your home by design

Send us Fan Mail In todays episode, Nico delves into the theme of grief and its connection to the home environment. The home is portrayed as a space for transformation, reflection, and self-expression. Nico discusses the importance of acknowledging and dealing with grief within the home setting, and offers strategies for managing grief at home. The episode emphasizes the significance of safety, co...

Send us Fan Mail  Nico explores the significance of balance in interior design, and its impact on our well-being.  Balance is defined as the visual weight and proportion of a room, and it can be achieved by carefully considering the placement and arrangement of furniture, objects, and colors. The benefits of balance in design are discussed, including the creation of a harmonious and comfortable sp...

Send us Fan Mail You know when you expeience awe, the moment captivates you and maybe even takes your breath away.  Often these are some of the best moments we have.  Being in the moment being present, time seems to stand still.   Todays episode discusses the importance of incorporating elements of surprise and awe in our homes. Using our home as a tool to experience the benefits. Nico explains th...

Send us Fan Mail In todays episode Nico emphasizes the crucial role of effective planning and goal setting in achieving successful home projects. Nico compares planning to a puzzle, where each piece of the project is carefully decided and organized in advance to ensure a positive outcome. Aligning the project with personal values and long-term goals is stressed, highlighting the benefits of delaye...

Send us Fan Mail Todays episode Nico discusses the importance of art in our homes and how it can impact our health and well-being.  She emphasizes the significance of creative expression and how it can contribute to creating a home that reflects one's life and brings joy.  Nico delves into the various ways in which art can have a positive impact on our well-being, including creating new neura...

Send us Fan Mail Todays episode explores the topic of impulsivity and its impact on decision-making in our homes. Nico shares a cautionary tale about the regret that can come from impulsive decisions, emphasizing the importance of taking the time to make informed choices. She  stresses the significance of considering all factors and options before making a decision, as well as the role of personal...

Send us Fan Mail Join me in this episode as we delve into the fascinating relationship between homes, kitchens, and health.  Discover the importance of creating a functional kitchen that is tailored to your individual needs. We will explore key decisions in kitchen design, such as layout, appliance placement, and storage options.  Additionally, we will discuss the impact of lighting on both functi...

Send us Fan Mail Are you suddenly craving change in your home?  If that sounds like you, then listen up!  Todays episode Nico chats about the desire for change in our homes and shares some guidance on how to effectively embrace and execute that change.  Nico discusses the reasons why we crave sudden change, including the influence of springtime, personal wellbeing, trends and comparison, and dissa...

Send us Fan Mail The podcast episode explores the concept of atmosphere in interior design and its impact on our mood and well-being. Nico begins todays episode by sharing a personal anecdote about how music and the environment can inspire creativity and set a specific mood. Nico defines atmosphere as the mood and sensorial qualities of a space that guides our feelings and informs our experiences....

Send us Fan Mail Todays episode explores the concept of authenticity in interior design and how our access to a vast amount of design inspiration can hinder our ability to create authentic spaces.  Nico emphasizes the importance of being aware of the drawbacks of collecting too much information and inspiration, as it can lead to decision-making difficulties and decreased productivity.  Living auth...

Send us Fan Mail Todays episode titled "Traditions, Memories, and Meaning: The Role of Christmas Deco in Our Lives" explores the various aspects of Christmas and holiday decor and how they can impact our health and wellbeing.  Nico, expresses her excitement for the upcoming Christmas season and invites the listeners to join her in a discussion about Christmas decorations, memories associ...

Send us Fan Mail Todays episode discusses the importance of living in a healthy home for overall health and wellbeing. It emphasizes the need for a home that is aesthetically pleasing and reflects the individual's personal style.  A healthy home prioritizes physical, mental, and emotional health and enhances the quality of life. The episode highlights the connection between home organization,...

Send us Fan Mail Today Episode is part 1 Nico shares two clips from yourPARO Weekly videos, which are part of a free membership program that provides access to design tips, research, and tricks. The first clip discussed the importance of having a healthy home and how it contributes to a healthy life. The host emphasizes the need to regularly evaluate one's spaces and make changes if necessary...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wanted to know what size coffee table you need in your living room? Or how much space you need to sit comfortably at the dining table? In todays episode Nico discusses the importance of standard dimensions in creating a comfortable and functional home.  You will learn all about standard dimensions,  the measurements based on anthropometrics. These measurements are us...

Send us Fan Mail The podcast episode discusses the significance of antiques and vintage items in our homes.  These objects often come with a story, and our brains are wired to remember information better when it is presented in the form of a story. Sharing stories can strengthen our connection to others and even lead to positive changes in our lives.  Possessions that are significant to us, such a...

Send us Fan Mail A home reset is a great way to assess and adjust your living environment to better suit your life. It helps to create spaces that are intentional and bring joy, alignment, and positive energy into the home. Doing so can lead to increased confidence and social life, better time management, and improved mood. To reset your home, it’s important to pay attention to triggers and create...

Send us Fan Mail Making design decisions can have a significant impact on our lives and it is important to be thoughtful and deliberate in the process. To make effective design decisions, start by gathering inspiration, embracing your own style and story, and paying attention to your physical and emotional responses in various spaces.  Nico talks about setting time limits for one task, and conside...

Send us Fan Mail Interior design is a powerful tool for influencing wellbeing. Creating "That Something" is integral in creating a meaningful space that can promote physical and emotional health. Nico chats about herself and how she ahs taken years of experience and personal risks to expand knowledge to serve you. Additionally, understanding the needs and wants of a project is essential...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Nico talks about routines and how routines are an important part of keeping our homes and lives organized by helping to reduce stress and provide comfort in times of change.  In order to create a clutter-free kitchen environment, one key takeaway is to establish a consistent dishwasher routine by running it at a specific time each day - such as 3:30 PM - and taking...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode on yourHOME by design.  Interior Designer and researcher Nico Smutylo discusses how trends in home decor have played a major role in interior design and how they can both be beneficial and detrimental. Nico explains the importance of finding what speaks to you personally rather than following trends, and provides strategies for creating a space that makes you feel...

Send us Fan Mail The way you speak about your home today could affect your life..... including not wanting to have people over. In this episode we'll cover the importance of paying attention to the words used when discussing one's home and focus on the positive.  Secondly, interior design should be used to create a restorative atmosphere and emphasize the good things. Thirdly, it is impo...

Send us Fan Mail Discussing the importance of evaluating floor plans when designing living and working environments. Nico highlights the benefits of semi-open floor plans, which offer more flexibility in design, designation of rooms, privacy, and additional space while still allowing for some separation of spaces, while also pointing out the drawbacks of open floor plans that can lead to stress-in...

Send us Fan Mail Having guests over can create disruptions to our regular daily routines but can also be rewarding and memorable experiences. With some mindful preparation ahead of time, hosting both minor and major house guests  (Nico's fun way of describing them) can be an enjoyable experience.   In this episode Nico discusses how to set boundaries and make sure your guests feel comfortable...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome! yourPARO has launched a podcast!! Thank you for joining as your host Nico Smutylo, Interior designer and researcher, shares all the ways to improve your health and wellbeing with the design of your home. We explore the current research on home-health.  We chat about, the research, the findings,  the tips,  some professional know-how,  some personal stories,  a lot of insp...