Rewilding: Reconnecting our hearts and homes to nature

Matilija Poppy Romneya coulteri

Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri)

Rewilding has become a popular way in which we can reconnect with nature by restoring the native flora and fauna around our homes. This process has the potential to create a patchwork of thriving biodiversity within our neighborhoods that provides sanctuary and passage for pollinators and native wildlife. Rewilded environments also have an effect on us, they reconnect us by bringing the beautiful gift of nature directly to us every day. We can adopt this concept of rewilding within ourselves and within our homes, to create a living space that is a true reflection of what we want our inner world to be.

desert cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus audubonii

desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii)

The term rewilding is usually associated with “restoring an area of land to its natural uncultivated state”(1) and is most commonly associated with yards and gardens. Some steps in the process of rewilding include, replacing your lawn with native and non-invasive species to create a meadow, adding bird boxes, bird feeders, or a water feature. Rewilding has become a popular option for home gardens as it is also eco-friendly. Planting native plants and embracing where they decide to grow alongside replacing herbicides and pesticides with natural solutions restore the natural habitat and biodiversity of local neighborhoods, attract pollinators and create sanctuary and corridors for wildlife to safely travel through urban environments.

Great Southern White Butterfly (Ascia monuste)

Great Southern White Butterfly (Ascia monuste)

There is a growing consensus that rewilding can benefit us as well. In contemporary life, we can often feel disconnected from the natural world and see it as something separate from us. But the natural world is our world, and we are reminded of this every time we immerse ourselves in it. Rewilding brings nature to our homes for us to enjoy every day. Fostering an ecosystem and connecting with nature even through something as simple as watching the birds and animals in our yard cultivates mindfulness and joy. The process of rewilding also encourages us to let go of ideas of perfection embodied by a perfectly manicured garden and embrace the beauty of a natural, wild landscape.

Golden haired Inkcap Mushroom (Parasola auricoma)

a variety of Parasola mushroom

Rewilding your garden can also act as a “social pollinator”(2), that encourages engagement and conversation with your neighbors and others in the community, creating another form of connection and belonging.

A beautiful sculpture made from dried California native plants such as Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat and White Sage hangs above the bed frame, crafted from sustainably harvested solid oak, reinforcing the connection with the natural landscape outside.

a beautiful sculpture made from dried California native plants such as Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat and White Sage hangs above the bed frame, crafted from sustainably harvested solid oak,  reinforcing the connection with the natural landscape outside.

But why stop at rewilding your garden? This concept can also be applied to our interiors, to create a home that uniquely supports us in the ways that we want to live. Like a rewilded garden, an interior world that is wild and free from self-judgments or preconceived ideas influenced by social media or design norms uncovers what we truly need our living spaces to be. It's most beneficial to design a home that uniquely supports you in the ways that you live and the things that you do. Creating a three-dimensional portrait of your best authentic self, past present future can help us live our best life, inspiring feelings of contentment, joy, and mindfulness.

Five tips for Rewilding your home:

  1. One of the ways in which we can embrace the concept of rewilding within our home is through biophilic design. Biophilia is the “innate human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings”(3) and can be incorporated into our home design through materials and imagery of the natural world.
A kitchen featuring custom grey cabinets, white and grey marble countertops and island specified to  reach the clients ideal height for food preparation.

This Kitchen features custom COUNTER TOPS SPECIFIED TO REACH THE CLIENTS IDEAL HEIGHT FOR FOOD PREPARATION. CABINETS MADE IN COLLABORATION WITH A LOCAL ARTISAN ARE PAINTED IN A WARM GREY TO BRING OUT THE DOVE TONES IN THE MARBLE. painting by Kaoru Mansour.

  1. Similar to how a rewilded garden is free to grow unconstrained by its surrounding environment, ergonomic design can be integrated into our homes to custom craft interiors that uniquely fit us and how we utilize space. This can range from something as simple as customizing the height of kitchen countertops, bespoke furniture or bedding, and wall switch locations to sensory considerations such as environmental sounds, tactility, and color choice.
Bird photography, artwork by Renae Barnard

artwork by Renae Barnard hangs above a custom concrete fireplace.

  1. Displaying art or a collection of treasured objects is a beautiful and meaningful way in which we can reflect our interests and passions, creating emotional experiences and mindful spaces throughout our homes.
A white walled wellness room with high ceilings, minimal wood furniture, yoga mats and meditation pillows.

this WELLNESS ROOM TAKES ADVANTAGE OF SWEEPING OCEAN VIEWS AND AMPLE NATURAL LIGHTING to create a space for rest and rejuvenation. A WOODEN BENCH MADE BY A LOCAL ARTISAN DISPLAYS ART BY KAREN SIKIE, which provides A CALMING, NATURE INSPIRED BACKDROP FOR YOGA OR MEDITATION.

  1. The concept of rewilding can also be adopted to create an interior that reflects our core beliefs or contributes to the achievement of lifestyle goals. This can take the form of choosing eco-friendly or vegan materials, installing sustainable infrastructure and appliances, or creating a dedicated meditation space.
a bird painting by Kaoru Mansour hanging above a custom table made in collaboration with a local artisan.

painting by Kaoru Mansour and custom table made in collaboration with a local artisan.

  1. Choosing an interior designer who adopts an empathetic approach to guide you through the process of rewilding your home is essential. Someone who will meet you where you are, and create innovative ideas that are designed uniquely for you.

The concept of rewilding has taken off in popularity partially because people are craving to reconnect with nature by cultivating and restoring habitat around their homes. It makes sense to adopt the concept of rewinding to reconnect with ourselves also, outside of the pressures and expectations of social media and design magazines. Then we discover what truly brings us joy within our homes is an expression of our authentic selves, free from judgment.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces 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 has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

References

  1. Anderton, Frances. “'Rewilding' the Land Brings Back Birds, Bees, Butterflies: Greater La.” KCRW, KCRW, 21 Apr. 2022, https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/greater-la/earth-day-climate-change/rewilding-native-plants-landscape.
  2. Anderton, Frances. “'Rewilding' the Land Brings Back Birds, Bees, Butterflies: Greater La.” KCRW, KCRW, 21 Apr. 2022, https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/greater-la/earth-day-climate-change/rewilding-native-plants-landscape.

Bibliography

https://wildseedproject.net/2021/10/rewilding-is-good-for-our-mental-health/#:~:text=The%20rewilding%20process%20is%20an,foundation%20of%20good%20psychologic al%20health.

The Natural World Within Luxury Home Design.

We can harness the beauty of nature within our homes in subtle and luxurious ways. Material and form combine within this home project to capture components of a beautiful experience within nature, such as the golden glory of a sunrise, a leaf floating in the wind, or the fresh lightness of bubbles in the ocean.

Image of a bedroom with a bed that has a dusty pink wrap around headboard, pastel colored abstract painting and grey custom sofa. A decorative light fixture featuring hand blown orbs is suspended from a decorative alcove in the ceiling.

The primary bedroom for this home project features a dusty pink color palette in the upholstered headboard, rug, sofa cushions, and drapes. This color scheme, reflected in the large abstract painting that hangs beside the bed, works harmoniously with the tones of a recessed architectural feature in the ceiling. A dramatic pendant chandelier made from hand-blown textured glass and brass hangs in this recess. Inspired by organic shapes and textures of the sea, it resembles bubbles floating elegantly in space. The wrap-around upholstered headboard creates a sense of privacy and comfort. To balance this expanse of upholstery, the exposed timber bed frame made from Danish oiled walnut gives the bed a feeling of lightness within the room.

This alternative view of the main bedroom features a hand tufted silk rug underneath the bed frame made form danish oiled walnut. Two rectangular wall sconces made from frosted glass hang either side of an ornate tiled fireplace.

This view of the primary bedroom showcases the fireplace and ornate closets. A hand-tufted silk rug breaks up the darker tones of the Danish oiled walnut bed frame and hardwood floor. Rectangular, wall sconces made from glass and metal hang on either side of the fireplace; the fog finish glass produces a warm, diffused light within the room.

This final view of the main bedroom features a grey custom curved sofa behind a black and white marble coffee table next to the fireplace

In this option, the black and white marble coffee table creates a dramatic focal point underneath the draped chains of the hand-blown glass chandelier. These darker tones, alongside the grey textile of the custom curved sofa, create a point of contrast that grounds the dusty pink highlights around the room.

A luxurious dressing room that features custom built in closet with glass doors, vanity and shelving made from quartzite. Chair and vanity bench made from soft boucle with bronze legs.

A spare bedroom is transformed into a luxurious dressing room. A fantastical space dedicated to preparing for special events and the display of treasured fashion items.

This option for the dressing room features a custom built-in vanity, closet, and shelving. The closet features glass doors flanked on either side by multiple shelves that create a retail-like environment. The shelving and vanity countertop is made from a beautiful slab of Quartzite, which harmonizes with the tone of the custom-built island in the center of the room. This island features a framed glass top and bronze base. Bronze accents carry throughout the space in the vanity chair's cast legs, the drawer hardware's bronze patina, and the hand-cast satin bronze legs of the vanity bench. The generous, plush seat of the vanity chair is upholstered in Boucle, providing a soft, luxurious, and inviting texture. These seating options are tied together with a plush, faux sheepskin area rug whose thick pile and organic shape bring warmth and softness to the floor.

This alternative view of the dressing room showcases ample shelving made from a beautiful quartzite slab, which also frames a custom wall mirror. The chandelier resembles flower buds is made from abbey hand blown glass.

The chandelier presented in this option for the dressing room is a series of organic shapes that resemble flower buds, made from hand-blown glass and metal. The amber tone of the glass ties in nicely with the vanity drawers made from Danish oiled walnut. The custom-made wall mirror features a honed stone inset and brass frame, which connects with the material elements of the vanity counter and shelving throughout the room.

This final view of the dressing room showcases more shelving made from a beautiful quartzite slab and a large floor mirror framed in iron with an antique brass finish as if browsing a luxury boutique.

This viewpoint of the dressing room features a floor mirror with an iron frame and antique brass finish, as well as additional built-in shelving to display shoes and accessories as if browsing in a luxury boutique.

Image of a bedroom with a bed that has a dusty pink wrap around headboard, an abstract painting and grey custom sofa. A decorative light fixture featuring beveled metalic shapes that r is suspended from a decorative alcove in the ceiling.

In this option for the primary bedroom, the color scheme of the headboard, sofa, cushions, and drapes is a lighter, creamier shade of pink. The shape of the gold-polished stainless steel suspension lamp, which hangs from the decorative recess in the ceiling, is reminiscent of floating abstract leaves. The hammered patina of this fixture creates a plant-like texture that gently reflects light around the room. The bronze wall sconce above the bed also features a subtle texture that resembles the imprint of a leaf. Its golden oval is mirrored in the colors and shapes of the abstract painting that hangs beside the bed.

This alternative view of the main bedroom features a hand tufted rug with a subtle floral pattern underneath the bed frame made form danish oiled walnut. Two oval wall sconces made from bronze hang either side of an ornate tiled fireplace.

Here, the hand-tufted rug has a subtle rose tint that harmonizes with the room's lighter, creamy pink highlights. It also features a faint decorative floral pattern that echoes the botanical influence of the leaf-shaped suspension lamp and textured wall sconces.

This final view of the main bedroom features a grey custom curved sofa behind a black and white marble coffee table next to the fireplace

This view features golden oval wall sconces on either side of the fireplace; their bronze patina reflects a warm, rich light reminiscent of a sunrise. This light is captured by the textured surface of the leaf-shaped gold polished stainless steel suspension lamp, creating a warm golden glow throughout the room.

A luxurious dressing room that features custom built in closet with glass doors, art deco dressing table made from leather, walnut and brass, Chair and vanity bench made from soft boucle.

This option for the dressing room replaces the exposed shelving with a fully enclosed custom-built closet with glass doors. The island in the center of the room has a green tint and brass base, which ties in with the brass accents in the art deco dressing table and the soft gold legs of the creamy boucle bench. Incorporating leather alongside walnut and brass in the dressing table creates a pleasing tactility that softens the hardness of the other materials. This softness carries through in the vanity chair, which is upholstered in bouclé fabric and features a vast circular backrest.

This alternative view of the dressing room showcases ample shelving made from a beautiful quartzite slab. The circular pendant chandelier features unique, handmade slabs of clear glass with abstract white swirls within them.

In this option for the dressing room, the circular pendant chandelier features unique, handmade slabs of clear glass with abstract white swirls within them. Each piece of glass looks organic, mirroring the room's round white shapes. The custom-built shelves that wrap around the corner of the closet are made from a beautiful Onyx slab, whose natural pattern echoes the smoky white swirls of the glass chandelier.

This final view of the dressing room showcases more shelving made from a beautiful quartzite slab and a large floor mirror framed in bone, antique brass-finished metal and mango wood to give the feeling of browsing a luxury boutique.

This option visualizes how the glass doors of the custom closet provide another source of light within the room. This lightness continues in a large floor mirror framed in bone, antique brass-finished metal, and mango wood.

Concepts and materials from the natural world often bring mindfulness and contentment into our homes. With this can also come luxury, creating a dream level of comfort and style that brings glamour and excitement into our everyday experience of a space.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces 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 has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Ergonomic Home Design: the New Standard of Luxury Living

A close up image of a desk top that contains a wooden opposable artist figure, pencils and geoeds.

Our home should reflect who we are as a unique individual. Bespoke design creates an interior environment that is made specifically for us, customized to our particular aesthetic tastes as well as our physical and emotional needs. Customizing functional elements of our homes can positively affect our physical bodies and emotional well- being, limiting daily stress and improving our quality of life.

A Yoga and meditation room featuring a wood floor, white exposed beams and a series of arch windows overlooking the ocean.

THis WELLNESS ROOM features  ART BY KAREN SIKIE, creating a CALMING, NATURE INSPIRED BACKDROP FOR YOGA OR MEDITATION

Our studio practice embodies these principles by approaching our clients with a sense of inclusiveness and sensitivity that allows ample space to voice their needs. We make an effort to interview all family members to custom craft a home that uniquely fits them and the way they utilize space. These homes often reflect a client's personal philosophy and can contribute to the achievement of their lifestyle goals. This can take the form of creating a soothing bedroom space, yoga or meditation room, or choosing vegan materials. A home that reflects who we truly are contributes to an environment of comfort, support, and peace that promotes joy and wellness in everyday life.

A home office wih a view overlooking the ocean, and a large day bed.

furniture can be customized to our specific bodily scale and physical needs.

Ergonomic design, simply put, is people-focused design. Design that considers how we interact with an object or a space. Commonly associated with the functionality of workspaces and productivity (office chairs, desks, etc.), ergonomics can enrich our home lives through thoughtful, custom design. Our surroundings should be shaped to benefit us, and we shouldn't have to adapt or change ourselves to fit into our surroundings.

Grey bathroom cabinets with 2 sinks and cabinetry either side.

the scale and placement of cabinetry, lighting and counter height all contribute to personalized comfort in the home.

Thoughts on the scale and proportion of the body and how this relates to our built environment date back to ancient Rome with the architect Vitruvius who argued that "buildings should be based on the symmetry and proportion of the human form. (1)" In 1948, the architect Le Corbusier expanded on Vitruvius's work to create a set of calculations that he referred to as The Modulor. These calculations would create a universal scale for buildings and furniture "aiming to provide the user with an intrinsic sense of well-being and comfort. (2)"

A grey tiled open plan shower with wooden bench.

bathroom design can be adapted to suit a diverse range of personal and physical needs.

Attitudes towards "universal" sets of bodily measurements, such as The Modulor, began to change in the 1960s as they excluded a diversity of body types, proportions, and abilities. "Is this an architecture shaped by the proportions of man or an attempt to shape its inhabitants? (3)" Today there are many regulations that determine standard measurements throughout the home, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design and the National Kitchen and Bath Association Planning Guidelines.

A kitchen with light grey cabinets and white stone countertop.

many kitchen features such as countertop height, soft closing drawers, food storage and appliances can be customized to suit our unique bodily proportions and lifestyle goals.

While it's more typical to talk about ergonomics in terms of an office chair or ADA compliance, more homeowners are living their best lives by having their homes perfectly fit to their bodies. When we start to think about our homes from an ergonomic viewpoint, we can customize many details to suit our unique physical proportions and emotional needs. Something as simple as customizing the height of kitchen countertops can encourage improved posture and physical ease in using the space. Similarly, we can build furniture and bedding precisely to fit our bodily dimensions, easing strain put on joints when getting in and out. We can customize anything from wall switch locations, automated lighting, window coverings, appliances, mirror height, and environmental sounds through ergonomic design to create the ultimate comfort and well-being at home.

A wooden chair with a decorative cushion sitting in front of a fireplace.

the sensory elements of a room are an important component to take into account with any living space.

Sarah Barnard WELL AP + LEED AP, also takes sensory elements into account when designing a space. Features such as soft close doors and cabinets to reduce noise, storage solutions to create orderly and calm surroundings, and the selection of color and texture can all contribute to the comfort and emotional resonance of a room. Sarah has an in-depth understanding of color theory and color psychology, which explore how color affects our behaviors and emotions to create a color palette that matches your home to your personality — and when a space feels like 'you,' happiness will follow.

Autistic child room design featuring custom made bunk beds and blue curtains.

Lighting, texture and color are important sensory details to take into consideration when designing a space for children.

Sensory details such as color and texture play an important role when customizing spaces for children and can be particularly beneficial for neurodivergent children. Sensitivity needs to be taken towards environmental noise as well as lighting. Diffused and adjustable lighting allows levels to be dimmed to suit individual moods and needs. Avoiding wallpapers with busy patterns and choosing light neutral colors combined with soft textures can also encourage a soothing and calming tactile experience in the space.

The living room of a penthouse apartment with rattan chairs and sofa overlooking the ocean.

Ergonomic design that that customizes the physical and sensory elements of our home to meet our emotional and physical needs has the ability to create joy and wellness in everyday life.

A home should not only reflect the physicality and identity of its owner, it should also be an extension of their personality which enhances day-to-day living. All of these small details, enhanced by ergonomic design, make movement around our home as effortless as possible, encouraging a symbiotic relationship between our home and body which nourishes us, encouraging joy and wellness.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces 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 has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Works Cited

  1. Souza, Eduardo. “The Evolution in Understanding of Human Scales in Architecture.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 15 Oct. 1 2020, https://www.archdaily.com/949316/the-evolution-in-understanding-of-human-scales-in-architecture.

  2. Souza, Eduardo. “The Evolution in Understanding of Human Scales in Architecture.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 15 Oct. 2 2020, https://www.archdaily.com/949316/the-evolution-in-understanding-of-human-scales-in-architecture.

  3. Souza, Eduardo. “The Evolution in Understanding of Human Scales in Architecture.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 15 Oct. 3 2020, https://www.archdaily.com/949316/the-evolution-in-understanding-of-human-scales-in-architecture.

Do Women Design Differently than Men? The influence of Phyllis Birkby on Design Practice.

A desk covered in architectural plans and swatches

Image courtesy of Pexels, Photo by thirdman, CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)

Women make innovative and profound contributions to the world of architecture and design. Architects such as Dame Zaha Hadid, the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize in 2004, are an inspiration to women in the field.

An image of various vegetable plants in circular containers in front of a skyscraper

Public Farm 1 by WORKac at MOMA PS1 Contemporary Art Center, Long Island City, NY 2008, Photo by Anne Jessye, CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION 2.0

Many women bring a unique perspective, interest, and understanding of architectural space and how it interacts with the natural world around it. Architects such as Amale Andros, Dean of Colombia University's Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), also the co-founder of WORKac; an architectural organization that seeks to re-imagine architecture "at the intersection of the urban, the rural, and the natural."(1) Maya Lin is an architect, land artist, and sculptor whose work centers on nature and sustainability with the goal "of making a place for individuals within the landscape."(2)

Environmental Art "Flutter" by Maya Lin, Soil and St. Augustine grass, 459 x 105 feet, U.S. Courthouse, Miami, Florida, 2005, Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division; Forms part of the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, PUBLIC DOMAIN

This shift in thinking reflects the changes that were happening within American society and contemporary culture during the 1960s and 70s. Phylis Birkby belonged to this earlier generation of lesser-known women architects; who made important contributions to the innovative ideas emerging within women and queer-led collectives at the time.

Born in 1932 in New Jersey, Noel Phyllis Birkby showed an interest in architecture as a child. At the time, she was discouraged from pursuing a career in architecture because she was a woman, so she decided to study Art instead. It wasn't until 1958, when Phyllis had a chance meeting with a woman architect who encouraged her to pursue formal training, that Phyllis considered architecture as a career. In 1959 she enrolled in night classes at the Cooper Union School of Architecture, and in 1966 she enrolled in the graduate program at Yale, where she was one of only six women in a class of 200.

An image of the Waterside Plaza in Manhattan, a series of brown high rise buildings on the bank of the Hudson river

Waterside Plaza in Manhattan, image courtesy of Pexels, Photo by Life of Pix, CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)

From 1966 to 1972, Phyllis worked for the Davis Brody and Associates firm in New York City. She contributed to significant projects such as the Long Island University Library Learning Center in Brooklyn and the Waterside Plaza in Manhattan during this time. The Long Island University Library Learning Center was not designed as one cohesive campus, which made it a unique project. Instead, it was a collection of buildings that had to be somehow connected. She described this as "designed more as fabric than a building"(3) as her design sought to "knit" or "weave" the buildings together. The use of descriptive metaphors such as weaving and knitting often occurs in the written work of Phyllis Birkby. This is a conscious reference to what was traditionally considered "women's work" and thus not viewed as a relevant or important viewpoint within architectural design at the time.

Women knitting, vocational studies public schools, Photographer Unknown, taken between 1918 and 1920, National Photo Company Collection, Gift; Herbert A. French; 1947, PUBLIC DOMAIN

In 1973 Phyllis Birkby came out publicly as a lesbian and resigned from her job at Davis Brody Associate to start her independent architectural practice. She started participating in feminist consciousness-raising groups, which led to developing a series of environmental fantasy workshops in the mid-1970s to "discover the unique perspective women could bring to the built environment."(4) This innovative approach to conceptual architectural drawing led her to re-think the relationship between architecture, nature, and how these spaces interact.

Close up of a womans hand drawing abstract designs with a marker.

Image courtesy of Pexels, Photo by Karolina Grabowska, CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)

In 1974 Phyllis co-founded the Women's School of Planning and Architecture (WSPA) with fellow architects and designers Katrin Adam, Ellen Perry Berkeley, Bobbie Sue Hood, Marie I. Kennedy, Joan Forrester Sprague, and Leslie Kanes Weisman. The WSPA was an "influential experimental summer school for women in environmental design professions and trades."(5) The first session of classes was held in Maine in 1975, and the second in Santa Cruz in 1976. The group chose to hold classes in locations with a robust natural environment (often holding classes on the beach) or buildings with a neutral presence.

Two women with their backs turned to us looking out at a prarie.

Image courtesy of Pexels, Photo by mododeolhar CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)

This school provided an alternative and active learning experience fostering community and inspiring innovation amongst women in environmental design. Participants were encouraged to approach design through an investigation of their personal identity and an awareness of the "way we see form and the way we react to design issues from our personal perspective" Phyllis called this awareness an "environmental self-portrait."(6)

Detail image of the beach looking from the sand dunes

Image courtesy of Pexels, Photo by Nathan Cowley CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)

This new approach to architecture and its relationship with the natural environment Phyllis Birkby developed manifest in several of her projects. One of these was a commission in Long Island to build a studio for a friend that was a sculptor. There were no formal drawings made for this project, only conceptual. The structure was built organically over time, figuring out issues and construction as they progressed. The building included a large skylight to maximize access to natural light within the space and bring the surrounding natural environment into the building.

View of the ocean from the top of a cliff

Image courtesy of Pexels, Photo by Lars Mai, CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)

Large windows which capture beautiful views of natural landscapes were also a design feature of a house that Phyllis designed by the ocean in the Hamptons. The original design for this house included frameless corner windows, which would capture beautiful scenic views of the surrounding ocean. When designing this building, Phyllis also considered how someone would move from the interior of the house out into nature, from the deck to the woods, to the ocean.

A series of fabric color swatches

Image courtesy of Pexels, Photo by Cherylanne Hsieh, CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)

Phyllis Birkby made an important contribution to the visibility of queer women within architecture in many ways. She was a member of and held conferences for the Organization of Lesbian and Gay Architects and Designers in NY (OLGAD); in 1972, she helped found the Alliance of Women in Architecture, a group aimed to bring a sense of inclusion and cohesion to the burgeoning community that was women in architecture. The Alliance of Women in Architecture provided a safe space where emerging and established women in the architectural field could engage and thrive.

Detail image of a womans hands drawing with a drafting tool

Image courtesy of Pexels, Photo by Karolina Grabowska, CREATIVE COMMONS ZERO (CC0)

Although the Alliance of Women in Architecture disbanded in the 1990s, the legacy and work of organizations such as this lives on. When this group was founded in 1972, less than 2% of registered architects in the United States were women. That number today has grown to 23.3%, and some of the most prestigious architecture programs in the country have appointed women as deans or directors (Colombia, Yale, Princeton, Berkley, the University of Virginia, and the University of California).

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 has appeared in 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). 

Works Cited

  1. WORKarc. “About.” About - WORKac, https://work.ac/about/.

  2. “Women in Architecture : 10 Successful Female Architects You Should Know.” Arch2O.Com, 20 Aug. 2021, https://www.arch2o.com/women-in-architecture-10-successful-female-architects-you-should-know/.

  3. Schroeder, Stephanie. “Noel Phyllis Birkby.” Now What?! Advocacy, Activism & Alliances in American Architecture Since 1968, Now What?! Advocacy, Activism & Alliances in American Architecture Since 1968, 31 Oct. 2019, https://www.nowwhat-architexx.org/articles/2018/3/18/noel-phyllis-birkby.

  4. “Birkby, Phyllis.” Birkby, Phyllis - Social Networks and Archival Context, https://snaccooperative.org/view/10020062.

  5. “Birkby, Phyllis.” Birkby, Phyllis - Social Networks and Archival Context, https://snaccooperative.org/view/10020062.

  6. “Alberto Bertoli & Phyllis Birkby (1980).” YouTube, YouTube, 25 Sept. 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O5d4OD41oA.

Further Resources

  1. Vider, Stephen. “Fantasy Is the Beginning of Creation.” PLATFORM, PLATFORM, 27 June 2022, https://www.platformspace.net/home/fantasy-is-the-beginning-of-creation.

  2. “Public Farm One at MOMA PS1.” Architect, 7 Feb. 2014, https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/public-farm-one-at-moma-ps1-3673.

  3. “Building Sisterhood: How Feminists Sought to Make Architecture a Truly Collective Endeavor.” Metropolis, 9 Sept. 2021, https://metropolismag.com/viewpoints/women-feminism-american-architecture/.

  4. “Gender in the Architecture Profession.” Architecture Careers Guide, 9 July 2020, https://www.archcareersguide.com/gender-in-the-architecture-profession/#:~:text=Currently%2C%20only%2017%20percent%20(2020,of%20registered%20architects%20are%20women.%E2%80%9D.

  5. “Architect Demographics and Statistics [2022]: Number of Architects in the US.” Architect Demographics and Statistics [2022]: Number Of Architects In The US, 9 Sept. 2022, https://www.zippia.com/architect-jobs/demographics/.

  6. The American Institute of Architects: Status of Women in The Architectural Profession. Task Force Report 1975. The American Institute of Architects, https://content.aia.org/sites/default/files/2018-03/Archives_StatusWomenArchitecturalProfession_1975.pdf.

Designing Naturally: Enhancing Interior Spaces Through Biophilia

A connection with nature has always been appealing in design. However, world factors like increased time spent indoors and a newfound awareness and appreciation of nature as we experience environmental shifts from climate change have potentially contributed to a desire for nature to be a more prominent part of daily life.

While there are endless possibilities and applications for biophilic design, there are a few methods that can be applied to most design projects:

1. Mirroring local flora and fauna. Part of the benefit of biophilic design is creating a connection to our environment, minimizing feelings of isolation prevalent in contemporary and urban living. By drawing a connection to local plants and wildlife, interior spaces can feel increasingly connected to the land outside our doors, offering a feeling of inclusion and expansion. While any natural themes can provide benefits, sourcing inspiration from nature in the vicinity of the building can help foster a more intimate connection. 

2. Utilize scale. Many clients may be hesitant to utilize floral or natural patterns for fear of them feeling overly old-timey. However, natural prints don’t need to be literal to be effective. Playing with scale can help alter the mood or energy of the space, offering more traditional or contemporary options. A large print can feel modern or dramatic and provides an opportunity to admire details of the image, which then can feel like a work of art in the space, particularly if designing for a room with high ceilings. Areas where people are spending shorter periods may benefit from the drama of a large-scale print. Smaller patterning, particularly in muted tones, can offer a quieter approach, creating a visual texture when a subtle background is needed.

3. Consider all aspects of the environment. Celebrating nature through biophilic design offers an opportunity to consider the environmental effects of design choices and practices. When sourcing products, natural, organic, and green guard certified materials may cause less harm to the natural environment during production while helping to improve indoor air quality. When considering biophilic options, opting for the most natural materials possibles help bolster the connection to nature while being more considerate of the environmental effects of the design process.

These biophilic design applications can help create comforting and soothing spaces for clients that reflect and respect the natural environment. As biophilic principles remain a regular part of interior design, we hope that design and production practices prioritize sustainability and care for nature.

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. She is a California Certified Naturalist, and in 2017, Sarah was recognized as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Wellness Interior Designer Achieves California Naturalist Certification

A Ladder-backed woodpecker on a tree.

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.

A Variable Checkerspot butterfly resting on green and brown plants

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.

Tree trunk with holes, an acorn woodpecker granary.

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.

The branch of a cyprus tree.

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.

A tree with a charred trunk and bare branches.

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.

A burned tree in front of yellow grass and green mountains.

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.

A burned Manzanita tree in front of wild plants.

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."

A striped racer snake in a tree

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.

Lichen on a branch

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).

Interior Design Renderings: How Photorealistic Drawings Enhance Home Remodeling and Decorating

Rendering of grey kitchen

Rendering

Built design

When designing a new space for a client, one of the clearest ways to help illustrate what the interior design may look and feel like is through renderings.

Grey pantry rendering

Rendering

Built design

In the rendering process, designers take information from AutoCAD files and apply the selected materials to create a realistic drawing that can help clients envision the final design.

AutoCAD Drawing of a half bath

Autocad drawing

Rendering

Built grey half bath

Built Design

While the AutoCAD files can share many crucial project details, having a 3D rendering can help illustrate how materials are working together and envision how the layout may affect the experience of being in the space.

A brown, white and grey modern bathroom with marble hexagon tiles, wooden vanity and moth door handles.

Rendering

Copper toned bathroom built design

Built design

This additional information and understanding can help clients recognize any aspects of the design they may want to change before the construction process.

Grey marble kitchen rendering

Rendering

Grey marble kitchen built design

Built design

While it's possible to complete a project without renderings, they add immense value to the design process, visually communicating designs with clarity, contributing to positive design outcomes and our client's happiness and satisfaction.

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).

Celebrate Southern California’s Natural Beauty for Earth Day

A Gulf Fritillary Butterfly rests on wildflowers.

Happy Earth day!

In Southern California, we are lucky to enjoy a bounty of nature, from the forests to the beaches to the many beautiful nature preserves and hiking trails found throughout Los Angeles.

Exploring opportunities to preserve our natural environments can be an enriching and invigorating way to enjoy these surroundings. Throughout Los Angeles, there are many ways to get involved in caring for these spaces.

A Cooper's Hawk in a tree.

Santa Monica Mountains

The Santa Monica Mountains are one of the most striking and wide-ranging natural areas in Los Angeles, with over 500 miles of trails, many overlooking stunning ocean views. The Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council offers a running list of volunteer opportunities. Helping to maintain trails is an incredible way to explore these environments, enjoy fresh air, and build a relationship with the local scenery. 

https://smmtc.org/volunteer/

Palm trees at sunset.

Angeles Forest: 

The Angeles Forest offers a beautiful escape in the San Gabriel Valley, hosting a range of wildlife and filled with recreation spaces from camping to hiking trails. The Angeles Volunteer Association works to preserve and care for the forest, especially crucial as wildfires significantly impact the area. Volunteering with the association offers an opportunity to help protect this land while exploring its breathtaking scenery.

https://angelesvolunteers.org/av/

Nuthatch on mossy tree

Griffith Park: 

One of the most beloved parks in Los Angeles, Griffith Park's vast trails are known for their iconic views, from the Hollywood sign to the Observatory. A favorite stop for LA visitors, this park is home to some of the most famous trails and a wide swath of local flora and fauna. Friends of Griffith Park regularly hosts trail maintenance and planting events for a chance to preserve this historic location while enjoying time outdoors throughout the park. 

https://friendsofgriffithpark.org

A Great Blue Heron rests on trash in the LA River.

Los Angeles River: 

The Los Angeles River has seen a revival in the last several years, greatly due to the efforts of Friends of the LA River. This organization has worked to help mend and restore the ecology of the LA River, prioritizing habitats for native plants and wildlife as they build and repair parks and offering many educational opportunities for LA residents. Their volunteer opportunities include river clean-ups and ranging events for engagement with the river, a pleasant opportunity to enjoy the river and support its revitalization. 

https://folar.org

A scaly breasted munia also known as a spice finch drinks at a garden fountain.

At Home:

While Earth Day can offer motivation to enjoy the beautiful landscapes throughout the city, it's also a reminder to appreciate the nature in your backyard. There are many ways to enjoy and support the environment without leaving your home. Yard spaces of any size can contribute to the care of local wildlife by providing shelter, food, and water. When well maintained and frequently cleaned, something as simple as a hanging bird feeder can be an excellent way to support local birds and introduce more bird songs to your daily experience. Plantings to attract pollinators, particularly in a range of sizes and colors, may improve both your garden's health and other neighborhood plantings by encouraging the presence of bees and butterflies. Water features (or even just a tiny water dish) can hydrate local creatures, but don't forget to include a rock or stick for smaller birds or animals to leave the water safely.

While we believe in celebrating and caring for the environment every day, Earth Day is a beautiful opportunity to pause and appreciate nature. Take time this Earth Day to enjoy the outdoors, whether from your home or by spending time in a nearby park or natural setting, to celebrate the wonders of our Earth.

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).

Sarah Barnard Design Wins Best of Houzz Design Award

A green graphic logo for the 2022 Dest of Houzz Design Award

Sarah Barnard Design has been awarded Best of Houzz Design this year. This award season marks the 10th anniversary of the Best of Houzz program and Sarah Barnard's sixth consecutive year earning the Best of Houzz Design award. Recipients of the award represent only 3% of the millions of home design professionals on the Houzz platform. The Best of Houzz Design award recognizes home design professionals that provide extraordinary design services and whose Houzz profile was most popular among the design community in the prior year.

An apartment with a view of the beach and ocean, a beige couch on a rug with a wooden coffee table displaying decor, and white poufs and a brown chair.

Sarah Barnard's Ocean View Penthouse project is especially popular on Houzz. The Ocean View Penthouse project features an inspirational birds-eye view of the coastline, thoughtfully designed with references to nature to calm the senses. Sarah Barnard carefully curated a collection of eco-friendly furnishings and natural textiles, creating a serene space to promote Zen and wellness.

An apartment with a view of the beach and ocean, a beige couch on a rug with a wooden coffee table displaying decor, and white poufs.

Custom, low-profile seating made with natural materials create a cozy space for conversation around a maple coffee table with a collection of organic objects next to a striking view of the ocean.

A bright dining room with a circular table, white and chrome chairs, a chandelier, and a view of the ocean.
A bed with a brown headboard, a nightstand displaying a book and a plant, and a wall-mounted light.

The dining area features a custom table made from maple and chrome, highlighted by a delicate chandelier reminiscent of a starry night. For the primary bedroom, Sarah Barnard selected eco-friendly finishes in leather, rattan, maple, and wool to complement a beautiful piece of custom commissioned artwork.

A graphic displaying awards.

Throughout the years, Sarah Barnard Design has received ample praise from the Houzz community as she exhibits a fantastic source of inspiration for homeowners looking to improve their lives through wellness-focused home design. In addition to her 2022 Best of Design award, Sarah Barnard's Houzz profile was saved over 50,000 times by Houzz users. Her popularity on Houzz has given her several Houzz badges, including Star Houzzer, the Influencer Award, and the Recommended on Houzz badge. As a WELL & LEED accredited interior designer, Sarah Barnard is an expert in sustainable home design with a focus on personal health and mental wellness. With her passion for eco-friendly home design and immense knowledge of non-toxic materials, like-minded clients can achieve a healthy and happy home personalized to each individual's unique needs and sensory desires.

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).

Top 5 Design Resolutions

Happy New Year! The past two years have taught us that creating a space that is highly personalized to its residents can help foster a positive, healing mindset that is key to preserving mental and physical wellbeing. As a result, home design that is conducive to wellness is more important than ever. In hopes of inspiring change during this time of year, interior designer Sarah Barnard shares her top 5 design resolutions for 2022.

1. Make design decisions based on your needs, even when they defy expectations. 

It's common to get stuck on how we think our homes should look or be and end up ignoring how we are genuinely using our spaces. In a recent Robb report article, "No Visitors, Please: Why America's Biggest Homes Are Designed to Discourage House Guests," Sarah discussed the phenomenon of larger houses unintended for hosting. While at first glance, this may seem counterintuitive for a large space, there is something for designing a home to meet your ideal needs and uses. Whether you are an introvert using extra spaces for personal activities, or an extravert with a banquet hall instead of a dining room, defying expectations may bring you the most joy in your home. 

2. Embrace Nature.

Incorporating nature into your home environment may have many benefits throughout the year, especially in the wintertime. With early nightfall and cold evenings spent inside, having an interior association with nature can help brighten your space and foster a connection with the outdoors. When spending more time huddled indoors, having a reminder of the nature outside may boost happiness. Sarah believes that incorporating nature into your home design is timeless, and thinks we will see an increase in nature-based design as a top design trend in 2022.

3. Let your personal goals carry into your home design. 

Are you trying to eat vegan? Hoping to exercise more or build more creative practices into your day? How we choose to design our homes has the power help us achieve our lifestyle goals subconsciously. Making a creative space easily visible with instruments or art supplies or intuitively reorganizing these spaces may make those activities feel more accessible and easier to incorporate into your day naturally. We may move more at a standing desk or feel inclined to eat more vegetables if our kitchens highlight attractive produce storage. If you're going vegan, making home design choices that are in line with your eating habits may also serve as a reminder of your goals. Sarah spoke with Business of Home about participating in the first Vegan Interior Design Week and designing your home with veganism in mind. 

4. Plan ahead.

While Sarah often discourages clients from designing for the next homeowner, there are a few choices worth considering if selling is in your future. In "4 Things You Shouldn't Do If You Want to Sell Your House," Sarah shared a few items to consider when planning for your home's future.

5. Create time and space for rest. 

Despite the past few years causing additional stress for many, few of us have taken extra time to slow down and care for ourselves. By creating space in your home to rest and rejuvenate, you may find yourself prioritizing time for calm and care. As Sarah discussed in a Review Journal piece, you may choose to create a soothing bedroom space. Or, you may opt for a separate room for yoga and meditation, a cozy corner for reading and daydreaming, or a particularly relaxing bathroom space. No matter how you go about it, devoting areas of your home to relaxation will encourage you to acknowledge the importance of calm.

On behalf of everyone on the Sarah Barnard Design team, we wish you a happy, healthful, and healing New Year!

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).

Birds, Butterflies, and Biophilic Designs: Sarah Barnard Becomes Exclusive California Rep for Botanical Eco Textile Line

Sarah Barnard is now the exclusive California representative for Tradescant & Son through Kale Tree Shop's online marketplace. The line features a wide range of nature-inspired luxury eco fabrics and wallpapers made with a sustainability-minded production process.

The foundation of Sarah Barnard's practice is a belief that home design should contribute to wellbeing, both emotionally and globally. Barnard's work focuses on sustainability, emphasizing the importance of nature, both through conscious sourcing and as the inspiration for many of her designs.

The designer's use of natural themes and environmentally conscious materials spoke to the sensibilities and priorities of Tradescant & Son, who recognized Barnard as an ideal representative for their line. Tradescant & Son director Amy Hardman says, "Our 100% linens and the relaxed yet stylish look to our designs promote a holistic and contemporary feel. This, together with the fact that we share a commitment to ensuring sustainability wherever possible by using locally woven fabrics and printers, is a fantastic and exciting foundation for our relationship with Sarah Barnard Design."

The fabrics and wallpapers feature a wide variety of natural themes, from a graphic striped wallpaper composed of vibrant hummingbirds to linen textiles inspired by historic entomology archives from the University of Oxford Museum of Natural History, softly patterned with moths or beetles. With a range of bird fabrics, butterfly patterns, and botanical prints, the timeless patterns nod to historical, scientific illustrations, while their colors and design have a contemporary feel suitable for a diverse array of settings.

On the collaboration, Barnard noted that "As a birder, naturalist, and avid gardener, I was drawn to Tradescant & Son's collection of biophilic prints. Particularly when designing homes in metropolitan areas, I like to turn to natural motifs to stand in for nature that may not be as readily available for someone with a city view. The entire Tradescant & Son collection offers an impressive array of options when looking to bring the experience of wildlife into an interior."

These products are available for purchase through the website www.kaletree.com. Additional support is available for design and trade professionals by contacting shop@kaletree.com.

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 Nature Brain Connection: A consciously designed home feels like a joyful expression of our best selves.

Designer Sarah Barnard seated in contemporary minimalist condo.

As a WELL and LEED accredited home designer, I focus on environments that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. As our climate continues to shift, I find it increasingly crucial to consider how we engage with and support our natural world. In our studio, the design team makes ongoing efforts to evaluate the larger implications of our lifestyles and acknowledge the role we have in affecting our planet. 

Black Desk with open book surrounded by plants


How can designers create environments focusing on our client's health and happiness while applying equal consideration to planetary health and wellbeing? Our research has turned to the philosophical school of cosmopolitcs for an alternate perspective on human interaction with the material and living 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."

Purple bed against darker purple wall, wooden side table with white vase and pink flowers, and white spider sculpture

 Cosmopolitics distinguishes itself from cosmopolitanism by positing a relationship working with nature instead of imposing dominance over nature. 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." 

bh bibliophile (6).jpg

While cosmopolitics might seem like a far-out, philosophical idea primarily contemplated by academics and architects-- because designers, environmentalists, and vegans all value the connectivity between ourselves and the natural environment, these core concepts are more accessible than they may initially seem.

Ceramic dodo by Corinne Malesy

Ceramic dodo by Corinne Malesy


Many of my clients have found their way to veganism because they are conscious of the effects human decisions have on the planet and are acutely aware that we are merely part of a much larger ecosystem. Mindful, compassionate interior design considers the impacts of our decision-making when designing a space and asks how our choices shape our environment, our community, and the world around us. 

Kintsugi table by Joshua Luker

Kintsugi table by Joshua Luker


Home design paired with conscious intent is a significant first step that can begin simply by considering how local and migrating wildlife might be supported rather than harmed by our lifestyle improvements. 

184A3662.JPG


When planning for a home remodel, it's important to care for the plant life that our birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects call home. To preserve existing animal habitats, I advise clients and contractors to protect existing trees, shrubs, and leaf litter when possible and make conscious efforts to minimize sound and light pollution from construction.  

Birdbox in field of yellow flowers

Beyond avoiding harm, our home design may actively support wildlife. For example, well-researched landscaping that incorporates native plants can create opportunities to sustain and shelter local animals and migrating birds. Including flowering plants for bees and butterflies and access to clean drinking and bathing water can also encourage animal and plant life success. A simple 10" saucer provides drinking water for visting deer, racoons, and bobcats in my garden. Birds and lizards bathe and even bees and wasps stop for a drink. I use a good sized rock as a small bird and bug escape raft, but I know many people have equal success using a stick for the same purpose. 

purple wildflower


The physical boundaries of our home can sometimes create a sense of othering between us and our environment. It is easy to disengage when we are deep inside our homes. Creating space outside that we feel inclined to make frequent use of can encourage a consistent connection and consideration of our environment. For example, relaxing outdoor areas inspire restoration and observation, while active spaces like vegetable gardens encourage movement and a relationship with our source of nourishment.

brown and rust orange bird on bird feeder


We recently designed a rooftop space as a second living room for a young family to relax and socialize. Low-profile furniture was utilized to keep the view open and encourage a personal connection with the expanse around them. 

Outdoor patio overlooking city with yellow couch, concrete coffee table, and grey blue and yellow rugs and throw pillows

When inside, designing to highlight our exterior views can help maintain a connection to nature, even while indoors. In spaces where natural views aren’t available, incorporating artwork and materials that reference nature into your home design can help keep the nature brain connection active. 

Kitchen and dining room space with white cabinetry and blue couch

When we work collaboratively with neighbors, we can extend these benefits further. Home design gives us the option to live in harmony with nature rather than attempting to contain it.  

ceramic donkeys in front of gold  and ceramic vase

Physical Considerations are one of the initial items to evaluate when creating a cosmopolitically inclined vegan home. Ranging from the materials we use to the layout of the space, physical considerations will often have the most prominent and direct effect on our health. 

When our studio designs a vegan home, avoiding materials made with animal products is a clear first step. We find it essential to examine all product elements to ensure that the most responsible options are available to our clients. 

Many of us are familiar with closely examining ingredient lists and investigating the steps of food production. Vegan home design follows a similar approach, using extensive research, building relationships with local artisans similar to how we might have previously formed relationships with farmers at local markets. 

Supporting our client's health goes beyond sourcing vegan products. It's common knowledge that many vegan alternatives are made with synthetic fibers and harmful chemicals that can release volatile organic compounds, polluting indoor air and causing discomfort. Ethically sourcing natural options with low or NO VOCs helps ensure that our home's materials serve our health now and in the future.

While every room is vital in the home design process, I've found that the kitchen is often the most significant space in a supportive environment. Over the years, the most common recurring request is dedicated space to accommodate a large quantity of produce. For some clients this challenge is resolved with a sophisticated combination of under-counter refrigerator drawers combined with wall-mounted baskets and bins for room temperature items. Our household manages with a simple collection of large bowls filled every few days. Integrating produce storage in a visually appealing way can add color (and nature) to our kitchens. 

A beautiful and practical walk-in pantry, can serve as a high functioning auxiliary kitchen, this one utilizes a large refrigerator paired with additional freezer drawers and additional storage drawers for dry goods and root vegetables. Ample counter space provides room to work or countertop storage for items that need to be instantly accessible. 

A large island provides the client with room to prepare meals and offers additional seating for guests to socialize or assist during food prep. The kitchen layout also encourages views to the exterior and provides a pleasant view whether drinking coffee or cutting vegetables. 

A focus on functional kitchen design, supported by natural materials and a connection to the outdoors, can contribute to the ease of healthy food preparation, directly impacting our physical and mental wellbeing. 

A consciously designed home that feels mentally supportive incorporates our values into the design process and feels like a joyful expression of our best selves. 

Bird with grey, brown, black and white markings.

Beyond the peace of mind provided by selecting natural and organic materials, creating a home that encourages rest, rejuvenation, and fosters a connection with nature can help us restore our energies and improve our mood. 

In recent years, we've created an increasing number of dedicated wellness spaces for residential clients. Having a room devoted to wellness prioritizes our mental health and holds space for us to take a time out when needed. For example, a wellness room could be a space for napping, floating, practicing yoga, or creating artwork. When we devote space physically to rest and wellness, our minds engage more naturally in these practices. 

When additional space to devote entirely to wellness may be lacking, bathrooms can ritualize the process of waking up and winding down, offering a space to cleanse and calm during a chaotic day. Each room creates a personalized hub inspired by patterning and imagery in nature. For example, a recent seaside project is an homage to pollinators, with a color palette inspired by honey, with bees inlaid on the tile and honeycomb patterning featured in the floors and referenced in the lighting. For a half bath, a field of flowers illuminates the ceiling, a theme continued in a subtle, abstracted floral patterning dotted in the tiles. Both rooms encourage the user to pause and enjoy their surroundings, making something as simple as hand washing a meditative act. 

silhouetted plant

By considering a cosmopolitical perspective throughout the home design process, we can make conscious and compassionate decisions that are physically and mentally supportive of ourselves and the environment at large. 

pink flower against green leaves

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).   

pink wildflowers in fields of greens.

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).

Resources

Is That Vegan? An Insider's Guide to Vegan Interior Design.

Vegan Interior Design.

Homes for People and Wildlife: How to Build Housing in a Nature-friendly Way.

What is Cosmopolitical Design? Conference at the Princeton University School of Architecture , 12 Apr. 2013, https://soa.princeton.edu/content/what-cosmopolitical-design

What is Cosmopolitical Design?: Design, Nature, and the Built Environment.

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).

Healthy Home Design: Natural Interiors

The impact of sustainability can be addressed both in terms of the built environment, and its effect on the day-to-day lives of the people who inhabit these designed spaces. Sound environmental home design should create a symbiotic relationship between the user and their environment. Designer Sarah Barnard’s holistic approach considers the psychological and emotional factors within a model to promote wellness.

Healthy Materials

When choosing the basics, one should keep in mind the range of organic materials that offer health benefits. Sarah believes that eco-friendly and natural material selection is the basis for a healthy design. “Creating a restorative environment begins with sustainable choices. Even the smallest decisions matter and can have profound effects on our health and the environment.” Her holistic approach towards material selection includes raw fibers and natural textiles, such as wool, cotton, and linen.

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This all natural (non-toxic) sofa pairs with a handmade, live edge coffee table displaying a collection of the homeowner's favorite things: agate slices, ammonites and an array of rose and lavender colored thistles. A group of brightly colored floor cushions provides the perfect casual living room seating. Natural fibers like wool and linen are comfortable and healthy and can be organically dyed.

Intricately hand carved sconces in American Walnut were designed by Sarah Barnard specifically for this “Scandifornian” style home. Natural woods are another excellent material with an array of attributes that can become a defining focal point within your design. From stunning colors to unique knots and grain patterns, natural woods such as oak, walnut, and maple provide various utility and elemental beauty within a home. Sarah Barnard works closely with local artisans and craftsmen to realize her custom furniture and lighting designs. This beautiful walnut dining table was custom made for this room from a single fallen tree.

Elemental Accents

A key component of biophilic design is to incorporate natural elements within an artificial environment. We spend so much of our time indoors that the objects we surround ourselves with become very important. Recently, Sarah Barnard completed a sustainable penthouse for an out of town couple with super meditative space requirements. Think total relaxation and harmony with the universe. By utilizing furniture and accessories as an expression of nature, Sarah’s custom designs bring the outdoors into the home. Elemental accents such as stone, concrete, minerals, ceramics, and plants create a sense of grounded balance.

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Sarah designed a concrete fireplace specifically for this home with features such as subtle, etched lines that reference the movement of water. The mantle displays specimens from the homeowner's collection of minerals. Delicate orbs are a soothing and repeated design element throughout the home. Sarah worked closely with a local artisan to realize her vision for custom designed wall sconces. This piece of functional art was hand-made from ceramic clay and fired in a kiln using traditional glazing processes.

A handmade table with a live wood edge feels close to nature drawing attention to its organic form. When displayed among collected shells and family photographs, large mineral specimens diversify a typical collection. Sarah believes it is vital to surround yourself with things both meaningful and beautiful.  "Live with what you love. Surround yourself with beauty and positive energy." Her design philosophy recognizes the importance of creating contemplative spaces that highlight her clients valued mementos and personal collections.

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Another beautiful hand made wood table was made to fit perfectly within the foyer alcove providing a gentle, welcoming display of objects meant to inspire, protect and enlighten. The subtle sheen of the pale blue wall covering references the nearby reflective sea and accompanies delicate coral inspired wall sconces.

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