Wellness Interior Designer Achieves California Naturalist Certification

Ladder-backed woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris) located in Sequoia National Park, California.

Sarah Barnard, Interior Designer, LEED AP, and WELL AP, has achieved a Naturalist certification through the UC California Naturalist program.

Variable checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona) located in Angeles National Forest, California.

In partnership with the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and UC Davis, the program offers an opportunity for California residents to study the state's diverse ecology while becoming engaged in its preservation. The course educates and encourages a range of environmental advocacy through a series of lectures, field experience, community engagement, and group projects. Working closely with local nature centers and resources, Naturalists learn more about their local environment and engagement opportunities.

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) granary. Redbox Picnic Area, Angeles National Forest, California.

The course explores topics ranging from local insects, birds, mammals, grasses, and flowering plants to the impacts of fire, development, and invasive plant species, focusing on the importance of biodiversity as a foundation for our environmental health and wellbeing. As an extension of the course, Barnard was inspired to support the Sierra Club's "Stop Clearcutting" campaign to highlight ecological destruction and the necessity of protecting biodiverse environments.

Cyprus tree branch (Subfamily Cupressoidae) located in Sequoia National Park, California.

Clearcutting involves logging natural forests, replacing a diverse range of plant life with a monoculture of trees inferior to the supportive ecosystem of a healthy, biodiverse forest. Removing and replacing existing forests can increase wildfire danger, accelerate climate change, degrade water, and threaten wildlife.

Burned tree located in the Redbox Picnic Area, the site of the 2020 Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest.

Utilizing her skills as an artist in support of the mission of the Sierra Club, Barnard hopes to draw attention to the hazardous environmental impact of clearcutting by contributing photography to the campaign, including California flora, fauna, and funga from Sequoia National Park and the Angeles National Forest. She will be continuing to document forests, bodies of water, and wildlife for the organization throughout the coming year.

Introduced Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) behind a burned tree located in Angeles National Forest, California.

Barnard's practice and work focus on a holistic approach to wellness and sustainability. Her work as a naturalist supports her interior design intent, creating spaces that celebrate nature while considering its preservation.

Burned Manzanita (Arctostaphylos) located in Angeles National Forest, California.

"I've always understood the complexity of our ecosystem and how one living thing may affect another. However, I underestimated the staggering extent of loss that has already occurred and how essential land preservation is as a foundation for greater natural preservation. While we can and should advocate for protecting crucial wildlife like birds, butterflies, and bees, a thriving and protected ecosystem is a necessary underpinning for all natural preservation. I felt drawn to the Sierra Club's prioritization of land conservation in their Stop Clearcutting campaign and their efforts to educate and advocate."

Striped Racer (Masticophis lateralis) located in Angeles National Forest, California.

Barnard advocates for environmentally compassionate design as part of a conscious and inclusive process. She shares her passion for the environment and encourages sustainable design practices through her writing, speaking engagements, and Kale Tree, where she develops sustainable home goods and furnishings.

Wolf Lichen (Letharia vulpina) located in Sequoia National Park, California.

Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) located in Los Angeles, California.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity and compassion in the creative process, Sarah’s work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, 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).

Interior Design for Wellbeing: A special presentation at the Helms Bakery Design District

Interior designer Sarah Barnard photographed by Ace Misunias.

Hosted by OM and PLP SoCal, the inaugural session of OM Chats gathers leading voices in architecture, interior, and product design for a morning discussion about the ideas shaping home design and wellness. Speakers include Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, principal of Sarah Barnard Design, Julie Smith-Clementi, AIA, IDSA, architect and product designer, and Adaeze Cadet, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C, vice president at HKS.

The discussion centered around how to design spaces and products that reflect a broader — more empathetic — understanding of the human experience in the workplace, health care spaces, educational facilities, and wherever people gather and live.

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).   

The Healing Power of Home: Sustaining and Nourishing our Bodies and Minds

Custom kitchen design by Sarah Barnard, Photo by Steven Dewall.

As we collectively navigate this new way of living, I am thinking of you and your family and wishing wellness and security. With so many unknowns, I am grateful for the sureness of a community that uplifts with compassion, resilience, and ingenuity, and offers inspiration to forge forward. 

During a time when our world feels new and uncertain, our studio is drawing on the core foundational beliefs and principles behind our approach to home design. We create spaces that support health, emotional security, and wellness, that is the bedrock of our work. These ideals go beyond our creative process and into our working methods of designing homes. As a studio, we are building upon many of the systems we've previously had in place.

Bespoke American Walnut kitchen cabinets paired with handmade ceramic tiles by California based artisans. Interior design by Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP. Photo by Steven Dewall.

Our studio has always aimed to work with local artisans and craftspeople when possible, and value these relationships now more than ever. Many supply chains are experiencing disruptions throughout the home design industry. We are working together with trusted vendors to source materials and find creative solutions during this difficult time. 

In our homes, this time has offered an opportunity to examine our routines, and to look at our needs. Health, functionality, and wellbeing informed our process before the spread of COVID-19, and these factors are more crucial than ever as we continue to build supportive spaces for you and your family through mindful home design. 

Interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo by Steven Dewall.

Many of us are facing challenges in caring for our loved ones, evolving and uncertain circumstances with work, homeschooling children, and maintaining our physical and emotional wellbeing. In addressing these struggles, we are turning to our homes for solutions, realizing more than ever the need for multi-functional and high performing living spaces. 

Our regular team meetings are an opportunity for the studio to brainstorm and problem solve collectively, and recent conversations frequently turn to personal solutions for managing this time at home. We wish to extend this conversation to our community and clients and offer some of our favorite approaches for adapting our home design to these changing times. 

Colors inspired by nature create the palette for this traditional home. Interior design by Sarah Barnard, photo by Steven Dewall.

HOME HEALING QUICK TIPS

• Structure your spaces for ease of movement, connectivity, and peace of mind. Move your workspace in front of your favorite exterior view. 

• Open your windows and cross-ventilate your home any day weather permits to improve indoor air quality and enjoy the mood-lifting benefits of watching birds and butterflies. 

• Scoot your coffee table to the side for extra room to play and exercise, and set it up with floor pillows for a new homework station for children. 

• Move your favorite painting to the room where you spend the most time, whether it's a home office, kitchen, or nursery, and enjoy the beauty and transcendence of art. 

• Use your occasion dishes more often, and if you're spending more time than you'd like inside the kitchen, bring your cutting board to the back yard. 

• Think about how your home is supporting your physical health and invest in materials that benefit indoor air quality. Be mindful when bringing new items in your home, avoid air fresheners, and fill vases with aromatic mint and rosemary. 

• Make sure your bedroom is supporting your sleep habits by clearing out clutter and adjusting lighting to meet your needs. 

• Carve out time with nature, even if it is tending to a favorite indoor plant or watching hummingbirds in your garden.

Be resourceful, get creative, trust your instincts, and listen to what your mind and body needs, and mold your home to fulfill those needs. And you can always call us if you need some ideas. Our studio and local craftspersons are here to serve. 

While we discover methods to care for ourselves, we have learned the necessity and power of turning to others for support and assistance. We offer our support by helping create functional homes so that your safe place is also your ideal space. 

We hope that this time to reassess, rearrange, and reconnect, can carry us into a healthier and more positive future, supported by homes that sustain and nourish our bodies and minds. 

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP, and LEED AP designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that connect deeply to nature and art. Empathy and mindfulness are the foundation of her practice creating healing, supportive environments that enhance life.

The Inclusive Kitchen: Universal Home Design Improves Quality of Life

Interior Design by Sarah Barnard. Photos by Steven Dewall. Originally published in LADESIGN Quarterly, by the Los Angeles chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers.

Universal home design is intended to improve the quality of life for all users, regardless of age or ability. When applied to the kitchen, these principles should ensure safety, efficiency, and comfort. The term was first coined in the 1970s by architect and disability rights advocate Ronald Mace. Since then, universal home design practices have been rising steadily due to its inclusion in formal design education and support from professional associations like ASID, who provide research and case studies for universal design and aging in place.

In my practice, as a WELL and LEED accredited designer specializing in healthy, sustainable interiors, I often find that planning for the future can be intimidating for clients, but doing so ensures they will be happy spending a lifetime in their homes. 

I recently completed a home remodel for a retiree, who wanted the kitchen to function well when cooking for one. However, she often hosts friends and family, so it also had to be designed with entertaining in mind.

Knowing the kitchen would be widely used, we considered universal home design principles to increase its functionality. The aesthetic was inspired by the cool, collected nature of the home's coastal locale and the utility and simplicity of Scandinavian design.

I specified a U-shape layout to provide unobstructed traffic flow and ample counter space. The kitchen is open to the dining area, and there are no barriers, such as steps or a doorway, to separate them. It's a confined space, which reduces the amount of back and forth travel. 

I find that most clients are unwilling to plan for a mobility challenge they may never have. While we can't always get them to agree to a design that accommodates a wheelchair, clients are often comfortable with a clearance of 54 inches for mobility aids such as a walker or cane. If designing for wheelchair mobility, knee to toe clearance allows for easy access.

I used both upper and lower cabinets to give the homeowner plenty of storage. Keeping countertops clear, in turn, mitigates safety risks. The slide-out drawers are gentler on the back — she doesn't have to bend over or reach up high to access what she needs.

A large window provides views of the outdoors and welcomes natural light. Connecting with nature, even through a window, positively impacts our wellbeing by reducing blood pressure, slowing down our heart rate, and alleviating stress. Natural light, combined with the recessed lighting and oversized pendants, relieves eye strain and helps the homeowner safely perform tasks like chopping or peeling. 

For the hardware, I chose large, integrated pulls instead of knobs because they're easier for stiff or shaky fingers to grasp. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 54.4 million Americans are affected by arthritis, the majority of whom are 65 and older. While a knob requires the user to bend their fingers to latch onto it, a cabinet with a pull can be opened with limited dexterity using only one or two fingers. 

The homeowner preferred a single-lever faucet; however, if increased accessibility is the primary concern, touch-less faucets can be an excellent alternative. Clients may be hesitant to select this high-tech feature if their experience has been limited to unreliable public restrooms. Fortunately, more and more stylish options for residential spaces are becoming available. 

If the homeowner were to change her mind, the electrical components could be concealed in a base cabinet or behind an access panel. It's essential to consider your surroundings when installing a touch-less model as some products will not operate correctly if they are in proximity to other metals, like a copper sink or stainless-steel backsplash.

The French door refrigerator can be opened without much exertion thanks to its oversized pulls, and the efficient design means everyday ingredients are displayed for easy access. It has a well-lit interior to aid those with vision loss.

The kitchen countertop is white engineered quartz with subtle gray veining. This human-made material is durable and stain-resistant, requiring less maintenance on behalf of the homeowner. People with impaired vision will be better able to identify the kitchen tools and ingredients in front of them, as the brilliant white creates high contrast. I sourced a cream-colored matte glass tile backsplash to prevent surface glare.

Natural French oak flooring was used throughout the open-concept space, eliminating any unsafe transitions. The material has a matte finish and was designed to be slip-resistant — an absolute must in the kitchen where spills are common. It also feels comfortable underfoot and has more spring to it than other flooring types, which is easier on the joints.

Open shelving on the back of the peninsula adds a pop of color to the space. This bookshelf created an opportunity to display some of her most treasured collectibles, which spark joy each and every time she sees them.

The antique rosewood dining table, sourced from Thailand by the homeowner, is located within close reach of the kitchen, so heavy platters of food needn't be carried far. The open floor plan makes it easy to converse with guests who are seated at the table while she's whipping up hors d' oeuvres in the kitchen. The built-in server provides an additional surface to set down dishes and clears up the dining table to prevent any accidents.

Universal home design can and should be both stylish and seamless. Reexamine the products, materials, and finishes you already use, and consider how they might be implemented in a way that supports people of all abilities. With this project, the homeowner was conscious of her potential future needs and entrusted us with creating a healthy, natural, and minimalist space that would suit her well in the long-term.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP, and LEED AP designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that connect deeply to nature and art. Empathy and mindfulness are the foundation of her practice creating healing, supportive environments that enhance life.

Women-led businesses we love: Cultura Collection, a new lifestyle brand with an ethos of wellness and sustainability

Sarah Barnard Design recently attended an exclusive launch party in Santa Monica for Cultura Collection, a new online collective that retails quality products from conscious, purposeful brands and serves as a community hub for global citizens interested in travel, music, dance and wellness.

Founder Renimah Al-Mattar, a longtime friend of Barnard’s, launched Cultura Collection after 15 years in the corporate world. “I started this brand because I believe in the power of wellness,” says Al-Mattar. “For me, a healthy lifestyle started with immersing myself in the type of exercises that brought me joy like music and dance and yoga, but it also extended to eating clean and using products that are eco-conscious and free of chemicals and harmful additives. All of the products I carry support this ethos.”

 The launch party was held on the rooftop of a commercial building in downtown Santa Monica, where guests snapped selfies against a succulent backdrop, nibbled on hors d'oeuvres prepared by a local restaurant, and browsed the selection of wellness products, handcrafted clothing, paper goods and delicious vegan chocolates.

Al-Mattar is committed to mentoring, supporting and empowering women and the majority of the brands represented in Cultura Collection are women-owned and operated. “We still live in an age where it is more difficult for women-led businesses to have access to capital or even marketing and distribution at times,” says Al-Mattar. “My goal is to use my online platform to tell the stories behind these unique brands.”

This message resonates with Barnard, whose own online boutique storefront, Kale Tree, supports the work of local artisans producing sustainable, ethically-made home goods. Lifting up fellow women-led businesses is something Barnard is particularly passionate about.

“I’m so happy to see what Renimah has accomplished in her support of small makers and women in particular,” says Barnard. “I’m looking forward to following her business as it grows.” 

The successful launch of the Cultura Collection brought together like-minded individuals to celebrate well-made products, artisan communities and entrepreneurship. Barnard was grateful to have been in attendance for Al-Mattar’s first and most important business milestone. You can shop the Cultura Collection online at culturacollection.com (they’ve got some great holiday gifts!) or follow them on social media.

Meet the Bedroom that Feels Like a Hug

Award-winning Interior Designer and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Ones to Watch Scholar Sarah Barnard has unveiled a happiness-inducing home design project— the bedroom that feels like a hug.

“We need a safe, restorative space to help our bodies rest and recharge,” says Barnard. A hug has many of the same characteristics, it makes us feel secure and comforted, and when we let go of the embrace, there’s a rush of oxytocin that leaves us with a sense of lightness.

Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter that acts on the brain’s emotional center, promoting feelings of contentment, reducing anxiety and stress. When you hug often, your level of oxytocin increases, which strengthens social bonds. Hugging also stimulates dopamine and serotonin production in the body. Dopamine is a pleasure hormone that’s part of the brain’s reward mechanism, while serotonin is responsible for maintaining mood balance.

The jumping-off point for the bedroom was the curvilinear bed frame, an award-winning design by Autoban, carved from American black walnut. Its silhouette mimics the action of hugging, and the interior is lined with purple velvet, blending the natural texture with dark, feminine styling. To further the feeling of intimacy, Barnard chose a non-toxic, king-size organic coconut mattress topped with a reversible duvet in a custom, color-blocking scheme.

The word ‘phantasmagoria’ is scrawled across the wall behind the bed — a neon homage to the images that flicker by in our dreams. The client, a self-proclaimed bookworm, chose the word herself after much deliberation. High-pile black carpeting delivers a softness underfoot, and layered window treatments allow the client to sleep undisturbed in total darkness. “Window coverings serve many purposes,” says Barnard. “Not only do they block out sunlight and create privacy, but they add a decorative element to the room that unifies the composition.”

The two-tone wall color, a marriage of plum and lavender, envelops the space. These hues were intentionally chosen to saturate the formerly bright bedroom, establishing a cozy, cocoon-like atmosphere. “The ceiling color extends to the walls, linking the two colors together in a way that the sharp ceiling line never could,” explains Barnard.

Hanging above the bespoke American Walnut nightstands are a pair of cloud-like pendant lights that emit a soft glow. A wall of concealed storage eliminates visual clutter, which can heighten our anxiety levels and impact sleep quality. Upholstered benches at the foot of the bed and by the entryway provide a comfortable spot to rest or dress in the morning.

It was the client who initially requested the space “feel like a hug,” which Barnard describes as a “brilliant explanation of what good bedroom design should do.” The revamped primary bedroom, a physical embodiment of a hug, provides all the comfort, safety, and well-being her client needs to settle into a restful slumber and wake up feeling warm and fuzzy.

See the rest of this home here Featured in LA Dreams Magazine

Unpacking the “KonMari” trend: The personalization of ultra-home organizing

A tidy, minimalist kitchen in with open shelving to keep cookbooks close at hand.

Before Marie Kondo, there was William Morris, a renowned 19th-century British designer who lived by this philosophy: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

Kondo has a more stringent and less personalized approach. She encourages followers of her KonMari method to grasp each item in their hands and evaluate their body’s reaction to it. If it makes you feel uplifted, put it in the keep pile. If it causes you to feel weighed down, in the donation bin it goes. But here’s the thing — there’s no one-size-fits-all organizing method. Whether you prefer a pragmatic approach à la William Morris or Kondo’s emotionally-guided decision-making process, figuring out what works for you and your lifestyle is paramount.

Floating shelves provide vertical storage in this compact home office featuring an impressive view of the shoreline.

“The method of organization should support the client’s daily routine and activities,” says interior designer Sarah Barnard, who specializes in healthy, happy, personalized spaces. “What items do they use most regularly? How do they envision the space? Having a clear goal will start to inform the plan.”

Barnard provides organizing services for clients in every stage of life, from young professionals with little spare time to retirees with reduced mobility. “One of the main reasons people ask for our help is because they are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start,” explains Sarah. “Our goal is to streamline the process by setting up personalized systems that can be easily maintained.”

A tidy studio bookcase keeps favorite books close at hand. A painting by Abby Sin, sculpture, ceramics and antiques lighten and brighten the display.

Sarah recently tackled a two-week-long organizing project for a busy family of five. Recognizing that the experience can be quite invasive, Sarah and her team went to great lengths to ensure the family felt comfortable. Shoe covers were worn to prevent anyone from tracking in allergens, and cotton gloves were required when handling any personal items.

Very possibly the best boys' bedroom ever! Newly built walls allow for custom-made American walnut bunk beds and floating desks for each boy.

Clearing away unnecessary clutter was the family’s aim, and Sarah’s team employed the ‘keep, toss, donate’ method to get it all done. “We sorted our client’s clothing by season, removing the winter wear and storing it in the hallway closet,” says Sarah. “Now, primary closets contain only half the amount of items, making them more spacious and easier to navigate.”

Personalized tools for staying organized! Each boy's desk includes a utility wall with a chalkboard, pin board, metal panel for magnets and wipe off board calendar.

In addition to freeing up closet space in the home, Sarah Barnard Design took on the organizing of a child’s craft room. “The client’s youngest son had received arts and craft gifts for each holiday of his young life,” notes Sarah. “This resulted in a wonderful collection, but also a lot of bits and pieces— to the point where the craft room was largely unusable.” The team carefully combed through his many art supplies, donating lesser-used items to create space for the most cherished ones.

An articulating desk lamp adds a pop of aqua to the teen girl's study area.

Once an organizing project is complete, Sarah’s clients have a renewed sense of self. Decluttering is a lifestyle change, but the benefits are well worth the effort. “It often inspires a newfound appreciation for their possessions and increased productivity in the space,” says Sarah.

A creative space with a custom sofa in wool felt, side tables made of natural maple and steel and a desk chair designed by Mauro Lipparini. Sculpture by Renae Barnard.

Adopting a personalized approach to organizing will spark far more joy than bingeing an eight-part Netflix series and assuming your tidying habits will change through osmosis. Decluttering is hard, both physically and emotionally — it’s not something that comes naturally to most people. Seeking professional organizing help is an investment in yourself, saving you time, energy, and unnecessary stress. And hiring an expert to create customized systems that fit your lifestyle will help you stay organized in the long-term — no self-help books required.

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.

Photos by Steven Dewall and Chas Metivier

Why outdoor living spaces are right for your health, and how to design yours to perfection.

Hand printed outdoor textiles highlight the weathered teak furnishings and compliment the pool tile. Photo by Renae Barnard.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American spends 87 percent of their time indoors. We put considerable effort into designing the interiors of our homes, with little regard for the outdoor spaces.

"No matter where you are or how large your outdoor space, you can benefit from a daily connection with nature," says sustainable interior designer Sarah Barnard. Want to spend more time outdoors this summer? Rethinking your balcony, garden, or terrace is an excellent place to start. Here are a couple of reasons why outdoor living equates to a healthy life.

It benefits your mental and physical health.

Imagine stepping out onto your front porch with a cup of tea in hand, feeling the morning sun on your skin. Sounds nice, right? Moderate sun exposure does the body good — refreshing our circadian rhythms, lowering cortisol levels and blood pressure, and improving concentration. Sarah's morning routine includes a stroll through the garden with her miniature poodle, Lucy, in tow. "It allows me to start the day cheerful, grateful and breathing fresh air," she explains.

A glorious guest cottage inspired by Cape Cod and flattered by painstaking attention to detail. Photo by Renae Barnard.

It encourages us to spend more time with our loved ones.

We get it — planning and hosting an event is stressful. Even if you burn the hors d' oeuvres to a crisp, run out of red wine, or forget to bring out the on-theme cocktail napkins, it's always worth it in the end, isn't it? A Mayo Clinic study shows that socializing with your closest friends and family improves your overall sense of well-being and purpose.

And since summer is the time for alfresco entertaining, what could be better than celebrating the season in your beautifully designed outdoor space, surrounded by your nearest and dearest? Thanks to improvements in technology and design, outdoor furniture and decor have come a long way (see ya, fold-up camping chairs). Today, our outdoor living spaces can be just as comfortable and luxurious as our indoor spaces.

Fresh and fun colors come to life in the open air media room. The locally made sectional sofa was designed to fit the homeowner’s specific desires: all natural & non-toxic materials, handmade in California. Photo by Steven Dewall.

Now that we've established why you should be spending more time outdoors allow us to explain how to do it in style. When designing an outdoor living space, Sarah advises her clients first to select a focal point. "Is it a beautiful tree? A softly trickling fountain? An impressive outdoor kitchen? The elements that you choose to dominate the space physically and visually influence its overall feeling and mood" says Sarah.

Mimic your interior spaces outdoors.

We're not suggesting you expose your vintage leather sofa to the elements, but integrating pieces that create a feeling of coziness — like a knit throw or an outdoor fireplace — will make chilly evenings more enjoyable. During the daytime when the summer sun is beating down, you'll want to add shade through the use of a modern pergola, permanent roof, shade sail or patio umbrella. And avid home cooks may consider investing in a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, complete with a gas grill, pizza oven, prep sink, storage cabinets, counter space and a compact refrigerator (you know, for all the rosé you'll be drinking this summer).

The cozy patio pairs luxurious outdoor tiles with Chinese artisan pottery to create a quiet retreat. Photo by Charlie Daniels.

When in doubt, hire a designer

"Even creative people find it difficult to craft a beautiful, functional and healthy home that adequately reflects their uniqueness," notes Sarah. When laying out your design plans for a courtyard or veranda, hiring an experienced designer is the first step. Not only does an expert have access to a broader selection of custom outdoor furnishings and fabrics, but they can also ensure the final product will be flawless. "Your interior designer has a vested interest in the success of your project being completed to the highest caliber and can be an invaluable asset when dealing with vendors and contractors," adds Sarah.  

This stylish patio showcases handmade roman shades attach to a custom wood enclosure for privacy and shade. Photo by Steven Dewall.

A designer will create a multi-functional outdoor space with your preferences and goals in mind. They're able to conceptualize the big picture and execute every detail with precision. It's time to unlock the untapped potential of your seldom-visited balcony, courtyard, or terrace. Whether you crave a secret garden or a lively space to entertain, a designer can turn your idea into a reality. "Your home should enhance your lifestyle and express your uniqueness," says Sarah. "My work is centered on health and happiness — anything we can do to help our clients live better, we will."

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, and personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art. To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

A natural teak wood ball fashioned into a rugged side table pairs with a weathered teak armchair and lightweight pottery. Photo by Steven Dewall.

Pantone’s Color of the Year: Living Coral

The family cat is the primary resident of this guest suite featuring a pink and coral color scheme.

Coral reefs are disappearing from our oceans at an alarming rate. It is imperative to the ocean’s ecosystems, and as much as a quarter of all ocean species depend upon it for food and shelter. Precious marine lifeforms are also the inspiration for Pantone’s color of the year: Living Coral.

Coral and lush greens create a lively and inviting atmosphere for an outside space.

Sarah Barnard, a Los Angeles-based interior designer, WELL AP and LEED AP, specializes in home design that contributes to her client’s health and wellness and strives to make nature a part of each home she creates. “A happy and uplifting color reminiscent of the ocean is the perfect starting point for a happy, healthy home.”

Coral colored tiles and beautiful glossy stone slabs make this coastal bathroom warm and bright.

This color takes its name from the beautiful coral marine invertebrates that build extensive coral reefs, habitats for a vast diversity of life in the ocean. Sometimes referred to as the "rainforests of the sea," coral reefs are quickly dying, and are projected to reduce to 10% by 2050. Half of the world's coral has died since 2016, due to rising sea temperatures, pollution, destructive fishing, invasive species, and changing sea chemistry.

"The timely selection of this color by Pantone should be an important reminder to all of us that nature inspires beautiful interiors. If we aren't careful to preserve the natural world, we will have nothing left to take inspiration from," said Barnard.

Coral naturally complements with blues and ocean tones. Coral embroidery was a perfect companion (complement?) for a throw pillow in a coastal home.

Pantone is most widely known for their color swatch books. It is the company responsible for color matching paints and graphics; and now devotes the time and resources of Pantone Color Institute to research the purchasing trends of various industries. With this information, Pantone determines this year's color. The naming process regularly pulls inspiration from the natural and human-made world, naming colors such as "rose quartz" or "millennial pink." Pantone's color of the year for 2018 was ultraviolet, a beautiful, energizing shade of purple reminiscent of bright flowers and the sky at sunset. This year's choice is PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral, a potent reminder to preserve and protect ocean life.

Coral colored ceramic provides earthy contrast against the ebonized table and black lamp.

Coral is vibrant, cheerful, delicate and energizing, and the perfect shade to start the New Year. Living coral, described by the Pantone team as “An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.”

The bath and shower feature locally sourced handmade ceramic tiles in a coral gloss.

Pantone published, “Vibrant, yet mellow PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment. [...] Representing the fusion of modern life, PANTONE Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.”

Coral and pink shades blend beautifully with wood tones. Art is a subtle and seamless way to introduce colors like coral.

While top interior designers don’t necessarily recommend painting one’s home to match the color of the year, art, accents, and of course plants are an easy and safe way to introduce vibrancy to your living or work space through home decorating.

Pinks and coral create an inviting atmosphere.

For those interested in using Living Color in their home, Sarah Barnard said,  "Living Coral is a perfect complement to blue shades, and pairs well with coastal or beachy interiors. For the daring, reupholstering a treasured piece in a bright color like Living Coral can revitalize a space. For those who prefer to mix pops of color with neutrals, I recommend starting with small accents."

Pantone's Color of the Year is an excellent opportunity to add lively, earth-focused tones to your home. Make having a happy and healthy home your New Year's resolution.

Cream and coral ceramic jars are a perfect storage solution for bathroom necessities.

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.

Photos by Abby Siniscal, Chas Metivier, and Charlie Daniels

Harbor-Side Loft: Living Room

A high-rise apartment building near a California harbor seemed the perfect fit for a beach-loving New Yorker and his beloved golden retriever. While he valued the location and the bones of the place, the homeowner wasn’t sure how best to make this house feel like his home. Interior designer Sarah Barnard introduced natural materials, saturated colors, modern fixtures, and a textured palette elegant enough for entertaining and durable for everyday life.

The apartment’s open floor plan allows for a pleasant flow between the kitchen, dining and living areas. The dining area features a muted neutral palette accented by the oversized chandelier. This modern circular design brings rustic brightness to the dining room. Artwork by Sara Pae, Evan Conway, and Rebekah Waites adds a playful contemporary element to the otherwise traditional 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.

Photos by Chas Metivier

Sustainable Design - An Undeniable Choice

 Sustainable interior design has been applied in numerous ways to our lives and is considered to be a reply to our day and age: the age of Information and Ecology. Our need for a sustainable environment is much more of an obligation than a desire, in professional interior design practice. ‘Form follows environment’ - a term addressed by Richard Hyde - is a simplification of this concept. Understood as a relationship between individuals and their current natural environment, its degree of impact depends on the selections of materials, furnishing, and lighting.

    Green interior design practice requires addressing several primary issues. First, to decide which are the most reliable and useful sources of knowledge base taking into account the amassment of information available. Second, to engage the clients and users by providing an accurate understanding of the benefits which, in turn, make for more confident in the decision-making process. Third, to find a way to assist and encourage the manufacturers and builders to apply and deliver environmental architecture.  As an interior designer, sustainability in design primarily focuses on the specifications of furnishing, fixtures, equipment, and lighting.

    One of the criteria for specifying sustainable materials is the aspects of function. A carpet installed in a commercial building must be more durable than the one used in a residential space due to its high traffic. Considering all of the possible contexts and maximizing the potential and longevity of home design materials is of great importance. Additionally, the methods of material production should come into consideration. The energy used in this process is called embodied energy. Each different material has an unusual amount of embodied energy. The manufacturing of natural materials such as wood and stone requires less energy than plastic, concrete or steel. The gas emission throughout the use of the material and its future recycling potential should be considered not only for the sake of the environment but also to ensure a high level of indoor air quality for occupants. Typical examples of sustainable materials are cork, straw, wool or bamboo. Rapidly renewable materials are known to be less energy-intensive to produce. For instance, bark from the cork oak tree can be harvested every nine years. Ultimately reducing the use and depletion of finite raw materials and long-cycle renewable material. Cork is also being used in acoustic and thermal insulation for its sound-proofing quality and is a flexible building material that is less affected by impact and friction.

Interior design by: Sarah Barnard  -  Photo by: Brad Nicol

A ocean view penthouse with a bird's eye view of the coastline dressed with eco-friendly furnishings, natural textiles, and organic rugs provide a perfect Zen retreat.

  Sustainability also can be demonstrated through lighting choices. The use of lighting plays a significant part in the total consumption of electric energy. This choice requires not only clients but also interior designers to consider the possibilities of other alternatives to maximize the light coming into the building without increasing the energy consumption. Providing more light can be achieved either by taking advantage of the natural light source through bringing light into a building interior and distributing it in a way that provides better illumination and considering pleasing, light-friendly interior objects and surfaces as well as flexible light controls; or using products that assure more energy saving than traditional ones.

Interior design by: Sarah Barnard  -  Photo by: Brad Nicol

Taking advantage of a natural light source by bringing light into a building interior and distributing it in a way that provides better illumination.

Modern technology allows the installation of the light piping system or laser cut panels to carry daylight to the deep interior space of a building, even to the basements. Such advanced techniques like the piping system can provide 25 - 50% (Kadir, A., Ismail, L.H. & Kasim, N) of the workplace illuminance in commercial or office building and overall reduce energy consumption. These light tubes act as a light transport guiding the light into the room, increasing the efficiency without producing extreme warmth. This phenomenon occurs because the design of the tube integrates highly reflective internal surfaces, like aluminum sheeting with a reflectance of about 95 - 99% (Kadir, A., Ismail, L.H. & Kasim, N).

    Last but equally important, the furnishing choices have a significant impact on the environment and occupant’s health. Manufacturers can control the emission of volatile organic compounds by limiting the use of solvents in paints, stains, and glues. However, it is also the designers’ role to help their clients be more environmentally conscious with the furniture they choose. Purchasing the FSC certified or reclaimed wood helps to prevent the deforestation of tropical rainforests. Another example is in the choices of mattresses. The concern about what is in a mattress is essential. Not only because you spend a third of your life in bed but also because any product made with synthetic materials carries potential health risks. Because such items like mattresses, furniture cushions, pillows, carpet pad, and clothing, all contain a certain level, if not mainly, of petroleum-based foam, which is known to affect the nervous and immune system and cause illnesses. Therefore, lessening the dependence on petroleum is a commendable attempt. Manufacturers are experimenting with vegetable oils like soybean and latex foam producers are replacing some or all of the synthetic content for natural latex. The easiest way to be a responsible shopper is to choose a mattress that can function for an extended period.

Interior design by: Sarah Barnard  -  Photo by: Brad Nicol

A primary bedroom outfitted with eco-friendly finishes in leather, rattan, maple, and wool.

Overall, the main objective of choosing and using sustainable products, either under the role of customer or interior designer, is not only to improve the quality of life of the occupants but also to maximize positive impacts on environmental, economic and social systems over the life cycle of a building. These all start from the awareness of the surrounding environment and the availability of eco-friendly choices.

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.