Healthy Design—Is There Such a Thing?

Jul 15

Short answer: Yes. Long answer? Let me show you.

As an interior designer and holistic nutrition consultant, I’ve found my sweet spot combining two passions: creating beautiful spaces and promoting wellness. You might wonder—what do interior design and health have to do with each other?

Quite a bit, if you ask me.

Both are fundamental lifestyle choices that shape how we live our best lives. Good design nourishes the mind and moves the spirit. Where we live profoundly affects our mental well-being, our sense of peace, and our comfort. And just like food fuels your cells, your home fuels your mood. Design and health aren’t separate. They’re two sides of the same beautifully lived life.

I still remember my college dorm in Madison, Wisconsin. Picture mosquito netting draped over a double futon bed, walls covered in black-and-white fashion photos gifted by my photographer boyfriend at the time. Those bold choices weren’t exactly Wisconsin dorm room chic, but I didn’t care. It reflected how I wanted to feel—where I wanted to be (which, frankly, was not in college). That was my first real taste of how design can transform not just a space, but a mindset. My design spirit was born.

It wasn’t until my twenties—after a disappointing experience with a designer I hired to redo my first apartment—that I decided to honor my love of design and pursue formal training at Parsons. Working freelance while raising four kids and gut-renovating two homes taught me more than any textbook could. But it was a family tragedy years later that led me to bridge my design expertise with my passion for health and wellness.

Just as a person radiating health is naturally beautiful, our homes should both delight our senses and nurture our well-being. I believe healthy and beautiful should go hand in hand—it’s the foundation of how I work.

Why Healthy Design Matters

We spend up to 70% of our time indoors, so what we bring into our homes matters—a lot. Indoor air pollution is real, and one of the simplest ways to protect your health is to be thoughtful about the materials and furnishings you select.

And here’s the simple truth: sometimes it’s not just what you add—but what you leave out—that makes the biggest difference.

That doesn’t mean you have to be obsessive or anxious. You can’t control everything—and that’s okay. Many of my clients are primarily drawn to my design aesthetic. I never force the health conversation. Like in nutrition, I meet people where they are. But for those who want a healthy materials advocate in their corner, I can deliver both: design that looks stunning and supports your well-being.

The good news? As awareness grows, the design and construction industries are evolving. The not-so-good news? We’ve still got a long way to go. That’s why it’s up to us—as homeowners, renters, consumers—to ask better questions and demand better choices. Think of it like label-reading in the grocery store. But for your paint and furniture.

When it comes to your home, consider asking:

What’s in this paint?
Can I find a natural fabric for my sofa, chair, rug, etc.?
Do I need it? Especially if there isn’t a natural or safe option.
What’s in this mattress? (Since, ideally, you’re spending 8 hours a night there!)