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Ever wondered why people in Japan sleep on futons, why Germans swear by two duvets, or why the French infuse elegance and scent into their bedrooms? In this first episode of Home by Country: How the World Sleeps, we explore global sleep traditions and what they teach us about design, wellness, and creating a restful bedroom. From history to modern rituals, discover how culture shapes the way we rest and how you can borrow these ideas to transform your own sleep environment. Learn about light, scent, sound, air quality, and styling tips that blend design with science for deeper rest.

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Resources: Free Living Room Know How. Free Bathroom Serenity Guide. Get the Free Guides Here! https://www.yourparo.com/free-guides

Digital Course: Design Your Home for Better Living https://www.yourparo.com/course

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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, and anyone craving more calm, clarity, and control in their space.

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Website: https://www.yourparo.com/
Resources: Free Living Room Know How. Free Bathroom Serenity Guide. Get the Free Guides Here! https://www.yourparo.com/free-guides

Digital Course: Design Your Home for Better Living https://www.yourparo.com/course

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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 behind why you stop noticing clutter, lighting, or layout issues.
• Simple tweaks to reignite purpose and beauty in your rooms.
• Why design isn’t just about aesthetics but about daily well-being and mental energy.
• Small, science-backed shifts you can make today to feel more alive in your space.

Whether you rent or own, love your home or feel disconnected from it, this episode will help you see your surroundings differently-and use them as tools to support a better life.

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Website: https://www.yourparo.com/
Resources: Free Living Room Know How. Free Bathroom Serenity Guide. Get the Free Guides Here! https://www.yourparo.com/free-guides

Digital Course: Design Your Home for Better Living https://www.yourparo.com/course

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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 more than just a clean look
• How concealed rooms shape behavior and reduce stress
• Design details that create surprise, delight, and order
• The neuroaesthetic reasons your brain craves visual calm

Plus, I share a personal client story about transforming a forgotten entry closet into a focal-point bench with hidden storage-proving that overlooked spaces can become moments of joy.

If you want a calmer, more intentional home that supports your life, this episode is for you.

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Website: https://www.yourparo.com/
Resources: Free Living Room Know How. Free Bathroom Serenity Guide. Get the Free Guides Here! https://www.yourparo.com/free-guides

Digital Course: Design Your Home for Better Living https://www.yourparo.com/course

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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 overwhelm of thrifting, and where to look when you’re just starting out.

Whether you're thrift-curious or already a seasoned scavenger, this episode offers practical designer tips, smart sourcing strategies, and a fresh perspective on shopping slow and decorating with intention.

Let’s turn your next vintage find into a story worth telling.

Takeaways

• Hunting for secondhand items is about connection, not just aesthetics.
• Emotional design impacts how we feel about our spaces.
• Neuroesthetics links storytelling to our bond with the environment.
• Every object we bring home carries a story.
• Thrift stores and salvage yards are treasure troves for unique finds.
• Creating a list before shopping helps focus your search.
• It's important to visit thrift stores regularly to discover new items.
• Be open to the experience of hunting, even if it feels overwhelming.
• Curate your space with intention to avoid clutter.
• The stories behind objects can enhance the emotional value of your home.

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Website: https://www.yourparo.com/
Resources: Free Living Room Know How. Free Bathroom Serenity Guide. Get the Free Guides Here! https://www.yourparo.com/free-guides

Digital Course: Design Your Home for Better Living https://www.yourparo.com/course

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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 knew then, and things I’ve learned since—including why the right sofa can literally help your brain relax. We’re talking about ergonomics, aesthetics, materials, and the psychology behind comfort. Let's make your next sofa choice a smart one.

takeaways

• Choosing a sofa should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
• The right sofa can literally help your brain relax.
• Quality and ergonomics are crucial when selecting a sofa.
• Good posture allows you to feel assertive and confident.
• Your brain releases happiness hormones in a cozy space.
• Designate the room properly for its intended use.
• Don't just focus on looks when buying a sofa; consider functionality.
• Ask about the fabric's durability based on your lifestyle.
• Measure your hallway widths to ensure the sofa fits.
• Use painter's tape to visualize the sofa's space in your room.

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Website: https://www.yourparo.com/
Resources: Free Living Room Know How. Free Bathroom Serenity Guide. Get the Free Guides Here! https://www.yourparo.com/free-guides

Digital Course: Design Your Home for Better Living https://www.yourparo.com/course

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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 samples or decorating your living room, this episode will guide you on how to stay aligned with your design goals and bring purposeful rhythm and flow to your home. Tune in to unlock the secret to making your home feel complete, grounded, and full of life.

Takeaways

Layering gives a room its soul and character.
Creating a home reflects personal identity and lifestyle.
Layering is essential for making a space feel lived in.
Connection to a space enhances feelings of belonging.
Layering is a process of decision-making and storytelling.
Every object in a room should serve a purpose.
A well-layered space reflects the way you want to live.
Layering can be achieved through textiles, materials, and colors.
The balance of heights and shapes adds dynamism to a room.
Completing a space involves knowing when to stop adding elements.

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Website: https://www.yourparo.com/
Resources: Free Living Room Know How. Free Bathroom Serenity Guide. Get the Free Guides Here! https://www.yourparo.com/free-guides

Digital Course: Design Your Home for Better Living https://www.yourparo.com/course

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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 before you start sourcing — from identifying your goals and lifestyle needs to understanding how each element of your space can support your well-being. We’ll dive into how to plan with intention, focusing on the areas of your life you want to improve, and creating a vision that aligns with your personal needs. By getting clear on these things up front, your sourcing process will be smoother, your design decisions will feel more aligned, and your space will truly reflect what you need from it.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the design process or uncertain about where to start, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to build the groundwork for a home that supports you — physically, emotionally, and practically — before you begin the fun part of picking out finishes.

Get on teh waitlist and get 15% off code

Support the show

Website: https://www.yourparo.com/
Resources: Free Living Room Know How. Free Bathroom Serenity Guide. Get the Free Guides Here! https://www.yourparo.com/free-guides

Digital Course: Design Your Home for Better Living https://www.yourparo.com/course