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.

California Interior Design: Hybrid Styles + Global Influences

California interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Brad Nicol.

The Golden State has generated many interior design aesthetics over the decades, from Hollywood Regency to California Modernism. The latest style to surge in popularity isn't a singular force, but a convergence of California eclecticism and global influences.

California is the most diverse state in America, home to 11 million immigrants, and 17 million transplants from other parts of the country. Coming from the nation's most populous melting pot, Californians have a deep appreciation for a variety of arts and culture. A study of Google search trends reveals that California is also the most well-traveled state in America, which explains why many Californians draw inspiration from their personal histories when decorating their homes.

Biophilic interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Brad Nicol.

Home designer Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a native Angeleno who founded her design studio 17 years ago in the entertainment capital of the world. The early aughts were the height of celebrity couple nicknaming when monikers like Bennifer, Brangelina, and TomKat grabbed gossip blog headlines. Hollywood culture is woven into the fabric of Los Angeles and has even seeped its way into home design and how we label aesthetics. Using Barnard's past projects as inspiration, we brainstormed eight portmanteaus that celebrate California's blended design styles.

Caliminimalism interior design by Sarah Barnard, photo by Steven Dewall.

"Caliminimalism" (California + Minimalism). Neutral color schemes, natural elements, and seamless indoor/outdoor living define the California-cool aesthetic. This pairs perfectly with a minimalist style, which emphasizes clutter-free spaces, neutral or all-white color schemes, and functionality. These approaches complement one another, creating a new aesthetic that's warm and comfortable, yet practical.

Caliterranean interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Scott Van Dyke.

"Caliterranean" (California + Mediterranean). Much of California has a Mediterranean climate, so it makes sense that the state's inhabitants have long borrowed from Mediterranean architecture and landscaping. California's take on Mediterranean style is a blend of Italian, Spanish, Moorish, and Mission influences. Stucco finishes, intricate tilework, dark wood tones, archways, and wrought iron accents characterize the aesthetic.

Ethicali interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Steven Dewall, Artwork: Renae Barnard.

"Ethicali" (Ethical + California). California has paved the way for renewable energy and sustainable home design in America. It's no surprise, then, that residents value healthy, sustainable interiors. By adopting the Ethicali aesthetic, you can design beautiful spaces using non-toxic, naturally-derived materials, and finishes. These materials extend from FSC-certified wood furniture, chemical-free textiles, and zero-VOC interior paints, all the way to eco-friendly wood wax finishes, natural latex foam fillers, and organic cotton batting.

Scandifornian interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Steven Dewall. Artwork: Renae Barnard.

"Scandifornian" (Scandinavia + Californian). Although separated by thousands of miles, California and Scandinavia share an appreciation for neutral color schemes, natural fibers, sustainably-sourced wood, and intentional accessories. The term "Scandifornian style" wasn't coined by us; however, it's certainly grown in popularity over the past couple of years. The combined style melds coastal California influences with the simplistic forms and function of Scandinavian interior design.

Calicottage interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo by Scott Van Dyke

"Calicottage" (California +Cottage). California, and Los Angeles in particular, is home to a surprising number of Cape Cod-style cottages. To prevent a California cottage from looking like it's been airlifted from a coastal New England town, it's important to honor its sense of place by bringing in native plants, lightweight textiles, brighter color schemes, and timeless furniture pieces.

Francofornia interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo by: Chas Metivier, Artwork: Renae Barnard.

"Francofornia" (French loving California). French and California home design sensibilities are surprisingly chic when blended. Classic French interiors can read overtly formal and ornate; offsetting the style with pared-back California comfort can make a Francofornia space feel fresh and au courant. Think custom-designed, French antique-inspired furniture made from sustainable materials and non-toxic French linen window treatments.

Tudornia interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo by Steven Dewall, Artwork by Kevin Moore.

"Tudornia" (Tudor + California). Tudor-style homes are all about opulence. In the United States, they peaked in popularity during the 1920s and 30s, which is why you'll often spot them in historic L.A. neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, and Hancock Park. Even in present times, their interiors tend to be quite traditional. To achieve the Tudornia aesthetic, mix contemporary art, California-inspired furniture pieces, and colors with time-honored finishes and wall coverings.

"Coho" (California + Boho). The bohemian home design style has deep roots in the counterculture movement of the 1960s — the epicenter of which was in California. That free-spirited nature hasn't faded from the state, and many Californians continue to embrace vibrant colors, striking patterns, abundant plant life, and natural materials. The California approach to bohemian style is a bit more subdued and intentional; the silhouettes are modern, the colors are muted, and the decor is unobtrusive.

Coho interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Ace Misunias, Artwork: Kevin Moore

California's interior design is multifaceted, just like the state's nearly 40 million inhabitants. Californians draw on their diverse backgrounds and experiences to develop inclusive home design styles that function in their specific climate, geography, and social environment. Coining design phrases gives us the expressive language to convey the melding of ideas and cultures that exists in California.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art. Barnard’s designs celebrate the natural world while contributing to its preservation. 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 holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Claremont Graduate University as well as undergraduate degrees in Art and Interior Architectural Design. Barnard was recognized as an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Ones to Watch Scholar in the program’s inaugural class and in 2018 Locale Magazine named Barnard “Los Angeles’ Favorite Interior Designer.”

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 to take part in a multi-speaker conversation around the role of empathy in design.

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.

Think Universal

PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL

In a recent article in "Times Leader," Nancy Mattia explored universal home design with interior designer Sarah Barnard.
In the article, Mattia discusses the core ideas and considerations behind universal design when designing a residential or commercial environment.

PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL

"'Universal design takes into account a broad range of users and abilities,' says Sarah Barnard, a Los Angeles home designer. 'It makes sense for designers and builders to plan our projects with that in mind since great design should accommodate the widest number of users - ourselves, our kids, our parents, our grandparents.'"

PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL

Considering a range of users, Sarah can create designs welcoming to a variety of guests that ensure the design's longevity as the client's needs shift as their family grows and ages.

PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL

When discussing home design details to consider, Sarah turned to room transitions and flooring, noting that decisions like tile size may affect a space's safety and functionality. Small tiles use more grout, creating larger traction areas on the floor, while oversized tiles can increase the risk of slipping.

On discussing accessibility and planning with her clients, Sarah shared that "'No one wants to think about a less-than-ideal future, when they may need help getting around and living in their home.' […] So rather than plan for tomorrow, she asks reluctant clients to plan for today: 'What would happen if one of your kids gets a sports injury and can't make it up the stairs to the bedroom or bathroom?' she asks them. Most people eventually see the light."

PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL



Originally published on Ion Television, where the complete article is available. 

Sarah Barnard 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.

Classic Blue, Pantone's Color of the Year creates calm and inspires clarity in interior spaces.

Interior Design: Sarah Barnard, Photos: Steven Dewall, Painting: Reid Winfrey

Blue brings us a sense of peace, offers us refuge, aids concentration, and brings us clarity. It is a reflective tone that fosters resilience and gives us hope, qualities we look toward during this uneasy time in the world. Pantone's Color of the Year is Classic Blue, chosen to reflect our desire for a stable future as we enter into a new decade. TIME calls the Color of the Year, "both constant and classic." It is reminiscent of a serene sea and the sky at dusk.

Pantone provides a universal language of color that is used by more than ten million designers and producers around the world to define colors accurately across different platforms and industries. Their Color Institute is dedicated to researching purchasing trends across various industries to determine each year's color. Pantone has been naming a Color of the Year since 2000 and has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in fashion, interior design, industrial design, graphic design, and advertising.

Classic Blue is akin to the very first Color of the Year, Cerulean. The hue represented the excitement of a new millennium, while also offering a sense of protection and serenity amidst the feared approach of Y2K. This year, we are experiencing a similar feeling of trepidation from the United States to the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Syria, and across the globe.

The reigning Color of the Year offers reassurance, confidence, and connection for us in a time of uncertainty. "When we look at the world around us, we know that we're living with a lot of unrest, where some days don't feel quite as secure," said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, in an interview with Architectural Digest. "Blue from an emotional, psychological standpoint, has always represented a certain amount of calm and dependability. It's a color that you can rely on."

Classic Blue is the color of deep ocean water or a handful of ripe blueberries. It is a part of the art market, the beauty industry, automotive manufacturing, tech, and space sciences. Its associations with dependability, trustworthiness, and constancy make it a great color to incorporate into your home design.

My work as a LEED and WELL-accredited home designer is deeply rooted in wellness and biophilia. Biophilia is our innate desire to be close to nature, and biophilic design aims to create healthy and comfortable interiors by meaningfully incorporating natural elements into our home and work environments. Integrating Classic Blue into our spaces builds on the principle of biophilic design because of its presence in nature.

Art, textiles, furniture, and accents are all great ways to introduce soothing Classic Blue to your home or office. A project I recently completed features oceanic shades of blue that act almost like neutrals. I took inspiration from the home's beachy surroundings, bringing in a Classic Blue velvet sofa. I then repeated the color through vintage ceramic vases, books, and toss pillows.

When acting as a base layer, Classic Blue can be paired with a multitude of colors, including other shades of blue. For the client's bedroom, I selected a handmade upholstered bed, Belgian linen bedding, wool drapery, and an abstract painting by Jonathan Elder, all wed by various blue tones. The buttery vintage leather chair and wooden bench at the foot of the bed complete the space, providing visual warmth and balance.

Consider adding serene, calming, earth-focused tones to your home in the new year. Whether you choose Classic Blue as an all-over hue or an accent, you can't go wrong with a color that takes its cues from nature.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP, and LEED AP specializes in creating calming restorative environments that support physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Her interior design practice centers around her client's health and wellness while incorporating natural elements into every space she designs.

Award Winning Los Angeles Interior Designer Achieves WELL Accreditation

Interior designer and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP), Sarah Barnard of Sarah Barnard Design has recently achieved recognition from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) as a WELL® Accredited Professional. The WELL Building Standard® is the premier standard for buildings, interior spaces and communities seeking to implement, validate and measure features that support and advance human health and wellness.

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WELL was developed by integrating scientific and medical research on environmental health, behavioral factors, health outcomes and demographic risk factors that affect health with leading practices in building design and management. WELL Certification and the WELL AP credentialing program are third-party administered through IWBI’s collaboration with Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), which also administers LEED certification, the global green building program, and the LEED professional credentialing program. This relationship assures that WELL works seamlessly with LEED.

Sarah Barnard Design was established in 2003 with a focus on creating spaces that are respectful of history, healthy, art-forward, and deeply connected to nature. Sarah was LEED accredited in 2007 and WELL accredited in 2017. Some of her notable projects include the National Immigration Law Center, Heritage Square Museum, National Geographic Entertainment, and numerous beautiful residences.

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Barnard was recently recognized as an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) National Ones to Watch Scholar, was featured in the July 2017 Issue of Metropolis Magazine and is scheduled to guest lecture at the 2018 ASID National Student Summit, SCALE in Los Angeles, CA. 

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.

For more information about WELL https://www.wellcertified.com/en 

Sarah Barnard: LEED AP, Interior Designer, ASID Scholar Award Winner

Sarah Barnard has been recognised by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) as a rising leader in the interior design industry demonstrating exceptional leadership and a willingness to push the boundaries of the profession. Awarded with the highest honor of Scholar, the ASID recognises Sarah's commitment to fostering connectivity and growth throughout the community.

"As a LEED AP, I design healthy, sustainable interiors for non-profit organizations that work to protect our architectural and cultural heritage and fight for social and environmental justice."

Sarah has been committed to helping organizations that protect and advance our society as well as our humanity, standing firm in a quest to aid institutions such as: The Heritage Square Museum, the Santa Monica Conservancy and the Olmstead Preservation Association, working to protect architectural and cultural histories; the Downtown Women’s Center providing permanent supportive housing to homeless women; the National Immigration Law Center providing protection for immigrants, low-income workers and people of all genders and sexual orientations; Life Rolls On-Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, aiding and inspiring people with disabilities.

"These types of organizations have never been more important to our well-being, yet in present times, are at great risk. I understand that by providing pro-bono design services, securing donations of goods and services and by always continuing to encourage growth and expansion of a compassionate community, we can encourage each other to create a better world, with hope, beauty and dignity." 

Sarah Barnard is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), is certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and is recognized by the International Institute for Bau-Biologie & Ecology as a Building Biology Practitioner (BBP) and by the United States Green Building Council as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP). She has served on the Santa Monica Conservancy's board of directors and specializes in sustainable interior design and historic preservation.

Undertaking a broad range of projects, all of which are grounded in smart design and mindful of healthy living, Sarah’s diverse body of work includes upscale private residences, chic restaurants, luxurious spas and impressive corporate headquarters. Her projects have been featured in local and national publications, and have placed prominently in several noted design competitions. Sarah holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Claremont Graduate University as well as undergraduate degrees in Art and Interior Architectural Design. Her interior design practice is the culmination of education and interests in art, architecture, textiles and the environment and she has written several articles for important publications including the USGBC, United States Green Building Council.

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.