Send us a text Is your home quietly working against you? In this 50th episode of YourHome by Design, Nico uncovers five common design mistakes that are secretly causing stress- from visual clutter to poor furniture placement. Learn how to spot them, why they affect your well-being, and what small changes can make a big impact. Based in neuroaesthetics and real-life design strategy, this episode helps you use your home as a tool for better living. Perfect for design lovers, wellness seekers, a...

Send us a text Is your home starting to feel a little “off”- even if it looks beautiful? You might be experiencing design stagnation, and it could be quietly draining your energy, clarity, and motivation. In this episode of yourHOME by Design, recorded on a forest walk, Nico explores the concept of habituation - how our brains stop noticing what surrounds us and why this matters deeply for how we feel at home. You’ll learn: How to spot the subtle signs of a stagnant space.The neuroscience beh...

Send us a text 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-level design strategies used to elevate function and well-being. You’ll learn: Why hidden storage offers...

Send us a text 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’ll explore how neuroscience backs this emotional connection to objects, how to overcome the overwhe...

Send us a text 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 for your body, your home, and your life. I’m sharing my own sofa regret story, what I wish I kne...

Send us a text 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 to create a dynamic, balanced, and inviting space that feels truly yours. Whether you’re shopping for...

Send us a text 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 ensure your choices actually work for you. This episode walks you through the crucial steps to take befo...

Send us a text 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 real-life reflections and design strategies to spa-worthy touches that don’t require a renovation, yo...

Send us a text 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 well-being, and what neuroscience has to say about story-rich interiors. We’ll explore five common de...

Send us a text 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 the importance of room designation. How can you set up your home to support different aspects of you...

Send us a text 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 circadian rhythms and lighting to air quality, noise levels, aromatherapy, and even the luxury of sleep ...

Send us a text 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 good news? Creating a cohesive color scheme doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, we’re b...

Send us a text 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 short. We’ll dive into the difference between minimalism as a lifestyle versus a design...

Send us a text 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 why adding personal elements is essential to creating a home that feels good to live in. You’ll le...

Send us a text 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 beautiful but also supports your well-being. Using the brain’s natural need for balance and repetition,...

Send us a text 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 actionable tips and thoughtful insights, this episode will help you create a home that works for ...

Send us a textDid 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 simple mindset shift, I’ll show you how to reframe your words to transform your relationship with...

Send us a text 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, stress-free tips to make your next dinner party a hit. Whether you’re a hosting enthusiast or dread th...

Send us a text 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 beauty and harmony play a role in how we feel, it’s important to understand what’s in the air we bre...

Send us a text 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 take time to observe how we use a room, how we feel in it, and even what we ignore, we can make powerful a...