking fussy.

Long red velvet drapes paired with patterned sheers bring Christmas cheer to this historic mansion.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.
 

Kids Room Interior Design Ideas

These rooms provide big style for their little inhabitants.

A pink playroom that all little girls dream of. This shade of pink was personally approved by the little princess who resides here.

A multi-tonal mix of pinks and prints.

The smocked pink drapery and antique painted beds are a traditional foundation while the light fixture, custom polk-a-dot chairs and whimsical bubble murals create a playful harmony.

A boy's bedroom is transformed into a 'little man's' room with the warmth of traditional design elements and cutting edge details to create a youthful, contemporary space.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.