The Hidden Reason Your Home Feels Off (And What to Do About It) Ep #49
Send us a textIs 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.Get on teh waitlist and get 15% off codeSupport 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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Hidden Storage and Concealed Rooms: Design Tricks That Create Calm, Order, and Impact Ep #48
Send us a textWhat 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 lookHow concealed rooms shape behavior and reduce stressDesign details that create surprise, delight, and orderThe neuroaesthetic reasons your brain craves visual calmPlus, 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.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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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
** 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.
New Zealand