Features + Resources
Welcome to Features + Resources — your go-to space for wellness design inspiration, education, and discovery. Whether you're exploring biophilic interior design, seeking eco-friendly interior design ideas, or looking for sustainable home decor that includes thrifted and natural finds, you'll find thoughtful features and trusted resources here.
As a Minneapolis-based interior designer, I believe that a true home sanctuary begins with mindful interior design choices — ones that honor your health, your values, and the planet. This is where I share what I'm learning, loving, and recommending so you can create a healthy, natural home design that feels as good as it looks.
Media Info
A curated collection of articles and blogs I turn to for staying current on sustainable and biophilic design—covering everything from material innovation and green building practices to the growing body of research on how natural elements in a space support wellbeing. Whether you're new to these concepts or looking to go deeper, these resources are a great place to start.
Companies
Arhaus
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Sustainable practices
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Our $10 million donation to The Nature Conservancy and its local Indonesian affiliate, YKAN, is preserving 54,000 acres of rainforest in East Kalimantan, Borneo, protecting enough natural habitat to save the East Borneo orangutan from extinction.
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We work with our partners, including The Nature Conservancy and American Forests, to plant hundreds of thousands of trees—benefitting water, wildlife, people, and climate.
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A lot of fractal patterning and inspiration from nature
Benjamin Moore
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Eco Spec Paint Product: their lowest odor, greenest paint with zero emissions and VOC's; certified allergy and asthma friendly
Cambria
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Cambria is compliant with the International Living Future Institute’s Living Building Challenge (LBC), a green building certification program and sustainable design framework that visualizes the ideal for the built environment.
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As the world’s most rigorous proven performance standard for buildings, LBC buildings give more than they take, creating a positive impact on the human and natural systems that interact with them. Our LBC compliance affirms that we do not use heavy metals.
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How does Cambria minimize its environmental impact within the product and fabrication facilities?
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Water: Through a series of advanced settling and filtering techniques, they recycle the majority of the water used for production in their slab manufacturing and fabrication facilities.
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An on-site pond provides water to the grounds of the slab manufacturing facility.
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Tooling: All diamond-metal tooling is refurbished, recycled, and reused.
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Recycled Products: Cambria offers designs with recycled content comprised of reused Cambria quartz slabs. The following Cambria designs contain pre-consumer recycled content certified by SCS Global Services: Brittanicca Block™ and Big Sur Mist™.
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Chasing Paper
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Intention over Waste: Every roll they print has a home waiting for it. By making only what's needed, they cut down on excess inventory and waste.
Crystorama Lighting
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Intentional about the materials they select and the illumination they create, integrating LED technology, natural elements, and organic patterns of light and shadow to support healthier, more mindful environments.
Forbo (Flooring Product)
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In their factory in Ripley, they produce Flotex sheet and tiles. In 2001 they almost completely eliminated their use of landfill by installing the first recycling plant of its kind to convert pre-consumer waste into high performance carpet tile backing. Today this facility processes nearly 50 tons of waste a week.
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On average, they can claim the highest percentage of recycled content by weight in the industry for their carpet tiles, up to as high as 56%.
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For their Coral textile solutions they use Econyl: yarns which are sourced from waste fishing nets rescued from the oceans. Their entrance floor covering can stop up to 95% of dirt from being walked into the building. In this way, entrance flooring can protect the quality of an interior, lengthen the use of a floor and cut down on cleaning and maintenance costs and the use of detergents.
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The yarns are made from 100% regenerated material.
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Their modular Flotex backings are made with recycled PVC. Both hygienic and washable, Flotex nylon carpet is an example of the type of innovation that opens up new segments for textiles. Not only in hospitality, leisure spaces and offices, but also in healthcare facilities, schools and public buildings
Retold Recycling
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Recyle textiles by mailing in pre-purchased mailing bags
Room & Board
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All solid wood materials are sustainably sourced
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90% of inventory is made in the U.S.
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Certified B-Corp company since 2023 (certified by B Lab™, the nonprofit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet)
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Their "Renew" Chair is made from 99% bio-based materials for a uniquely sustainable design. The sculptural wood frame hugs comfortable latex and wool cushioning with refined lines for enduring appeal. Since the wood is reclaimed, each piece showcases unique grain and color variation.
The Art Around You
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High resolution photographs of nature that are used across the US for hospitality, healthcare and corporate clients.
Wescover
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Unique, woven, natural material artwork and tapestries
Williams Sonoma, Inc (Pottery Barn, PB Kids, PB Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Williams Sonoma, Greenrow, Mark & Graham)
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Member of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - the gold standard in responsble forest management
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West Elm: Hensley Collection is made from their new (2026) program to reclaim elm, keep it out of the waste sytem and offer it in a sustainable way
Sustainable Products
Cork Flooring
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100% natural
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100% renewable, biodegradable & recyclable
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Durable; long lasting
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Increases CO2 absorption
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Low-impact production
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Moisture-resistant, flexible, and eco-friendly
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Natural insulator: cool in summer / warm in winter; helps with energy savings
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No VOC emissions
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Rapidly renewable
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Sustainable
Energy-Efficient Lighting
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Fewer toxic materials
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Less waste (lasts 25x longer than standard lighting)
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Lower carbon emissions
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Lower electricity bills
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Minimal heat generation
Low VOC Paint (Volatile Organic Compound)
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Eco-friendly (reduces carbon footprint & aligns with green building standards)
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Healthier air quality; emits less toxic fumes
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Safer for vulnerable people who suffer from allergies & asthma
Natural Fiber Textiles
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Eco-friendly & sustainable; lower carbon footprint
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Improved air quality & health
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Timeless aesthetic & patina; natural fibers typically age gracefully vs. wearing out
Reclaimed Materials
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Lower carbon footprint (incorporating salvaged wood, recycled metals, or repurposed glass drastically lowers a project's carbon footprint)
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Resource conservation (cuts the demand for new timber extraction, protecting forests and natural ecosystems)
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Supports the "Circular Design Principles" by promoting a zero-waste, upcycling philosophy
Best Practices
Donate
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Accessories (jewelry, purses, tote bags)
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Clothing
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Dishes, glasses, coffee mugs and serving ware
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Furniture
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Home decor
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Kitchen items
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Old towels and rags (animal rescue organizations are almost always in need of these items)
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Shoes
Consignment
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Accessories (jewelry, purses, tote bags)
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Clothing
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Furniture
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Shoes
Recycling
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Electronics
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Small Appliances
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Textiles (mail in bags from Retold Recycling)
Thrifting
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AbleLight Thrift Shop
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Arc's Value Village
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Hidden Treasures
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Goodwill
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Restore Outlet (Habitat for Humanity)
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Savers
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The Prop Shop
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Trending Upward
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Turnstyle
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Unique
Media Info
Books
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Beauty, Neuroscience & Architecture by Donald H. Ruggles
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Biophilic Design by Stephen R. Kellert
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Good Nature: The New Science About How Nature Improves Our Health by Kathy Willis
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Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things by Ingrid Fetell Lee
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The Nature Fix by Florence Williams
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The Power of Place: How Our Surroundings Shape Our Thoughts, Emotions, and Actions by Winifred Gallagher
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The Shaping of Us: How Everyday Spaces Structure Our Lives, Behavior, and Well-Being by Lily Bernheimer
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Wellness by Design: A room-by-room Guide to Optimizing Your Home for Health, Fitness & Happiness by Jamie Gold
Blogs
Documentaries
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Built Beautiful on Amazon Prime
Podcasts
*check back for updates*
Websites
Tips
Artwork
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Nature images help lower stress and calm the nervous system
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Floral patterns and nature motifs help to reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone)
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Nature scenes are used by hospitals to promote recovery
Creating Emotional Spaces
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Abundance: focuses on creating a rich sensory experience through a diverse color palette, a mix of patterns, and various textures. Think colorful murals, patterned throws, and eclectic furniture that tell a story of richness and life.
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Renewal: incorporates floral motifs, natural materials, and curved, organic forms that mimic nature. Large windows that invite natural light and fresh air are crucial, as is the use of sustainable materials that reflect a commitment to the environment.
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Play: celebrates the fun side of design with playful shapes (like circles and curves), novelty items, and cute, kawaii-inspired elements. Playful spaces encourage interaction and laughter, featuring rounded furniture, multifunctional areas, and quirky decor that sparks conversation and enjoyment.
Décor
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Hang a canvas of the forest or ocean opposite your bed
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Add floral-embroidered textiles for texture and color (pillows, window treatments, rugs)
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Place nature-inspired sculptures on tabletops or shelves
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Use bold wallpaper and murals that depict scenes of nature
Plants & Greenery
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Bathroom: High humidity and low light are typical here, making it perfect for moisture-loving plants like ferns or English Ivy, which help reduce mold and improve air quality.
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Bedroom: Choose plants that contribute to better sleep quality, such as Lavender or Peace Lilies, known for their air-purifying properties and calming scents.
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Enhances well-being, boosting creativity, and transforming spaces
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Entryway: Begin with low-light plants or artistic alternatives like decorative branches to create a welcoming and interesting space.
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Living Room: Large plants or fresh-cut flowers can serve as stunning focal points, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for social gatherings.
Scents
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Chamomile = relaxation & coziness
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Eucalyptus in shower = spa vibes
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Floral = mood lift
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Lavender = relaxation; lavender on a nightstand = sleep cues
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Mint & Rosemary in kitchen = freshness & function
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Peppermint = alertness
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Rosemary = focus
*Clean burning scents: Soy, coconut, beeswax bases; add in essential oils for scents