your home by design

Send us Fan Mail What if your clutter problem isn’t about too much stuff - but not enough smart design ? In this episode of YourHome by Design , we explore how hidden storage and concealed rooms can create calm, support better daily rhythms, and reduce the friction you feel at home. From recessed bathroom mirrors to secret doors and cleverly disguised laundry spaces, I’ll walk you through high-lev...

Send us Fan Mail Do you ever wonder how people find those one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that instantly elevate a space? In this episode of Your Home by Design , I’m sharing the art of the hunt- why secondhand and vintage decor isn’t just about style, but about soul. You’ll hear a story from my teenage years about a painted peace-sign table that transformed not just my room, but how I felt in it. We...

Send us Fan Mail  You might think a sofa is just a place to sit-but it's so much more than that.  In this episode of Your Home by Design , we're diving deep into the art (and science) of sofa selection. Whether you’re designing a room around a brand new piece or making your current couch work better in your space, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes and find the right fit fo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Your Home by Design , we dive deep into the transformative power of intentional layering in interior design. Discover how to build your room’s story through carefully selected materials, textures, and shapes that speak to your lifestyle and wellbeing. From choosing the right wood tones and ceramics to playing with curves, angles, and heights, learn expert tips t...

Send us Fan Mail Are you jumping straight into sourcing furniture and finishes for your home without a clear plan in place? It might be time to pause. In this episode, we tackle one of the most common pitfalls in interior design: sourcing before you’ve done the necessary groundwork. Before you start picking out that perfect sofa or those stylish light fixtures, you need a solid foundation to ensur...

Send us Fan Mail After hosting a houseful of guests and doing a much-needed deep clean, I had a moment in my bathroom that sparked this entire episode. It reminded me just how powerful our spaces can be—especially the ones we often overlook, like the bathroom. In this episode, I’m talking about how to move your bathroom from a purely functional space to one that restores and nourishes you. From re...

Send us Fan Mail Ever feel like something’s missing in a room that’s all new? Like it’s technically right—but it doesn’t feel quite alive ? In this episode of YourHome by Design , we’re talking about the magic that antiques and vintage pieces bring into a home—not just visually, but emotionally and energetically. I’ll share why old things matter in a well-designed space, how they can support your...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we unpack the deeper meaning of home and how it profoundly impacts our well-being. I share a personal story about my own journey of finding home, from unexpected challenges in a competitive housing market to the realization that home is more than just a place—it’s an emotional anchor. We also explore the psychology behind the doorway effect and how it reinforces t...

Send us Fan Mail We all want to wake up feeling refreshed and energized, yet so often, we brush off poor sleep as just another restless night. But what if we could do more than just “get through” the night? What if we could create an environment that sets us up for deep, restorative sleep—every night? In this episode, we’re diving into the science of sleep and the art of bedroom design. From circa...

Send us Fan Mail Choosing colors for your home can feel like impossible. Maybe you’ve picked a paint color that looked perfect in the store but felt completely wrong on your walls. Or you’ve brought home a piece of furniture, only to realize it clashes with everything else. Color has the power to bring harmony and personality to a space—but when it’s off, it creates a sense of visual chaos. The go...

Send us Fan Mail  Does minimalism feel more like a burden than a breath of fresh air?  In this episode of YourHome by Design, we’re challenging the stereotypes of minimalism as a flawless, picture-perfect look. Discover why chasing this ideal can lead to stress and frustration, and learn how to embrace a minimalist lifestyle without losing personality or feeling like you’re constantly falling shor...

Send us Fan Mail If a stranger walked through your home, would they be able to tell who lives there? Would they see hints of your travels, your hobbies, the music you love, or the coffee ritual you can’t live without? Many homes lack personality—not because their owners don’t have a story to tell, but because they don’t know how to translate it into their space. In this episode, we’ll talk about w...

Send us Fan Mail Are you feeling stuck and overwhelmed when it comes to designing your home? Struggling to figure out what’s missing or how to bring your space together in a way that feels balanced and intentional? In Episode 36, we tackle this head-on with design tips you can’t afford to miss. I share practical strategies to help you move past indecision and create a home that not only looks beau...

Send us Fan Mail  Feeling overwhelmed by clutter and endless choices in your home? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re exploring how decision fatigue affects our ability to design and organize our spaces. Learn why too many options can lead to paralysis, how clutter impacts your mental clarity, and the steps you can take to simplify choices and align your home with your goals. Packed with act...

Send us Fan Mail Did you know that the words you use to describe your home can impact your mindset, stress levels, and overall well-being?  In this episode of yourHome by design, I share how speaking negatively about your home—whether casually in conversation or internally to yourself—can disconnect you from the joy your space is meant to bring.  Drawing on research, real-life stories, and a simpl...

Send us Fan Mail Why does hosting a gathering spark joy for some but anxiety for others?  In this episode, we unpack the fascinating psychology and science behind hosting. Discover how breaking bread with others improves your mental health, boosts oxytocin, and strengthens relationships. Travel through time as we explore hosting trends from the roaring '20s to today, and gather practical, str...

Send us Fan Mail Can the design of your home impact your health in ways you don’t see? In this episode, we’re exploring the hidden side of interior design—the materials, products, and air quality that may be quietly influencing your well-being. As someone who blends neuroaesthetics with interior design, I believe that the spaces we create should support both our mental and physical health. While b...

Send us Fan Mail Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nico.smu/ Episode Description  Today, we're uncovering one of the most overlooked tools in home design—observation. Often, we arrange a room, step back, and call it done, but there's so much more beneath the surface. Our spaces impact our mood, productivity, and well-being in ways we might not consciously notice. When we tak...

Send us Fan Mail  Ready to create a personal wellness retreat inspired by ancient rituals? In this episode, I’ll share stories from my Moroccan hammam experience and show you how timeless practices like saunas and steam rooms are evolving into home must-haves. We’ll explore the design essentials for bringing these luxurious, wellness-focused spaces into your home, from aesthetic choices to functio...

Send us Fan Mail Find me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nico.smu/ Episode Description Ever find yourself the only one who knows where things are at home? Or maybe you’ve added a new decor piece, quietly hoping no one objects to your vision before it’s complete? Sharing a home often means one person becomes the ‘home lead,’ managing everything from aesthetics to organization. But what if t...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back after a summer break!  In this episode, we dive into how the changing seasons impact our focus, habits, and goals—and the powerful role your home plays in supporting those shifts.  Whether you're chasing a new morning routine, healthier habits, or more organization, the spaces we live in can either help or hinder our progress.  Tune in as we explore how intention...

Send us Fan Mail Find me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nico.smu/ Episode Description This episode focused on outdoor plazas, public spaces, and their impact on health and well-being. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, Nico explores the historical significance of public spaces, tracing back to ancient Greece and Rome, and their role as hubs of community life. Dis...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to "Outdoor Oasis: Creating Your Home in Nature," where we explore the art of transforming outdoor spaces into personal sanctuaries.  As we approach the warmer months, join me in reimagining the way we live outdoors. From dining al fresco with loved ones to cozying up around a fire under the stars, we'll uncover the profound benefits of embracing outdoor liv...

Send us Fan Mail Join host Nico as she delves into the theme of renewal that accompanies the arrival of spring. Discover how this season of change, growth, and new beginnings sparks a desire for improvement, cleanliness, and organization in our homes, mirroring our personal quest for renewal. With expert advice and practical strategies, this episode empowers you to align your living environment wi...

Send us Fan Mail Today we explore the transformative power of our living spaces during times of grief and loss.  Join us as we delve into Natassia Valli's  inspiring story of how her home became a sanctuary to navigate the grieving process after losing her husband. Discover how Natassia found solace and comfort by creating intentional spaces, embracing minimalism, and incorporating therapeuti...