For many Marin County residents, the sense of looming uncertainty—whether from climate concerns, economic fluctuations or global unrest—has created an increased desire for home environments that offer true respite.
Yet, when local trends begin to feel repetitive or uninspired, looking to outside experts can provide fresh inspiration and innovative solutions. To explore how intentional design can serve as an antidote to global gloom, we asked three top interior designers from across the country for their best insights.
Jodi Peterman, founder of Elizabeth Erin Designs in Destin, Florida, champions home design as a powerful act of self-care. “Designing your home can be one of the most powerful ways to unplug from the world—and plug back into yourself,” she explains. Peterman emphasizes that creating a supportive space isn’t about chasing trends or perfect Pinterest posts. Instead, it’s about nurturing genuine comfort and emotional restoration.
“The world is full of overwhelm right now,” Peterman says. “It’s more important than ever to design spaces that act like an emotional palette cleanser.” This could mean embracing soothing simplicity—soft textures, gentle lighting and organic materials—or injecting vibrant joy through bold colors and quirky touches. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” she adds, “but what’s universal is that your space should help you come back to yourself.”
For Kathy Kuo, founder of luxury design destination Kathy Kuo Home, based in New York, infusing playfulness into interior design is essential. “If the heavy state of the world is getting you down, invest in making your home a sanctuary,” Kuo advises. Her approach highlights personal joy and creativity, encouraging homeowners to lean into what genuinely makes them happy. “Think about your favorite textures, colors and motifs, and make sure they’re present in your home,” she suggests. “If you’ve always wanted a green velvet sofa, there’s no reason not to have one.”
Kuo believes the process of refreshing your home itself can be uplifting and creative. Whether one’s style leans toward French Country elegance, Coastal Beach charm or Modern Classic sophistication, designing a space intentionally not only brightens an environment but one’s mood as well.
Tanya Shively, principal designer of Sesshu Design in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializes in creating wellness-focused luxury interiors. For Shively, intentional home design is not just luxurious—it’s essential. “From infrared saunas to biophilic design, each element contributes to a sense of restoration and resilience against the outside world,” she notes. “Features like spa bathrooms, dedicated meditation spaces or whole-home water filtration used to be considered indulgences. But with all that’s going on today, they’re more than luxuries—they’re investments in well-being.”
Shively also underscores the psychological benefits of incorporating nature and thoughtful color choices into home design. “I am a firm believer in biophilic design—views of nature, fresh air, seamless indoor-outdoor transitions—that quietly supports your mental well-being,” she shares. The careful use of color further enhances emotional support: Tranquil blues and greens calm bedrooms and meditation spaces, while energizing yellows and rich terracottas enliven social areas.
Ultimately, each designer emphasizes that in a world filled with uncertainties, our homes offer something uniquely within our control. “We are in the era of home—where our spaces do more than shelter us; they sustain us,” Shively affirms.
As Peterman wisely adds, “When your space supports you emotionally, it doesn’t just look beautiful. It feels like relief.” —Weeklys Staff
Find more inspiration at Jodi Peterman: elizabetherindesigns.com; Kathy Kuo: kathykuohome.com; and Tanya Shively: sesshudesign.com.
