** 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, emotion ...
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Not Just a Bathroom: Transform Yours Into a Daily Spa Retreat Ep #43
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26:49Send 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…
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Afraid of Looking Dated? How to Blend Old and New in Your Home Ep #42
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27:01Send 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 w…
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Before You Redecorate: Learn What Your Home Is Trying to Tell You. Ep #41
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24:15Send 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 b…
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The Art of Rest: Designing a Bedroom for Deep, Restorative Sleep. Ep #40
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37:20Send 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…
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Colour Confidence: 5 Steps to a Palette That Flows. Ep #39
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23:36Send 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…
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When Minimalism Becomes a Burden: Breaking Free from Perfection. Ep #38
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28:14Send 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 …
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From Boring to Beautiful: How to Start Personalizing Your Blank Space. Ep #37
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37:56Send 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 …
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Too Much or Not Enough? Solve Your Room’s Biggest Style Struggles. Ep # 36
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26:52Send 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 indec…
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Designing Away Decision Fatigue: How to Declutter and Simplify Your Home. Ep #35
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27:47Send 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 a…
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Are You Talking Yourself Out of Loving Your Home? #34
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12:06Send us a text Did 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. Drawi…
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Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers: The Science Behind Hosting. Ep #33
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28:42Send 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 roarin…
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Clearing the Air: Tackling Hidden Toxins in Your Home. Ep #32
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26:46Send 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 supp…
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Your Space, Reimagined: How Observation Can Transform Your Home. Ep #31
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23:58Send 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 migh…
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From Hammams to Home Spas: Embracing Ancient Rituals in Modern Wellness. Ep #30
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31:55Send us a text Ready to create a personal wellness retreat inspired by ancient rituals? In this episode, I’ll share stories from my Moroccan hammam experience and show you how timeless practices like saunas and steam rooms are evolving into home must-haves. We’ll explore the design essentials for bringing these luxurious, wellness-focused spaces in…
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Inclusive Home Design: Enhancing Well-Being Through Collaboration. Ep #29
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22:57Send us a text Find me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nico.smu/ Episode Description Ever find yourself the only one who knows where things are at home? Or maybe you’ve added a new decor piece, quietly hoping no one objects to your vision before it’s complete? Sharing a home often means one person becomes the ‘home lead,’ managing everythin…
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Season Shifts: Designing Your Home to Support Your Goals. Ep #28
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26:35Send us a text Welcome back after a summer break! In this episode, we dive into how the changing seasons impact our focus, habits, and goals—and the powerful role your home plays in supporting those shifts. Whether you're chasing a new morning routine, healthier habits, or more organization, the spaces we live in can either help or hinder our progr…
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Beyond Brick and Mortar: The Transformative Power of Outdoor Plazas on Health and Community. Ep #27
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31:34Send us a text Find me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nico.smu/ Episode Description This episode focused on outdoor plazas, public spaces, and their impact on health and well-being. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, Nico explores the historical significance of public spaces, tracing back to ancient Greece and Rom…
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Outdoor Oasis: Creating Your Home in Nature. Ep #26
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35:19Send us a text Welcome to "Outdoor Oasis: Creating Your Home in Nature," where we explore the art of transforming outdoor spaces into personal sanctuaries. As we approach the warmer months, join me in reimagining the way we live outdoors. From dining al fresco with loved ones to cozying up around a fire under the stars, we'll uncover the profound b…
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Renewal and Transformation: Spring's Influence on Our Living Spaces. Ep #25
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25:33Send us a text Join host Nico as she delves into the theme of renewal that accompanies the arrival of spring. Discover how this season of change, growth, and new beginnings sparks a desire for improvement, cleanliness, and organization in our homes, mirroring our personal quest for renewal. With expert advice and practical strategies, this episode …
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Navigating Grief at Home Part 2 with Guest Natassia Valli: Designing for Healing: Creating a Nurturing Home Environment. Ep #24
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44:15Send us a text Today we explore the transformative power of our living spaces during times of grief and loss. Join us as we delve into Natassia Valli's inspiring story of how her home became a sanctuary to navigate the grieving process after losing her husband. Discover how Natassia found solace and comfort by creating intentional spaces, embracing…
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Navigating Grief at Home Part 1: Strategies for Coping and Finding Solace. Ep #23
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26:56Send us a text 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 e…
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Balance In Design: Important Not Only For Your Look But For Your Life. Ep #22
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21:05Send us a text 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 t…
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Enhancing Well-being Through Awe and Surprise in Our Living Spaces. Ep #21
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21:49Send us a text 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 …
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Mastering the Art of Home Project Planning' 8 Steps for Success. Ep #20
30:13
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30:13Send us a text 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 …
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The Transformative Power of Art: Enhancing Well-being Through Art. Ep #19
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22:30Send us a text 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…
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The Pitfalls of Impulsive Decision-Making in Home Design. Ep #18
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28:13Send us a text 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 mak…
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Kitchen Design: Maximizing Efficiency and Aesthetics. Ep #17
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32:10Send us a text 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…
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The Desire for Change: Exploring the Craving for Sudden Change in Our Homes. Ep #16
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25:37
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25:37Send us a text 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, persona…
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The Impact of Atmosphere in your spaces on Mood and Well-being : Designing Authentic and Intentional Atmospheres. Ep #15
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24:07Send us a text 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 …
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Being Authentic When Designing your Home. The Year of Authenticity. Ep #14
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18:49Send us a text 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 diffic…
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Traditions, Memories, and Meaning: The Role of Christmas Decor in Our Lives. Ep #13
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18:44Send us a text 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 C…
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Creating A Healthy Happy Home Part 2: The Connection Between Home Organization, Cleanliness, and Overall Wellbeing. Ep #12
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27:35Send us a text 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…
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Creating A Healthy Happy Home Part 1. Ep #11
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7:22Send us a text 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…
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Learn Standard Dimensions To Create a Comfortable Space. Ep #10
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34:59Send us a text 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…
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How To: Antiques and Vintage To Level Up Your Interior Style and Boost Wellbeing. Ep #9
30:10
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30:10Send us a text 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. …
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The Home Reset : Reflection and Connection for a New You. Ep #8
25:11
25:11
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25:11Send us a text 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 i…
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Making Better Design Decisions: Simple Steps to Improve Decision Making. Ep #7
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34:16Send us a text 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 abou…
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Creating a Space with 'That Something' and a Bit About Me. Ep #6
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24:30Send us a text 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 need…
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Creating Successful Home-life Routines. Ep #5
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21:31Send us a text 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 specif…
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Trends : Crafting Your Own Unique Style. Ep #4
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22:52Send us a text 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 strat…
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The words you use: Breaking negative talk to improve your home. Ep #3
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17:20Send us a text 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…
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Combining the Best. Open Floor Plans vs Closed Floor Plans. Ep #1
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14:56Send us a text 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 drawback…
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Overnight Houseguests. How to do it right! Ep #2
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14:59Send us a text 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 an…
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Send us a text 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 kno…
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