TBD Monthly Round-Up
Things we are loving right now…
I’ve long believed that homes behave like living systems, and the way they feel, function, and support us is fundamental to our well-being. Considering how much of our lives are spent inside—both at home and at work—it’s essential to view our environments as a key part of our health.
We often frame “wellness” in terms of nutrition, movement, and longevity practices.
While those are undeniably important, our spaces carry equal influence.
This is the missing variable we’re only beginning to study seriously. Longevity isn’t solely biological; it’s behavioral, neurological, and environmental.
Design has the power to regulate our nervous systems, reduce stress, and create emotional stability. Thoughtful, organized, well-considered environments don’t just look beautiful—they actively support us.
Exploring the science behind this connection, and translating it into everyday, actionable design principles, is something I find endlessly compelling.
Here are five approachable ways to start:
Edit before you add
Clutter is visual noise, and our brains read it as unfinished work. Before adding anything new, edit first. Then give everything a “home” so organization becomes simple and sustainable.
The impact: less stress, clearer thinking, and a calmer nervous system
2. Prioritize light—especially layers of it
Light has a huge impact on mood, sleep, energy, and focus. Open window coverings when you can, use mirrors to reflect light, and be thoughtful about evening lighting. Aim for three layers: ambient, task, and soft accent lighting.
The impact: healthier circadian rhythms, better productivity, and softer, more relaxing evenings
3. Bring nature indoors
Biophilic design isn’t just aesthetic—it’s science. Natural materials, plants, organic textures, wood, stone, and views to the outdoors can actually calm the body. Even artwork or imagery of nature helps.
The impact: reduced stress, grounded energy, and a sense of connection
4. Create one truly restorative space
This doesn’t require a remodel. It can be as simple as a chair by a window, a reading nook, or a tech-free bedroom—somewhere that feels like an exhale.
The impact: your mind learns that rest is available, and your body follows
5. Design for the life you actually live
Wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about easing daily life. Build systems that support how you naturally live—entry drop zones, organized kitchens, and evening lighting that encourages rest.
The impact: calmer days and spaces that truly support you.
Behind the Scenes: Design in Progress
Our Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club project is in full swing.
Demolition went pretty quickly and we are starting to put it all back together. We leaned in to Mid Century Modern in a fun, quirky, colorful way. Loving seeing the progress on our walk throughs.
This house was built with the exterior walls built with “slump stone,” a type of concrete masonry. With the large renovation, it posed challenges as it is much more difficult to cut and patch.
Because we wanted to create a larger, more expansive kitchen area and access more natural light, it became more efficient to remove a large section of wall and re-frame which allowed us to enlarge the front window and hide plumbing between the studs.
Stay tuned for after images but here is a sneak peak of what is to come…
This is the front wall that was removed. You can see the slump stone to the far right of the image.
If we had worked with the existing slump stone we would have needed to run the plumbing on the inside and would have lost cabinet space and the window would have had to remain the same size or we would have needed to patch with a plaster artist who could mimic the slump stone.
This is a shot from the other direction looking into the dining room and kitchen space.
Design News
We are excited for 2026 and all that it will bring. We have a handful of projects that are in the messy middle of construction, a pretty Sebastopol project that we will photograph in Spring and some exciting plans for expansion.
Follow along to see what we are cooking up behind the scenes and in front of the lens…
Cheers to a New Year and the year of the Fire Horse,
- Tama