Why You Should Start Thrifting for Your Home - And How to Do It Like a Designer Ep #47
Send us a textDo 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.TakeawaysHunting 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.Support the showWebsite: 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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The Sofa Dilemma: Designing Around the Comfiest Piece in the Room Ep #46
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 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. takeawaysChoosing 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.Support the showWebsite: 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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Layering: The Secret Design Tool to Make Your Space Look Effortlessly Polished #45
Send us a textIn 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. TakeawaysLayering 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.Support the showWebsite: 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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Avoid the Sourcing Trap: The Key Steps Before You Start Buying Ep #44
Send us a textAre 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.Support the showWebsite: 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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Not Just a Bathroom: Transform Yours Into a Daily Spa Retreat Ep #43
Send us a textAfter 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, you’ll learn how to create a bathroom that supports your daily wellbeing.Whether you’re planning a refresh, a reno, or just looking to make your home feel better—this episode is full of practical ideas, inspiring shifts, and realistic upgrades you can start today.Support the showWebsite: 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
** New episodes every other Wednesday! **Your home is more than just a place—it’s the backdrop to your life, shaping your mood, mindset, and overall well-being. In this podcast, Nico uncovers the powerful link between interior design and neuroaesthetics, exploring how your environment influences your brain, body, and sense of fulfillment.From practical design tips that make your space more functional and beautiful, to the science behind how thoughtful choices can boost your mental, emotional, and physical health, each episode shows how your home can become a tool for personal growth. Nico dives deep into how small design changes can foster better habits, help you become the person you want to be, and support a lifestyle that aligns with your goals for wellness and fulfillment.Whether you’re redecorating, renovating, or simply curious about the psychology of design, this podcast offers research-driven insights, expert advice, and heartfelt stories to help you create a home that doesn’t just look good, but feels good—and helps you thrive.Join Nico, founder of yourPARO, as she blends design expertise with the science of neuroaesthetics and wellness, showing how your space can elevate your health, happiness, and lifestyle.
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