Room to Think Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:30:52 -0400 https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/ en-us © 2026 Room to Think yes 31b334ea-8796-5f75-9485-ad81d2e501c0 Lyssia Katan episodic false Room to Think explores how the spaces we live and work in shape how we think, feel, and function.

Hosted by Lyssia Katan, Head of Brand at LiLi Tile, the podcast features conversations with world-class architects, designers, neuroscientists, psychologists, and cultural thinkers. Together, they unpack how light, layout, materials, sound, and spatial decisions influence stress, focus, creativity, and wellbeing, and share practical insights you can apply in your own home or workspace.

New episodes drop on Tuesdays. Follow Room to Think on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.


]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Lyssia Katan https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5vn3am32pfn4x82h6ecx8w0qe0bi?.jpg Room to Think https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/ Murals, Memory, and the Meaning of Home Murals, Memory, and the Meaning of Home In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Hollis Callas, a California-based illustrator, muralist, and designer, to explore how art, nature, memory, and personal expression can bring a space to life. Working across illustration, textiles, tile, interiors, and large-scale murals, Hollis creates art rooted in the natural world and in the small experiences that make a place feel meaningful. From flowers sketched on neighborhood walks to birds painted across the sides of buildings, her work asks what happens when the spaces around us begin to tell a story.

The conversation breaks down why so many homes today feel polished but strangely impersonal. Hollis explains how social media has made people increasingly concerned with whether they are decorating correctly, often replacing their own instincts with trends, references, and rooms that already exist online. They explore why so many spaces are beginning to look the same, what gets lost when we design for approval, and why a home feels more soulful when it contains evidence of the person actually living there.

Hollis also shares how murals can completely transform the experience of a place. She describes how an unexpected opportunity to paint her first mural led to projects inside homes, hospitality spaces, neighborhood bars, and across the exterior of a three-story building. They discuss why public art can create a stronger sense of care and identity within a neighborhood, how murals become landmarks people feel emotionally attached to, and how color and artwork can even encourage drivers to slow down and make a street feel safer.

The conversation also explores the relationship between art and permanence. Drawing from her background in ceramics and her award-winning tile collection with LiLi Tile, Hollis reflects on the objects and images humans have used to tell their stories for thousands of years. From ancient pottery and the mosaics of Pompeii to contemporary murals and decorative tile, they discuss how the things we place on our walls and floors can reveal what we valued, what brought us joy, and how we lived long after we are gone.

Hollis also explains why creativity often requires giving yourself permission to make something ugly. In a culture focused on productivity, perfection, and immediate results, she shares why experimentation can feel wasteful even when it is essential to the creative process. They discuss how constantly searching for inspiration online can quietly replace original thought, why some of the most successful ideas begin without a practical outcome in mind, and how making space to play can lead to work that would never emerge from trying to predict what other people will like.

Nature is another central part of the conversation. Hollis shares how growing up around gardens in Georgia and spending much of her life outdoors shaped the subjects, colors, and feelings within her work. She explains why observing plants, animals, and changing seasons can help us slow down, reconnect with our senses, and notice the small transformations happening around us every day. They also explore why bringing plants, natural imagery, and organic materials into a home can create a greater sense of calm, curiosity, and life.

Hollis offers practical advice for anyone struggling to make their home feel personal. Rather than beginning with what a room should look like, she suggests asking how you want it to make you feel. From there, color, artwork, objects, photographs, plants, and materials can be chosen based on the memories and emotions they carry. Whether it is a handmade mug collected while traveling, a photograph from a meaningful day, or a painting that simply makes you laugh, the most powerful pieces in a home are often the ones that could not belong to anyone else.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that your home does not need to look more perfect. It may need more evidence of your life: the places you have been, the things you have noticed, the people you love, and the stories you want your walls to keep telling.

More Room to Think:

Hollis Callas
Website: https://www.holliscallas.com/
Tile Collection: https://lilitile.com/collections/hollis-callas-cement-tiles

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Hollis Callas, a California-based illustrator, muralist, and designer, to explore how art, nature, memory, and personal expression can bring a space to life. Working across illustration, textiles, tile, interiors, and large-scale murals, Hollis creates art rooted in the natural world and in the small experiences that make a place feel meaningful. From flowers sketched on neighborhood walks to birds painted across the sides of buildings, her work asks what happens when the spaces around us begin to tell a story.

The conversation breaks down why so many homes today feel polished but strangely impersonal. Hollis explains how social media has made people increasingly concerned with whether they are decorating correctly, often replacing their own instincts with trends, references, and rooms that already exist online. They explore why so many spaces are beginning to look the same, what gets lost when we design for approval, and why a home feels more soulful when it contains evidence of the person actually living there.

Hollis also shares how murals can completely transform the experience of a place. She describes how an unexpected opportunity to paint her first mural led to projects inside homes, hospitality spaces, neighborhood bars, and across the exterior of a three-story building. They discuss why public art can create a stronger sense of care and identity within a neighborhood, how murals become landmarks people feel emotionally attached to, and how color and artwork can even encourage drivers to slow down and make a street feel safer.

The conversation also explores the relationship between art and permanence. Drawing from her background in ceramics and her award-winning tile collection with LiLi Tile, Hollis reflects on the objects and images humans have used to tell their stories for thousands of years. From ancient pottery and the mosaics of Pompeii to contemporary murals and decorative tile, they discuss how the things we place on our walls and floors can reveal what we valued, what brought us joy, and how we lived long after we are gone.

Hollis also explains why creativity often requires giving yourself permission to make something ugly. In a culture focused on productivity, perfection, and immediate results, she shares why experimentation can feel wasteful even when it is essential to the creative process. They discuss how constantly searching for inspiration online can quietly replace original thought, why some of the most successful ideas begin without a practical outcome in mind, and how making space to play can lead to work that would never emerge from trying to predict what other people will like.

Nature is another central part of the conversation. Hollis shares how growing up around gardens in Georgia and spending much of her life outdoors shaped the subjects, colors, and feelings within her work. She explains why observing plants, animals, and changing seasons can help us slow down, reconnect with our senses, and notice the small transformations happening around us every day. They also explore why bringing plants, natural imagery, and organic materials into a home can create a greater sense of calm, curiosity, and life.

Hollis offers practical advice for anyone struggling to make their home feel personal. Rather than beginning with what a room should look like, she suggests asking how you want it to make you feel. From there, color, artwork, objects, photographs, plants, and materials can be chosen based on the memories and emotions they carry. Whether it is a handmade mug collected while traveling, a photograph from a meaningful day, or a painting that simply makes you laugh, the most powerful pieces in a home are often the ones that could not belong to anyone else.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that your home does not need to look more perfect. It may need more evidence of your life: the places you have been, the things you have noticed, the people you love, and the stories you want your walls to keep telling.

More Room to Think:

Hollis Callas
Website: https://www.holliscallas.com/
Tile Collection: https://lilitile.com/collections/hollis-callas-cement-tiles

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19594091 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3189 1 30 full false Desire by Design Desire by Design In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Professor Beatriz Colomina, architectural historian, theorist, author, and professor at Princeton University, to explore the hidden forces shaping the spaces we live in and what those spaces reveal about us. Known for her groundbreaking work connecting architecture with media, medicine, sexuality, technology, and modern life, Beatriz has spent her career challenging the idea that architecture is simply about buildings. Instead, she argues that our spaces are psychological, cultural, biological, and constantly changing alongside the way we live.

The conversation breaks down why the idea of “home” has always been psychological. Beatriz explains why feeling at home has less to do with being inside a particular house and more to do with feeling comfortable, protected, and connected to the world around us. They explore how architecture functions as a form of media, how everything from cinema and television to smartphones has changed the way buildings frame our view of the world, and why the spaces around us are communicating far more than we may realize.

Beatriz also shares one of the most surprising ways architecture may be affecting our health: through microbes. Drawing from her research into the relationship between buildings and bacteria, she explains how increasingly sealed, sterilized environments may be separating us from the microbial diversity humans depend on. They discuss why spending time outside matters, how access to nature can influence recovery and well-being, and why the architecture of the future may need to become more porous, open, and connected to other forms of life.

The conversation also gets into a side of architecture rarely discussed: desire. Beatriz explains why sexuality and intimacy have always been architectural questions, and how Playboy became an unexpected force in popularizing modern design. From bachelor pads and round beds to Frank Gehry chairs and cutting-edge mid-century furniture, they explore how Playboy used architecture as part of a larger fantasy of seduction, and why our homes still operate as a form of identity and attraction today.

They also unpack how moments of crisis reshape the way we live. Beatriz traces how epidemics helped create modern sewer systems, clean water infrastructure, parks, terraces, large windows, and ideas about ventilation, while wars accelerated technologies like radio and the telephone. They discuss how COVID normalized working, teaching, and socializing from home almost overnight, blurring the line between public and private life in ways that would have seemed unimaginable only a few years earlier.

Beatriz also reflects on what happens when our homes become stages for our lives. From Zoom calls that suddenly revealed our bedrooms to TikTok videos carefully framed against architectural backdrops, we now show parts of our private spaces that previous generations worked hard to conceal. At the same time, she points to another defining architectural challenge of our era: loneliness. As more people live alone and more of our relationships move through screens, she asks whether architecture can create new ways for us to have solitude without losing connection.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that architecture is shaping far more than where you live. It is influencing how you feel, how healthy you are, what you desire, what you reveal, how you connect with other people, and even what you consider private in the first place.

More Room to Think:

Professor Beatriz Colomina
Princeton University: https://arc-hum.princeton.edu/people/beatriz-colomina
We the Bacteria: https://triennale.org/en/events/we-the-bacteria-notes-toward-biotic-architecture
Privacy and Publicity: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262032148/privacy-and-publicity/

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Professor Beatriz Colomina, architectural historian, theorist, author, and professor at Princeton University, to explore the hidden forces shaping the spaces we live in and what those spaces reveal about us. Known for her groundbreaking work connecting architecture with media, medicine, sexuality, technology, and modern life, Beatriz has spent her career challenging the idea that architecture is simply about buildings. Instead, she argues that our spaces are psychological, cultural, biological, and constantly changing alongside the way we live.

The conversation breaks down why the idea of “home” has always been psychological. Beatriz explains why feeling at home has less to do with being inside a particular house and more to do with feeling comfortable, protected, and connected to the world around us. They explore how architecture functions as a form of media, how everything from cinema and television to smartphones has changed the way buildings frame our view of the world, and why the spaces around us are communicating far more than we may realize.

Beatriz also shares one of the most surprising ways architecture may be affecting our health: through microbes. Drawing from her research into the relationship between buildings and bacteria, she explains how increasingly sealed, sterilized environments may be separating us from the microbial diversity humans depend on. They discuss why spending time outside matters, how access to nature can influence recovery and well-being, and why the architecture of the future may need to become more porous, open, and connected to other forms of life.

The conversation also gets into a side of architecture rarely discussed: desire. Beatriz explains why sexuality and intimacy have always been architectural questions, and how Playboy became an unexpected force in popularizing modern design. From bachelor pads and round beds to Frank Gehry chairs and cutting-edge mid-century furniture, they explore how Playboy used architecture as part of a larger fantasy of seduction, and why our homes still operate as a form of identity and attraction today.

They also unpack how moments of crisis reshape the way we live. Beatriz traces how epidemics helped create modern sewer systems, clean water infrastructure, parks, terraces, large windows, and ideas about ventilation, while wars accelerated technologies like radio and the telephone. They discuss how COVID normalized working, teaching, and socializing from home almost overnight, blurring the line between public and private life in ways that would have seemed unimaginable only a few years earlier.

Beatriz also reflects on what happens when our homes become stages for our lives. From Zoom calls that suddenly revealed our bedrooms to TikTok videos carefully framed against architectural backdrops, we now show parts of our private spaces that previous generations worked hard to conceal. At the same time, she points to another defining architectural challenge of our era: loneliness. As more people live alone and more of our relationships move through screens, she asks whether architecture can create new ways for us to have solitude without losing connection.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that architecture is shaping far more than where you live. It is influencing how you feel, how healthy you are, what you desire, what you reveal, how you connect with other people, and even what you consider private in the first place.

More Room to Think:

Professor Beatriz Colomina
Princeton University: https://arc-hum.princeton.edu/people/beatriz-colomina
We the Bacteria: https://triennale.org/en/events/we-the-bacteria-notes-toward-biotic-architecture
Privacy and Publicity: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262032148/privacy-and-publicity/

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19560796 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3486 1 29 full false The Art of a Collected Home The Art of a Collected Home In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Maggie Wilkerson, interior consultant and founder of Collected Home, to explore why a house can be filled with things you love and still not feel quite right. Known for helping people create thoughtful, layered interiors that feel cohesive without becoming overly designed, Maggie approaches decorating as both a creative practice and a form of problem-solving: understanding what you are drawn to, identifying what actually works in your space, and creating a framework that allows those choices to come together with intention.

The conversation breaks down why “just buy what you love” is not always the helpful advice it appears to be. Maggie explains that loving each individual piece does not guarantee that those pieces will create a unified home. They explore the difference between having good taste and knowing how to edit it, why eclectic spaces still require structure, and how deciding what does not belong can be just as important as deciding what does.

Maggie also explains why decorating can feel so emotionally overwhelming. A home is not only a collection of furniture and objects; it shapes how people feel, live, rest, work, and connect. At the same time, social media has created new pressure for homes to appear finished, impressive, and ready to be photographed. They discuss how constant exposure to influencers, trends, and marketing can make people question their own instincts, confuse inspiration with personal taste, and rush into choices simply because they want their spaces to feel complete.

The conversation also makes the case for slow design. Maggie shares why placeholder furniture can be one of the most practical tools for creating a better home, allowing people to meet their immediate needs without committing to expensive pieces they do not truly love. Rather than panic-buying a sofa, dining table, or lamp simply because a room feels empty, she encourages using what you already have or choosing an affordable temporary piece while waiting for the right one. It is an approach that creates time, reduces pressure, and makes room for a home to evolve naturally.

They also explore why shopping should often be the last step rather than the first. Maggie explains how mood boards, design muses, and a clearly defined style mix can act as guardrails before any purchase is made. She shares the idea of a “design detox,” temporarily stepping away from a store or platform that has become a creative crutch, whether that is Target, HomeGoods, or Amazon. By widening the places you look for furniture and decor, from local makers and Etsy sellers to antique stores and Facebook Marketplace, you begin to develop a more personal eye and create a home that does not feel sourced from a single aisle.

Maggie also opens up about having aphantasia, the inability to create clear mental images in the mind’s eye, and how it has shaped the way she designs. Because she cannot simply imagine how a chair, wallpaper, or piece of art will look in a room, she relies on visual mock-ups and mood boards as a testing ground. She explains how tools like Canva, Spoak, and Freeform can help anyone make more confident decisions, especially when a room is being completed slowly and the final elements are not yet in place.

The conversation also examines the warmth and meaning that vintage and antique pieces can bring into a home. Maggie shares why age, patina, craftsmanship, and history cannot be convincingly manufactured, and why even one older piece can give a room more character. From inherited furniture and vintage rugs to a wrought-iron bench made with a family’s initials, she explains how objects become more meaningful when they carry evidence of the lives that came before us.

Throughout the episode, Maggie returns to the idea that a home should be designed inward rather than outward. The goal is not to create a space that looks like everyone else’s, impresses strangers online, or perfectly follows the latest trend. It is to create an environment that reflects the people who live there, supports the way they want to feel, and becomes more personal with time.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that creating a home that feels like you is not about buying more, finishing faster, or having better taste. It is about learning how to edit, plan, collect, and trust the process long enough for every piece to earn its place.

More Room to Think:

Maggie Wilkerson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiecwilkerson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collected__home

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Maggie Wilkerson, interior consultant and founder of Collected Home, to explore why a house can be filled with things you love and still not feel quite right. Known for helping people create thoughtful, layered interiors that feel cohesive without becoming overly designed, Maggie approaches decorating as both a creative practice and a form of problem-solving: understanding what you are drawn to, identifying what actually works in your space, and creating a framework that allows those choices to come together with intention.

The conversation breaks down why “just buy what you love” is not always the helpful advice it appears to be. Maggie explains that loving each individual piece does not guarantee that those pieces will create a unified home. They explore the difference between having good taste and knowing how to edit it, why eclectic spaces still require structure, and how deciding what does not belong can be just as important as deciding what does.

Maggie also explains why decorating can feel so emotionally overwhelming. A home is not only a collection of furniture and objects; it shapes how people feel, live, rest, work, and connect. At the same time, social media has created new pressure for homes to appear finished, impressive, and ready to be photographed. They discuss how constant exposure to influencers, trends, and marketing can make people question their own instincts, confuse inspiration with personal taste, and rush into choices simply because they want their spaces to feel complete.

The conversation also makes the case for slow design. Maggie shares why placeholder furniture can be one of the most practical tools for creating a better home, allowing people to meet their immediate needs without committing to expensive pieces they do not truly love. Rather than panic-buying a sofa, dining table, or lamp simply because a room feels empty, she encourages using what you already have or choosing an affordable temporary piece while waiting for the right one. It is an approach that creates time, reduces pressure, and makes room for a home to evolve naturally.

They also explore why shopping should often be the last step rather than the first. Maggie explains how mood boards, design muses, and a clearly defined style mix can act as guardrails before any purchase is made. She shares the idea of a “design detox,” temporarily stepping away from a store or platform that has become a creative crutch, whether that is Target, HomeGoods, or Amazon. By widening the places you look for furniture and decor, from local makers and Etsy sellers to antique stores and Facebook Marketplace, you begin to develop a more personal eye and create a home that does not feel sourced from a single aisle.

Maggie also opens up about having aphantasia, the inability to create clear mental images in the mind’s eye, and how it has shaped the way she designs. Because she cannot simply imagine how a chair, wallpaper, or piece of art will look in a room, she relies on visual mock-ups and mood boards as a testing ground. She explains how tools like Canva, Spoak, and Freeform can help anyone make more confident decisions, especially when a room is being completed slowly and the final elements are not yet in place.

The conversation also examines the warmth and meaning that vintage and antique pieces can bring into a home. Maggie shares why age, patina, craftsmanship, and history cannot be convincingly manufactured, and why even one older piece can give a room more character. From inherited furniture and vintage rugs to a wrought-iron bench made with a family’s initials, she explains how objects become more meaningful when they carry evidence of the lives that came before us.

Throughout the episode, Maggie returns to the idea that a home should be designed inward rather than outward. The goal is not to create a space that looks like everyone else’s, impresses strangers online, or perfectly follows the latest trend. It is to create an environment that reflects the people who live there, supports the way they want to feel, and becomes more personal with time.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that creating a home that feels like you is not about buying more, finishing faster, or having better taste. It is about learning how to edit, plan, collect, and trust the process long enough for every piece to earn its place.

More Room to Think:

Maggie Wilkerson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiecwilkerson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collected__home

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19522008 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3990 1 28 full false The Rooms People Remember The Rooms People Remember In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Emilie Munroe, founder and creative director of Studio Munroe, to explore what makes a beautifully designed room become a home people actually remember. Known for creating colorful, sophisticated, and deeply personal interiors, Emilie approaches design less as the creation of a signature look and more as an act of translation: understanding how someone lives, what they value, and what they may not yet recognize about themselves, then turning those clues into a space that feels unmistakably theirs.

The conversation breaks down why designing one beautiful room is not enough, and why the real skill lies in connecting one room to the next. Emilie explains how shifts in color, pattern, material, and intensity can create a sense of rhythm throughout a home, allowing one space to feel bold and expressive while the next gives the eye somewhere to rest. They explore how contrast between hard and soft, curved and angular, playful and sophisticated can make a home feel layered and alive without becoming chaotic.

Emilie also shares why a designer should do more than confirm the choices a client would have made on their own. From painting window frames black to covering powder rooms in unexpected wallpaper, she explains why the most rewarding design decisions often require a little trust and a willingness to move beyond what feels immediately comfortable. They discuss why people are often afraid to take risks at home, how a designer can push those boundaries with care, and why there is rarely anything interesting on the other side of playing it completely safe.

The conversation also gets into how design shapes the way people interact. Emilie explains how hanging chairs, fire pits, conversation areas, music, and thoughtful layouts can encourage families and friends to spend more time together. She shares how designers can plan for changing families and future stages of life, why larger homes sometimes need more intentional places for intimacy, and how a home can become the backdrop for everything from quiet nights and family photographs to dinner parties, new relationships, and unexpected moments of connection.

Emilie also makes the case for homes that feel polished without becoming precious. They explore why beautiful spaces should never feel like showrooms, how meaningful objects and evidence of real life give a room authenticity, and why a home does not need to be perfectly styled before people are invited inside. In a culture of curated tablescapes, endless inspiration images, and increasingly complicated technology, Emilie argues for something simpler: opening the door, putting on music, using paper towels as napkins, and letting the home support the life happening inside it.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that the rooms people remember are not necessarily the most perfect or expensive. They are the ones with contrast, personality, surprise, and enough warmth to make people want to stay.

More Room to Think:

Emilie Munroe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiomunroe/
Website: https://www.studiomunroe.com/

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Emilie Munroe, founder and creative director of Studio Munroe, to explore what makes a beautifully designed room become a home people actually remember. Known for creating colorful, sophisticated, and deeply personal interiors, Emilie approaches design less as the creation of a signature look and more as an act of translation: understanding how someone lives, what they value, and what they may not yet recognize about themselves, then turning those clues into a space that feels unmistakably theirs.

The conversation breaks down why designing one beautiful room is not enough, and why the real skill lies in connecting one room to the next. Emilie explains how shifts in color, pattern, material, and intensity can create a sense of rhythm throughout a home, allowing one space to feel bold and expressive while the next gives the eye somewhere to rest. They explore how contrast between hard and soft, curved and angular, playful and sophisticated can make a home feel layered and alive without becoming chaotic.

Emilie also shares why a designer should do more than confirm the choices a client would have made on their own. From painting window frames black to covering powder rooms in unexpected wallpaper, she explains why the most rewarding design decisions often require a little trust and a willingness to move beyond what feels immediately comfortable. They discuss why people are often afraid to take risks at home, how a designer can push those boundaries with care, and why there is rarely anything interesting on the other side of playing it completely safe.

The conversation also gets into how design shapes the way people interact. Emilie explains how hanging chairs, fire pits, conversation areas, music, and thoughtful layouts can encourage families and friends to spend more time together. She shares how designers can plan for changing families and future stages of life, why larger homes sometimes need more intentional places for intimacy, and how a home can become the backdrop for everything from quiet nights and family photographs to dinner parties, new relationships, and unexpected moments of connection.

Emilie also makes the case for homes that feel polished without becoming precious. They explore why beautiful spaces should never feel like showrooms, how meaningful objects and evidence of real life give a room authenticity, and why a home does not need to be perfectly styled before people are invited inside. In a culture of curated tablescapes, endless inspiration images, and increasingly complicated technology, Emilie argues for something simpler: opening the door, putting on music, using paper towels as napkins, and letting the home support the life happening inside it.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that the rooms people remember are not necessarily the most perfect or expensive. They are the ones with contrast, personality, surprise, and enough warmth to make people want to stay.

More Room to Think:

Emilie Munroe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiomunroe/
Website: https://www.studiomunroe.com/

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19488413 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 3939 1 27 full false Space Beyond Square Footage Space Beyond Square Footage In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Shavonda Gardner, an interior designer, writer, and small-space expert rethinking what it really means to live well at home. Known for her bold, moody, and deeply personal interiors, Shavonda has built her work around a belief most people forget: just because a home is small does not mean your life, style, or sense of possibility has to be.

The conversation breaks down why so many people assume they need more square footage, when what they may actually need is a home that works better. Shavonda shares how downsizing into her family’s cottage bungalow changed the way she thinks about space, connection, and what a home is actually supposed to do. They explore why bigger homes can sometimes create more emotional distance, how small spaces can teach consideration and closeness, and why rooms designed for real life do not always look perfect on camera.

Shavonda also shares why so many people decorate for resale value instead of the life they are living right now, how social media can make us question our own taste, and why designing for some imaginary future buyer can keep us from creating a home that actually feels like ours. From dark paint colors and layered materials to aging brass, scratched soapstone, imperfect tile, and rooms that hold memory, she explains why the most meaningful homes are often the ones that show evidence of life.

The conversation also gets into why perfection can make a home feel less human, why entertaining before your house is “done” can create deeper connection, and how small design choices can completely change the way a space feels. Shavonda makes the case for homes that are personal, functional, emotional, and bold — not because they are impressive to other people, but because they support the people living inside them every day.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that your home does not need to be bigger, brighter, or more universally appealing to be better. It may just need to work harder, feel more personal, and give you permission to live the way you actually want to live.

More Room to Think:

Shavonda Gardner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgardnerstyle/
Website: https://sgstyleblog.com/

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Shavonda Gardner, an interior designer, writer, and small-space expert rethinking what it really means to live well at home. Known for her bold, moody, and deeply personal interiors, Shavonda has built her work around a belief most people forget: just because a home is small does not mean your life, style, or sense of possibility has to be.

The conversation breaks down why so many people assume they need more square footage, when what they may actually need is a home that works better. Shavonda shares how downsizing into her family’s cottage bungalow changed the way she thinks about space, connection, and what a home is actually supposed to do. They explore why bigger homes can sometimes create more emotional distance, how small spaces can teach consideration and closeness, and why rooms designed for real life do not always look perfect on camera.

Shavonda also shares why so many people decorate for resale value instead of the life they are living right now, how social media can make us question our own taste, and why designing for some imaginary future buyer can keep us from creating a home that actually feels like ours. From dark paint colors and layered materials to aging brass, scratched soapstone, imperfect tile, and rooms that hold memory, she explains why the most meaningful homes are often the ones that show evidence of life.

The conversation also gets into why perfection can make a home feel less human, why entertaining before your house is “done” can create deeper connection, and how small design choices can completely change the way a space feels. Shavonda makes the case for homes that are personal, functional, emotional, and bold — not because they are impressive to other people, but because they support the people living inside them every day.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that your home does not need to be bigger, brighter, or more universally appealing to be better. It may just need to work harder, feel more personal, and give you permission to live the way you actually want to live.

More Room to Think:

Shavonda Gardner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgardnerstyle/
Website: https://sgstyleblog.com/

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

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]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19454110 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3585 1 26 full false Ayurveda for Your Home Ayurveda for Your Home In this episode, Lyssia sits down with France Brunel, a home wellness coach, interior designer, and Ayurvedic coach rethinking how our homes affect the way we feel, function, and move through life. Blending interior design with principles from Ayurveda, France has built her work around a question most people never think to ask: what if your home is either supporting your well-being or quietly working against it?

The conversation breaks down why so many people focus on wellness through food, fitness, meditation, and routines, while overlooking the environment they live in every single day. France explains how Ayurveda can be used to design from within, creating spaces that counterbalance your natural tendencies, whether you run anxious, lethargic, overstimulated, ungrounded, or simply drained by your surroundings. They explore how color can act almost like medicine, why certain materials and textures can calm or activate the nervous system, how lighting affects sleep and energy, and why a beautiful home is not always the same as a supportive one.

France also shares why so many of us design for the fantasy version of ourselves instead of the person we actually are, how small daily frictions in a home quietly build stress, and why waiting for the “perfect” home can keep your life in waiting mode. From rearranging what you already own to adding warmth, weight, light, color, or better flow, she explains how simple design shifts can change the way a space feels almost immediately.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that the reason your home feels off is not because you lack discipline, taste, or motivation. It may be because your space was never designed to support the way your body, mind, and life actually work. And once you start seeing your home as part of your wellness, not separate from it, you can begin designing from within.

More Room to Think:

France Brunel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamfrancebrunel/
Website: https://francebrunel.com/

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

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If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

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]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with France Brunel, a home wellness coach, interior designer, and Ayurvedic coach rethinking how our homes affect the way we feel, function, and move through life. Blending interior design with principles from Ayurveda, France has built her work around a question most people never think to ask: what if your home is either supporting your well-being or quietly working against it?

The conversation breaks down why so many people focus on wellness through food, fitness, meditation, and routines, while overlooking the environment they live in every single day. France explains how Ayurveda can be used to design from within, creating spaces that counterbalance your natural tendencies, whether you run anxious, lethargic, overstimulated, ungrounded, or simply drained by your surroundings. They explore how color can act almost like medicine, why certain materials and textures can calm or activate the nervous system, how lighting affects sleep and energy, and why a beautiful home is not always the same as a supportive one.

France also shares why so many of us design for the fantasy version of ourselves instead of the person we actually are, how small daily frictions in a home quietly build stress, and why waiting for the “perfect” home can keep your life in waiting mode. From rearranging what you already own to adding warmth, weight, light, color, or better flow, she explains how simple design shifts can change the way a space feels almost immediately.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that the reason your home feels off is not because you lack discipline, taste, or motivation. It may be because your space was never designed to support the way your body, mind, and life actually work. And once you start seeing your home as part of your wellness, not separate from it, you can begin designing from within.

More Room to Think:

France Brunel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamfrancebrunel/
Website: https://francebrunel.com/

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

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]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19420359 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3858 1 25 full false Materials, Mood, and Heatproof Living Materials, Mood, and Heatproof Living In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Tim Sperry, a material scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur rethinking how the built environment affects the way we live. From developing the first air purifying paint to creating heat reflective coatings through his company CoolCoated, Tim has spent his career asking a question most people in the industry never think to ask: what if the materials around us are doing more harm than we realize?

The conversation breaks down why heat is one of the most overlooked forces shaping how we feel at home and in public spaces, how the colors and materials on the outside of a building quietly affect the temperature inside, and why so much of what we build is designed for aesthetics rather than human comfort. They explore the urban heat island effect and why cities are often far hotter than the weather suggests, how cool roofs went from a niche idea to a $20 billion industry almost overnight, what the average homeowner can actually do to make their space cooler and more livable, and why the conversation around wellness has never properly included the thermal experience of a space.

Tim also shares what years of researching passive cooling technologies has taught him about the relationship between heat, behavior, and the way we connect with the people and places around us, and the one change he would make to how we build if he could start over.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that a lot of what you have written off as the weather, your mood, or just the way things are, is actually a design problem — and one that is more solvable than you think. Not because the technology is out of reach, but because nobody ever told you it existed.

More Room to Think:

Tim Sperry / CoolCoated
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coolcoated.co/

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

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If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Tim Sperry, a material scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur rethinking how the built environment affects the way we live. From developing the first air purifying paint to creating heat reflective coatings through his company CoolCoated, Tim has spent his career asking a question most people in the industry never think to ask: what if the materials around us are doing more harm than we realize?

The conversation breaks down why heat is one of the most overlooked forces shaping how we feel at home and in public spaces, how the colors and materials on the outside of a building quietly affect the temperature inside, and why so much of what we build is designed for aesthetics rather than human comfort. They explore the urban heat island effect and why cities are often far hotter than the weather suggests, how cool roofs went from a niche idea to a $20 billion industry almost overnight, what the average homeowner can actually do to make their space cooler and more livable, and why the conversation around wellness has never properly included the thermal experience of a space.

Tim also shares what years of researching passive cooling technologies has taught him about the relationship between heat, behavior, and the way we connect with the people and places around us, and the one change he would make to how we build if he could start over.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that a lot of what you have written off as the weather, your mood, or just the way things are, is actually a design problem — and one that is more solvable than you think. Not because the technology is out of reach, but because nobody ever told you it existed.

More Room to Think:

Tim Sperry / CoolCoated
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coolcoated.co/

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

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If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19386262 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3211 1 24 full false Beautiful On A Budget Beautiful On A Budget In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Alyssa Martin, the creator behind Alyssa Martin Home, whose content has helped thousands of people design spaces they actually love without spending more than they need to. After years of watching people feel stuck, overwhelmed, or convinced they needed a bigger budget to fix what was bothering them about their home, Alyssa became focused on a question most of us never think to ask: what if the problem was never money to begin with?

The conversation breaks down why so many people feel paralyzed when it comes to designing their home, and how the constant stream of trends can quietly pull you further from your own style without you ever realizing it. They explore why a beautiful home has far less to do with perfection and far more to do with intention, how thrifting and layering can do what expensive purchases never could, what to actually splurge on versus what to stop wasting money on, and why the smallest shifts in a space often make the biggest difference.

Alyssa also shares what years of helping people transform their homes has taught her about what we all instinctively want from the spaces we live in, and the one shift in thinking she would give anyone who feels like their home just isn't working.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that the home you have always wanted is a lot closer than you think. Not because you need more money, but because you finally know how to see what is already in front of you.

More Room to Think:

Alyssa Martin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssamartinhome/

Room to Think:
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

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If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Alyssa Martin, the creator behind Alyssa Martin Home, whose content has helped thousands of people design spaces they actually love without spending more than they need to. After years of watching people feel stuck, overwhelmed, or convinced they needed a bigger budget to fix what was bothering them about their home, Alyssa became focused on a question most of us never think to ask: what if the problem was never money to begin with?

The conversation breaks down why so many people feel paralyzed when it comes to designing their home, and how the constant stream of trends can quietly pull you further from your own style without you ever realizing it. They explore why a beautiful home has far less to do with perfection and far more to do with intention, how thrifting and layering can do what expensive purchases never could, what to actually splurge on versus what to stop wasting money on, and why the smallest shifts in a space often make the biggest difference.

Alyssa also shares what years of helping people transform their homes has taught her about what we all instinctively want from the spaces we live in, and the one shift in thinking she would give anyone who feels like their home just isn't working.

By the end of this episode, you may realize that the home you have always wanted is a lot closer than you think. Not because you need more money, but because you finally know how to see what is already in front of you.

More Room to Think:

Alyssa Martin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssamartinhome/

Room to Think:
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19349423 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3485 1 23 full false The Streets We Stopped Walking The Streets We Stopped Walking In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Paul Stout, the creator behind Talking Cities, whose content has helped millions of people understand why some places feel alive and others feel completely soulless. Growing up in Los Angeles and experiencing walkable city life for the first time in Salzburg, Austria, Paul became obsessed with one question most of us never think to ask: why do some cities feel good to move through, and others make you want to leave as soon as possible?

The conversation breaks down why car-centric design has quietly shaped the way we think, feel, and connect with the world around us in ways most people never notice. They explore why American cities used to be far more walkable than they are today, how something as simple as the width of a street or the scale of a building can completely change your experience of a place, and why the cities that feel most alive all share one thing in common. They were designed for people first, not cars. Paul also shares what years of studying urban design has taught him about what we all instinctively want from the places we live, and the one shift in thinking he would give anyone who wants to start seeing their city differently.

By the end of this episode, you may start to move through your city in a completely new way. Not as a passenger, but as someone who finally understands what they are feeling and why.

More Room to Think:

Paul Stout
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulwillstout/

Room to Think:
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Paul Stout, the creator behind Talking Cities, whose content has helped millions of people understand why some places feel alive and others feel completely soulless. Growing up in Los Angeles and experiencing walkable city life for the first time in Salzburg, Austria, Paul became obsessed with one question most of us never think to ask: why do some cities feel good to move through, and others make you want to leave as soon as possible?

The conversation breaks down why car-centric design has quietly shaped the way we think, feel, and connect with the world around us in ways most people never notice. They explore why American cities used to be far more walkable than they are today, how something as simple as the width of a street or the scale of a building can completely change your experience of a place, and why the cities that feel most alive all share one thing in common. They were designed for people first, not cars. Paul also shares what years of studying urban design has taught him about what we all instinctively want from the places we live, and the one shift in thinking he would give anyone who wants to start seeing their city differently.

By the end of this episode, you may start to move through your city in a completely new way. Not as a passenger, but as someone who finally understands what they are feeling and why.

More Room to Think:

Paul Stout
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulwillstout/

Room to Think:
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19315801 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3200 1 22 full false Your Home Has A Personality Your Home Has A Personality In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Kimberly Gallagher, founder of The Feng Shui Flow, host of the Calm and Happy Home podcast, and author of The Calm and Happy Home. After leaving her career as a teacher, Kimberly rebuilt her life around one idea most of us never really consider. Your home isn't just where you live, it's something you have a relationship with.

The conversation breaks down why the energy in your space shapes the way you think, feel, and move through your day in ways you've probably never noticed. They explore why most people approach feng shui from a place of fear and get it completely wrong, how small intentional shifts can change your experience of a space far more than any renovation, and why the homes that truly support you all share one thing in common. They were treated like a living relationship, not just a backdrop. Kimberly also shares what years of helping people transform their spaces has taught her about what we all truly need from our homes, and the one thing she would tell anyone to do first if they want their home to feel better without spending a dollar.

By the end of this episode, you may start to see your home differently. Not just as a place you live, but as something you live with, something that has a personality, an energy, and maybe even a spicy side.

More Room to Think:

Kimberly Gallagher
Website: www.thefengshuiflow.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefengshuiflow/

Room to Think:
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Kimberly Gallagher, founder of The Feng Shui Flow, host of the Calm and Happy Home podcast, and author of The Calm and Happy Home. After leaving her career as a teacher, Kimberly rebuilt her life around one idea most of us never really consider. Your home isn't just where you live, it's something you have a relationship with.

The conversation breaks down why the energy in your space shapes the way you think, feel, and move through your day in ways you've probably never noticed. They explore why most people approach feng shui from a place of fear and get it completely wrong, how small intentional shifts can change your experience of a space far more than any renovation, and why the homes that truly support you all share one thing in common. They were treated like a living relationship, not just a backdrop. Kimberly also shares what years of helping people transform their spaces has taught her about what we all truly need from our homes, and the one thing she would tell anyone to do first if they want their home to feel better without spending a dollar.

By the end of this episode, you may start to see your home differently. Not just as a place you live, but as something you live with, something that has a personality, an energy, and maybe even a spicy side.

More Room to Think:

Kimberly Gallagher
Website: www.thefengshuiflow.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefengshuiflow/

Room to Think:
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19277169 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3821 1 21 full false The Eye That Shaped a Skyline The Eye That Shaped a Skyline In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Kobi Karp, a legendary Miami-based architect whose firm has designed over $36 billion in buildings across the world, from luxury resorts and residential towers to affordable housing and historic restorations. With more than 30 years of shaping the Miami skyline and beyond, Kobi brings a perspective on architecture that goes far deeper than what any building looks like on the outside.

The conversation breaks down why the way a building sits on its land, orients itself to light, and moves you through its spaces matters more than any finish, material, or aesthetic choice. They explore why most people focus on the wrong things when designing or renovating a home, how natural light does something for your psychology that no renovation can replicate, and why the buildings that last hundreds of years all share one thing in common, they were designed for how life actually feels, not just how it looks. Kobi also shares what decades of designing across six continents has taught him about what people everywhere truly want from their spaces, and the one thing he would tell anyone to do first if they want their home to feel better without spending a dollar.

By the end of this episode, you may start to see every building differently, not just as something that was constructed, but as something that was felt first.

More Room to Think:

Kobi Karp
Website: www.kobikarp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kobikarp/

Room to Think: https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Kobi Karp, a legendary Miami-based architect whose firm has designed over $36 billion in buildings across the world, from luxury resorts and residential towers to affordable housing and historic restorations. With more than 30 years of shaping the Miami skyline and beyond, Kobi brings a perspective on architecture that goes far deeper than what any building looks like on the outside.

The conversation breaks down why the way a building sits on its land, orients itself to light, and moves you through its spaces matters more than any finish, material, or aesthetic choice. They explore why most people focus on the wrong things when designing or renovating a home, how natural light does something for your psychology that no renovation can replicate, and why the buildings that last hundreds of years all share one thing in common, they were designed for how life actually feels, not just how it looks. Kobi also shares what decades of designing across six continents has taught him about what people everywhere truly want from their spaces, and the one thing he would tell anyone to do first if they want their home to feel better without spending a dollar.

By the end of this episode, you may start to see every building differently, not just as something that was constructed, but as something that was felt first.

More Room to Think:

Kobi Karp
Website: www.kobikarp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kobikarp/

Room to Think: https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19236999 Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3469 1 20 full false Building Behind the Scenes Building Behind the Scenes In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Gregg Sulkin, an actor known for his work on screen who has quietly spent the last decade building a real estate portfolio rooted in long-term thinking, renovation, and understanding what actually makes a home work. Coming from an industry defined by uncertainty, Gregg shares how real estate became a way to create stability, structure, and something tangible to build on beyond the spotlight.

The conversation breaks down the difference between designing a home for how it looks versus how it functions over time, and why so many people underestimate the decisions that truly shape a space. They explore how small, overlooked details like drainage, electrical, layout, and material choices can have the biggest impact, why choosing the cheapest option often leads to more expensive problems, and how the “unseen” parts of a home are what ultimately determine whether it supports your life or works against it. Gregg also shares practical insights from his own projects, from navigating thousands of renovation decisions to learning how to think long-term, build the right team, and avoid costly mistakes. By the end of this episode, you may start to think differently about your home, not just as something you decorate, but as something you build… one decision at a time, often behind the scenes.

More Room to Think:

Gregg Sulkin
IMDb: Gregg Sulkin IMDb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greggsulkin/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Gregg Sulkin, an actor known for his work on screen who has quietly spent the last decade building a real estate portfolio rooted in long-term thinking, renovation, and understanding what actually makes a home work. Coming from an industry defined by uncertainty, Gregg shares how real estate became a way to create stability, structure, and something tangible to build on beyond the spotlight.

The conversation breaks down the difference between designing a home for how it looks versus how it functions over time, and why so many people underestimate the decisions that truly shape a space. They explore how small, overlooked details like drainage, electrical, layout, and material choices can have the biggest impact, why choosing the cheapest option often leads to more expensive problems, and how the “unseen” parts of a home are what ultimately determine whether it supports your life or works against it. Gregg also shares practical insights from his own projects, from navigating thousands of renovation decisions to learning how to think long-term, build the right team, and avoid costly mistakes. By the end of this episode, you may start to think differently about your home, not just as something you decorate, but as something you build… one decision at a time, often behind the scenes.

More Room to Think:

Gregg Sulkin
IMDb: Gregg Sulkin IMDb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greggsulkin/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19198774 Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3342 1 19 full false A Home That Feels Like You A Home That Feels Like You In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Emily Campbell, founder and principal designer of Emily Jane Interior Design, to explore why the most meaningful homes are not just designed to look beautiful, but to feel deeply personal and restorative. Drawing inspiration from nature, memory, and emotional connection, Emily shares how her background in fashion, entrepreneurship, and design led her to create spaces that help people feel more grounded, calm, and connected to themselves. 

The conversation breaks down the difference between designing for aesthetics versus designing for feeling, and why so many people unknowingly create homes based on trends instead of the way they actually want to live. They explore how meaningful places from our past shape the environments we crave, why natural materials like wood, stone, wool, and linen affect us differently than synthetic ones, and how craftsmanship and handmade objects bring a sense of warmth and authenticity into a home. Emily also shares practical insights on creating calmer spaces, from reducing clutter and choosing tactile materials to designing around lifestyle, emotional needs, and the realities of everyday life. By the end of this episode, you may start to think differently about your home, not just as a collection of furniture and finishes, but as a space that quietly shapes how you feel, function, and show up in the world.

More Room to Think:

Emily Campbell
Emily Jean Interior Design: https://www.emilyjeaninteriordesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyjeaninteriordesign

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Emily Campbell, founder and principal designer of Emily Jane Interior Design, to explore why the most meaningful homes are not just designed to look beautiful, but to feel deeply personal and restorative. Drawing inspiration from nature, memory, and emotional connection, Emily shares how her background in fashion, entrepreneurship, and design led her to create spaces that help people feel more grounded, calm, and connected to themselves. 

The conversation breaks down the difference between designing for aesthetics versus designing for feeling, and why so many people unknowingly create homes based on trends instead of the way they actually want to live. They explore how meaningful places from our past shape the environments we crave, why natural materials like wood, stone, wool, and linen affect us differently than synthetic ones, and how craftsmanship and handmade objects bring a sense of warmth and authenticity into a home. Emily also shares practical insights on creating calmer spaces, from reducing clutter and choosing tactile materials to designing around lifestyle, emotional needs, and the realities of everyday life. By the end of this episode, you may start to think differently about your home, not just as a collection of furniture and finishes, but as a space that quietly shapes how you feel, function, and show up in the world.

More Room to Think:

Emily Campbell
Emily Jean Interior Design: https://www.emilyjeaninteriordesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyjeaninteriordesign

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19158179 Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3480 1 18 full false What Lingers in a Space What Lingers in a Space In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Tami Sharp, co-founder of Law Enforcement Coaching and a specialist in mental, emotional, and energetic well-being, to explore the invisible forces inside our spaces and how they shape the way we think, feel, and move through life. Working at the intersection of high-stress environments and personal healing, Tami shares how her experience with law enforcement professionals led her to a deeper understanding of energy, intuition, and the unseen impact of our surroundings.

The conversation breaks down what “energy in a space” really means beyond the abstract, and why your environment may be affecting you more than you realize. They explore how clutter reflects your internal state, how emotional and psychological “residue” can build up over time, and why boundaries matter not just with people, but within your space. Tami shares practical ways to reset your environment, from small physical shifts to mindset changes, and explains how your home can either support your well-being or quietly drain it. By the end of this episode, you may start to see your space differently, not just as something you design, but as something that holds, reflects, and influences your energy every day.

More Room to Think:

Tami Sharp
Law Enforcement Coaching: https://lawenforcementcoaching.com/team/tami-sharp/
Something Wellness Podcast: https://lawenforcementcoaching.com/something-wellness/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Tami Sharp, co-founder of Law Enforcement Coaching and a specialist in mental, emotional, and energetic well-being, to explore the invisible forces inside our spaces and how they shape the way we think, feel, and move through life. Working at the intersection of high-stress environments and personal healing, Tami shares how her experience with law enforcement professionals led her to a deeper understanding of energy, intuition, and the unseen impact of our surroundings.

The conversation breaks down what “energy in a space” really means beyond the abstract, and why your environment may be affecting you more than you realize. They explore how clutter reflects your internal state, how emotional and psychological “residue” can build up over time, and why boundaries matter not just with people, but within your space. Tami shares practical ways to reset your environment, from small physical shifts to mindset changes, and explains how your home can either support your well-being or quietly drain it. By the end of this episode, you may start to see your space differently, not just as something you design, but as something that holds, reflects, and influences your energy every day.

More Room to Think:

Tami Sharp
Law Enforcement Coaching: https://lawenforcementcoaching.com/team/tami-sharp/
Something Wellness Podcast: https://lawenforcementcoaching.com/something-wellness/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19121557 Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3950 1 17 full false The Illusion of the Perfect Home The Illusion of the Perfect Home In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Alana Nielsen and Kelly Breiter, the duo behind Alana + Kelly Design Co., a residential architecture and interior design studio, to explore why the idea of the “perfect home” often fails in real life. Working across both structure and interiors, they share how designing holistically allows them to bridge the gap between how a home looks and how it actually functions day to day.

The conversation breaks down the difference between spaces that are designed for aesthetics and spaces that are designed for real life, and why so many homes fall short because they prioritize perfection over function. They explore why planning is the most overlooked phase of a renovation, how small decisions can become expensive mistakes, and why understanding how you truly live matters more than any trend or inspiration image. Alana and Kelly also share how they approach clients like a puzzle, balancing lifestyle, habits, and preferences, and why letting go of the idea of a “perfect” home can actually lead to a space that feels better, works better, and lasts longer. By the end of this episode, you may start to rethink what a well designed home actually looks like, and why the best spaces are the ones that reflect real life.

More Room to Think:

Alana + Kelly Design Co.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanakellydesign/
Website: https://www.alanakellydesign.ca/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Alana Nielsen and Kelly Breiter, the duo behind Alana + Kelly Design Co., a residential architecture and interior design studio, to explore why the idea of the “perfect home” often fails in real life. Working across both structure and interiors, they share how designing holistically allows them to bridge the gap between how a home looks and how it actually functions day to day.

The conversation breaks down the difference between spaces that are designed for aesthetics and spaces that are designed for real life, and why so many homes fall short because they prioritize perfection over function. They explore why planning is the most overlooked phase of a renovation, how small decisions can become expensive mistakes, and why understanding how you truly live matters more than any trend or inspiration image. Alana and Kelly also share how they approach clients like a puzzle, balancing lifestyle, habits, and preferences, and why letting go of the idea of a “perfect” home can actually lead to a space that feels better, works better, and lasts longer. By the end of this episode, you may start to rethink what a well designed home actually looks like, and why the best spaces are the ones that reflect real life.

More Room to Think:

Alana + Kelly Design Co.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanakellydesign/
Website: https://www.alanakellydesign.ca/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19086145 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3437 1 16 full false Designing for the Desert Designing for the Desert In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Dustin Ence, architect, builder, and founder of Dustin Brent Design Build and Sagewood Homes, to explore what actually makes a home feel good—and why so many homes fall short. Dustin shares how working across both design and construction gives him a unique perspective on what gets lost between the blueprint and the finished space, and why being involved in the entire process allows him to protect the original vision of a home.

The conversation breaks down the difference between homes that look good and homes that feel right, and why factors like proportion, circulation, natural light, and material honesty play a much bigger role than most people realize. They explore why bigger homes often feel worse to live in, how small design decisions can ripple into major issues during construction, and why designing in response to the landscape—especially in the desert—creates spaces that feel more grounded and intuitive. Dustin also shares common mistakes homeowners make, from overcomplicating design to choosing materials that imitate rather than express their true nature. By the end of this episode, you may start to understand why certain spaces feel effortless while others feel off, and how thoughtful design can create a home that truly supports the way you live.

More Room to Think:

Dustin Ence
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbdesignbuild/
Website: https://dbdesign.build/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Dustin Ence, architect, builder, and founder of Dustin Brent Design Build and Sagewood Homes, to explore what actually makes a home feel good—and why so many homes fall short. Dustin shares how working across both design and construction gives him a unique perspective on what gets lost between the blueprint and the finished space, and why being involved in the entire process allows him to protect the original vision of a home.

The conversation breaks down the difference between homes that look good and homes that feel right, and why factors like proportion, circulation, natural light, and material honesty play a much bigger role than most people realize. They explore why bigger homes often feel worse to live in, how small design decisions can ripple into major issues during construction, and why designing in response to the landscape—especially in the desert—creates spaces that feel more grounded and intuitive. Dustin also shares common mistakes homeowners make, from overcomplicating design to choosing materials that imitate rather than express their true nature. By the end of this episode, you may start to understand why certain spaces feel effortless while others feel off, and how thoughtful design can create a home that truly supports the way you live.

More Room to Think:

Dustin Ence
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbdesignbuild/
Website: https://dbdesign.build/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19047364 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3452 1 15 full false The Hidden Forces of Feng Shui The Hidden Forces of Feng Shui In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Danijela Saponjic, founder of Unfolding Space and a feng shui master, to explore the invisible forces inside our homes and how they shape the way we think, feel, and move through life. Danijela shares how she discovered feng shui during a transitional moment in her life, when she came across the idea of clutter clearing and became curious about how changes in her space could influence her reality, ultimately leading her to completely shift her path and career.

The conversation breaks down what feng shui really is beyond the stereotypes, and why your environment may be the missing piece if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or out of alignment. They explore how clutter holds onto old identities, why your entrance affects the opportunities you see, and how your bedroom influences your relationships. Danijela also explains how your space can either support your growth or quietly hold you back, and how even small shifts can begin to change the energy of your life. By the end of this episode, you may start to see your home differently, become more aware of what you’re holding onto, and understand how your space can help you move forward instead of keeping you stuck.

More Room to Think:

Danijela Saponjic
Website: https://school.unfolding-space.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfolding_space_en/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Danijela Saponjic, founder of Unfolding Space and a feng shui master, to explore the invisible forces inside our homes and how they shape the way we think, feel, and move through life. Danijela shares how she discovered feng shui during a transitional moment in her life, when she came across the idea of clutter clearing and became curious about how changes in her space could influence her reality, ultimately leading her to completely shift her path and career.

The conversation breaks down what feng shui really is beyond the stereotypes, and why your environment may be the missing piece if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or out of alignment. They explore how clutter holds onto old identities, why your entrance affects the opportunities you see, and how your bedroom influences your relationships. Danijela also explains how your space can either support your growth or quietly hold you back, and how even small shifts can begin to change the energy of your life. By the end of this episode, you may start to see your home differently, become more aware of what you’re holding onto, and understand how your space can help you move forward instead of keeping you stuck.

More Room to Think:

Danijela Saponjic
Website: https://school.unfolding-space.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfolding_space_en/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-19008623 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 2991 1 14 full false Confidence, Criticism, and the Fear of DIY Confidence, Criticism, and the Fear of DIY In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Harley Gusman, creator of Harley Renovating, to talk about the psychology behind DIY, confidence, and what really stops people from starting. Harley shares how she went from documenting small personal projects to building a platform where she renovates spaces publicly, embracing mistakes, criticism, and the learning process in real time.

The conversation explores why so many people feel intimidated to begin, how fear and outside opinions can hold us back, and why confidence matters more than skill when it comes to creating something with your hands. They also discuss the emotional and mental impact of DIY, how working physically can be meditative, and why building something yourself creates a deeper connection to your space. By the end of this episode, you may feel more empowered to trust yourself, start before you're ready, and finally rip the band-aid off.

More Room to Think:

Harley Gusman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harleyrenovating/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Harley Gusman, creator of Harley Renovating, to talk about the psychology behind DIY, confidence, and what really stops people from starting. Harley shares how she went from documenting small personal projects to building a platform where she renovates spaces publicly, embracing mistakes, criticism, and the learning process in real time.

The conversation explores why so many people feel intimidated to begin, how fear and outside opinions can hold us back, and why confidence matters more than skill when it comes to creating something with your hands. They also discuss the emotional and mental impact of DIY, how working physically can be meditative, and why building something yourself creates a deeper connection to your space. By the end of this episode, you may feel more empowered to trust yourself, start before you're ready, and finally rip the band-aid off.

More Room to Think:

Harley Gusman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harleyrenovating/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-18971716 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 2679 1 13 full false Architecture Beyond the Eyes Architecture Beyond the Eyes In this episode, Lyssia sits down with architect, educator, and author Juhani Pallasmaa to talk about the sensory experience of architecture and why we experience buildings with our entire body, not just our eyes. The conversation explores how modern architecture became overly focused on vision and aesthetics, and what we lose when we ignore touch, sound, shadow, memory, and imagination in the spaces we create and live in.

They discuss why old buildings often feel more comfortable than new ones, how childhood memories shape our idea of home, why materials should age and carry time, and how even small details like a door handle can change the way we experience a building. The conversation also dives into the role of imagination, the importance of sensory awareness, and why architecture should ultimately help us feel more human, more grounded, and more connected to the world around us.

More Room to Think:

Juhani Pallasmaa
Website: https://www.pallasmaa.fi/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with architect, educator, and author Juhani Pallasmaa to talk about the sensory experience of architecture and why we experience buildings with our entire body, not just our eyes. The conversation explores how modern architecture became overly focused on vision and aesthetics, and what we lose when we ignore touch, sound, shadow, memory, and imagination in the spaces we create and live in.

They discuss why old buildings often feel more comfortable than new ones, how childhood memories shape our idea of home, why materials should age and carry time, and how even small details like a door handle can change the way we experience a building. The conversation also dives into the role of imagination, the importance of sensory awareness, and why architecture should ultimately help us feel more human, more grounded, and more connected to the world around us.

More Room to Think:

Juhani Pallasmaa
Website: https://www.pallasmaa.fi/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-18925455 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 2873 1 12 full false Designing for Neurodivergent Minds Designing for Neurodivergent Minds In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Dr. Kati Peditto, a researcher focused on the intersection of human behavior, neuroscience, and the built environment, to talk about neuroinclusive design and why designing for the brain should be a standard part of every project. The conversation goes far beyond sensory rooms and explores how environments affect cognitive load, behavior, stress, productivity, and overall human experience.

They discuss why many spaces are designed with good intentions but still fail the people using them, the importance of autonomy and choice in environments, and how designers, clients, and communities can start creating spaces that work for more people — including neurodivergent individuals, people with temporary injuries, aging populations, and anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed, distracted, or uncomfortable in a space.

More Room to Think:

Dr. Kati Peditto
Website: https://www.katipeditto.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katipeditto/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Dr. Kati Peditto, a researcher focused on the intersection of human behavior, neuroscience, and the built environment, to talk about neuroinclusive design and why designing for the brain should be a standard part of every project. The conversation goes far beyond sensory rooms and explores how environments affect cognitive load, behavior, stress, productivity, and overall human experience.

They discuss why many spaces are designed with good intentions but still fail the people using them, the importance of autonomy and choice in environments, and how designers, clients, and communities can start creating spaces that work for more people — including neurodivergent individuals, people with temporary injuries, aging populations, and anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed, distracted, or uncomfortable in a space.

More Room to Think:

Dr. Kati Peditto
Website: https://www.katipeditto.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katipeditto/

LiLi Tile
https://lilitile.com

Room to Think
https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-18887043 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3988 1 11 full false How Childhood Designs Your Home How Childhood Designs Your Home Your home is doing more to your mood than you think, and a lot of it has nothing to do with “good taste.” I’m joined by Amber Dunford, a mental health therapist and design psychology educator, to unpack why certain rooms feel instantly calming while others quietly put your body on edge. We trace it back to attachment theory, early childhood environments, and the way memory builds an emotional blueprint for what “safe” looks like in adulthood.

We get practical about the nervous system and the built environment. Amber explains how clutter can keep your brain scanning like it’s looking for danger, why contained clutter feels less stressful, and how the five senses belong in interior design. We talk texture as a grounding tool, why ordering samples matters, and how scent can become a powerful cue for comfort because smell and memory are processed so closely together. If you’ve ever caught a familiar fragrance and felt transported to another time, you’ll understand why “signature scent” design is more than a trend.

Then we zoom out to layout and lighting. Curves tend to read as calmer than sharp angles, and the idea of prospect and refuge helps explain why we love booths, cozy corners, and seating with a protected back. Amber shares lighting guidance that’s simple but transformative: layer your lights, warm up your bulbs, use dimmers, and prioritize natural light to support sleep, mood, and regulation. We also dig into color psychology, including when warm tones make a space feel more intimate and when cool tones can visually expand a small room.

If you care about interior design, mental health, and creating a home that actually supports you, this conversation will give you a new lens and a better starting point. Subscribe, share the show with a friend who’s redesigning their space, and leave a review so more people can find Room to Think.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Your home is doing more to your mood than you think, and a lot of it has nothing to do with “good taste.” I’m joined by Amber Dunford, a mental health therapist and design psychology educator, to unpack why certain rooms feel instantly calming while others quietly put your body on edge. We trace it back to attachment theory, early childhood environments, and the way memory builds an emotional blueprint for what “safe” looks like in adulthood.

We get practical about the nervous system and the built environment. Amber explains how clutter can keep your brain scanning like it’s looking for danger, why contained clutter feels less stressful, and how the five senses belong in interior design. We talk texture as a grounding tool, why ordering samples matters, and how scent can become a powerful cue for comfort because smell and memory are processed so closely together. If you’ve ever caught a familiar fragrance and felt transported to another time, you’ll understand why “signature scent” design is more than a trend.

Then we zoom out to layout and lighting. Curves tend to read as calmer than sharp angles, and the idea of prospect and refuge helps explain why we love booths, cozy corners, and seating with a protected back. Amber shares lighting guidance that’s simple but transformative: layer your lights, warm up your bulbs, use dimmers, and prioritize natural light to support sleep, mood, and regulation. We also dig into color psychology, including when warm tones make a space feel more intimate and when cool tones can visually expand a small room.

If you care about interior design, mental health, and creating a home that actually supports you, this conversation will give you a new lens and a better starting point. Subscribe, share the show with a friend who’s redesigning their space, and leave a review so more people can find Room to Think.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-18857840 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3930 1 10 full false The Secret to Timeless Design The Secret to Timeless Design Here’s the quiet truth about good design: the best rooms are edited, not stuffed. We sit down with designer Molly Torres Portnoff of Date Interiors to unpack how restraint, space planning, and material choices shape the way a home actually feels day to day. Molly’s path from fashion merchandising to interiors sharpened her editor’s eye, and she brings that focus to every project—prioritizing proportion, texture, and longevity over trends.

We dig into the subtle levers that calm the nervous system: fewer heroes, more visual rest, and a clear hierarchy so the eye knows where to land. Molly explains why flow beats decor every time and how her tiny Manhattan studio became a crash course in zoning a single room for sleep, work, dining, and display. For open-plan homes, she shares smart ways to carve zones with millwork, freestanding storage, layered rugs, and lighting—without closing anything off.

If trend fatigue has you second-guessing your taste, you’ll learn how to de-influence your algorithm and build spaces that stand up to time. We talk color courage and practical testing—large samples, multiple walls, changing light—plus the case for mixing patina-rich materials with steadier finishes. Tile lovers, don’t miss the grout segment: why a great tile can be sunk by the wrong grout and how to insist on real sample boards to get it right.

You’ll walk away with tools you can use today: painter’s tape mockups to fix flow, sample strategies that save money, and a timeless design mindset that puts how you feel first. Join us to rethink your rooms with intention, edit with confidence, and create a home that looks like you and lives like you. If this conversation resonated, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more people can build a better life by design.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Here’s the quiet truth about good design: the best rooms are edited, not stuffed. We sit down with designer Molly Torres Portnoff of Date Interiors to unpack how restraint, space planning, and material choices shape the way a home actually feels day to day. Molly’s path from fashion merchandising to interiors sharpened her editor’s eye, and she brings that focus to every project—prioritizing proportion, texture, and longevity over trends.

We dig into the subtle levers that calm the nervous system: fewer heroes, more visual rest, and a clear hierarchy so the eye knows where to land. Molly explains why flow beats decor every time and how her tiny Manhattan studio became a crash course in zoning a single room for sleep, work, dining, and display. For open-plan homes, she shares smart ways to carve zones with millwork, freestanding storage, layered rugs, and lighting—without closing anything off.

If trend fatigue has you second-guessing your taste, you’ll learn how to de-influence your algorithm and build spaces that stand up to time. We talk color courage and practical testing—large samples, multiple walls, changing light—plus the case for mixing patina-rich materials with steadier finishes. Tile lovers, don’t miss the grout segment: why a great tile can be sunk by the wrong grout and how to insist on real sample boards to get it right.

You’ll walk away with tools you can use today: painter’s tape mockups to fix flow, sample strategies that save money, and a timeless design mindset that puts how you feel first. Join us to rethink your rooms with intention, edit with confidence, and create a home that looks like you and lives like you. If this conversation resonated, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more people can build a better life by design.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-18818116 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3541 1 9 full false The Spaces That Heal Us The Spaces That Heal Us What if your room could lower your stress, sharpen your thinking, and help you sleep—without you doing anything extra? That’s the promise Dr. Esther Sternberg brings to life as we explore how design choices become signals to the brain and immune system. From the science of stress and inflammation to the subtle ways air, light, sound, and nature steer your biology, this conversation reframes “interior design” as everyday preventive medicine.

We trace Dr. Sternberg’s research journey—from early evidence that the brain and immune system talk, to a personal health crisis that healed in a small Cretan village. That experience revealed the seven domains of integrative health—sleep, resilience, environment, movement, relationships, spirituality, and nutrition—and showed how a place can make healthy behavior effortless. We dig into the practicals: why clean air and great ventilation are nonnegotiable, how rising indoor CO2 silently sinks cognitive performance, and how circadian light in the morning pays off with better sleep and mood the next day.

If open offices frustrate you, you’ll learn why noise is the biggest culprit and how to hit the sweet spot near 45 decibels with materials, baffles, and smarter layouts. We share simple home upgrades too—plants by a window, full-spectrum morning light, blue-light blockers at night, micro-movement breaks, and gentle nature soundscapes. And because work isn’t only about work, we talk about the ROI of social connection: choice-rich spaces that let introverts and extroverts find their focus while making it easy to gather, recharge in nature, and actually enjoy coming in.

You’ll also hear about immersive “recharge rooms” delivering a 15-minute daily dose of calm that reduces anxiety, depression, and burnout while improving sleep and team cohesion. By the end, you’ll see how tiny shifts in humidity, temperature, light, and control can reset your baseline and make well-being the default. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who cares about healthier spaces, and leave a review to help more people turn their rooms into tools for better living.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

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]]> What if your room could lower your stress, sharpen your thinking, and help you sleep—without you doing anything extra? That’s the promise Dr. Esther Sternberg brings to life as we explore how design choices become signals to the brain and immune system. From the science of stress and inflammation to the subtle ways air, light, sound, and nature steer your biology, this conversation reframes “interior design” as everyday preventive medicine.

We trace Dr. Sternberg’s research journey—from early evidence that the brain and immune system talk, to a personal health crisis that healed in a small Cretan village. That experience revealed the seven domains of integrative health—sleep, resilience, environment, movement, relationships, spirituality, and nutrition—and showed how a place can make healthy behavior effortless. We dig into the practicals: why clean air and great ventilation are nonnegotiable, how rising indoor CO2 silently sinks cognitive performance, and how circadian light in the morning pays off with better sleep and mood the next day.

If open offices frustrate you, you’ll learn why noise is the biggest culprit and how to hit the sweet spot near 45 decibels with materials, baffles, and smarter layouts. We share simple home upgrades too—plants by a window, full-spectrum morning light, blue-light blockers at night, micro-movement breaks, and gentle nature soundscapes. And because work isn’t only about work, we talk about the ROI of social connection: choice-rich spaces that let introverts and extroverts find their focus while making it easy to gather, recharge in nature, and actually enjoy coming in.

You’ll also hear about immersive “recharge rooms” delivering a 15-minute daily dose of calm that reduces anxiety, depression, and burnout while improving sleep and team cohesion. By the end, you’ll see how tiny shifts in humidity, temperature, light, and control can reset your baseline and make well-being the default. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who cares about healthier spaces, and leave a review to help more people turn their rooms into tools for better living.

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If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

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]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-18780248 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0500 4770 1 8 full false When Design Becomes the Problem When Design Becomes the Problem Ever wonder why a room that photographs beautifully feels stressful to sit in? We dig into the science with Dr. Anja Jamrozik, an environmental psychologist turned product leader, to reveal how light, noise, temperature, faces in view, and even app layouts quietly steer your focus, memory, and stress. The big shift: your brain treats physical and digital spaces as environments, and environments train behavior.

We trace Dr. Anja’s path from cognitive neuroscience to running living lab experiments that tweaked lighting, temperature, and noise—then uncovered a wild effect: when those were off, people swore air quality was worse, even when sensors proved it hadn’t changed. That holistic judgment explains common design fails, from echoey glass partitions and “watched” feelings in open plans to dark contrast corners no one uses. The fix is empathy and intention: design for the activity, not the rendering. Shield sightlines for deep work, tame acoustics, and make beauty serve function.

Then we take those lessons into software. Switching tabs is a digital doorway that wipes working memory. We break down how to keep critical info in context, structure comparisons side by side, and weave in biophilic cues—subtle motion, natural textures, and seasonal color shifts—to restore attention. Control matters too: let people shape their digital “rooms” the way they move furniture at home.

We also explore the pull of handmade work. Evidence shows people value handmade objects more and feel more competent when they make things—if the outcome lasts. In an AI-saturated world, the human signature, with all its variation and patina, may matter more than ever. Along the way, Dr. Anja offers one high-impact move you can try this week: work by a window with a view to boost working memory and inhibition. Add a plant, soften sound, and run a five-minute meta-check: what rose to awareness is your data.

If this sparked ideas, help others find it—follow the show, subscribe, and leave a quick review. Share it with someone who craves a calmer home office or a more humane app. Your space can teach your brain to focus; let’s design it to help.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Ever wonder why a room that photographs beautifully feels stressful to sit in? We dig into the science with Dr. Anja Jamrozik, an environmental psychologist turned product leader, to reveal how light, noise, temperature, faces in view, and even app layouts quietly steer your focus, memory, and stress. The big shift: your brain treats physical and digital spaces as environments, and environments train behavior.

We trace Dr. Anja’s path from cognitive neuroscience to running living lab experiments that tweaked lighting, temperature, and noise—then uncovered a wild effect: when those were off, people swore air quality was worse, even when sensors proved it hadn’t changed. That holistic judgment explains common design fails, from echoey glass partitions and “watched” feelings in open plans to dark contrast corners no one uses. The fix is empathy and intention: design for the activity, not the rendering. Shield sightlines for deep work, tame acoustics, and make beauty serve function.

Then we take those lessons into software. Switching tabs is a digital doorway that wipes working memory. We break down how to keep critical info in context, structure comparisons side by side, and weave in biophilic cues—subtle motion, natural textures, and seasonal color shifts—to restore attention. Control matters too: let people shape their digital “rooms” the way they move furniture at home.

We also explore the pull of handmade work. Evidence shows people value handmade objects more and feel more competent when they make things—if the outcome lasts. In an AI-saturated world, the human signature, with all its variation and patina, may matter more than ever. Along the way, Dr. Anja offers one high-impact move you can try this week: work by a window with a view to boost working memory and inhibition. Add a plant, soften sound, and run a five-minute meta-check: what rose to awareness is your data.

If this sparked ideas, help others find it—follow the show, subscribe, and leave a quick review. Share it with someone who craves a calmer home office or a more humane app. Your space can teach your brain to focus; let’s design it to help.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-18730759 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 2687 1 7 full false Renovate Smarter, Not Faster Renovate Smarter, Not Faster Renovation success isn’t about swinging hammers faster—it’s about slowing down where it counts. We sit with Danny Wang, Head of Growth Initiatives at Block Renovation, to unpack the real engine of a smooth project: planning, trust, and aligned expectations. From the first Pinterest save to the final walkthrough, we map the steps that keep your timeline, budget, and sanity intact.

Danny shares the upstream moves that prevent downstream chaos: define scope with precision, price against a real plan, order materials early, and lock permits before demo. We get specific on contractor selection—how to read detailed bids, why outlier prices are a trap, what milestone-based payments look like, and how a GC’s subs actually dictate finish quality. You’ll learn the red and green flags that matter, plus a simple test to gauge how a contractor handles friction and options when surprises pop up.

We also tackle the money decisions that change daily life. Invest in function and skilled labor; don’t let fragile materials or complex patterns outpace installer expertise. Choose plumbing systems you can trust, be honest about maintenance on stone and grout, and budget a 10–15% contingency for the unknown. For high impact on a lean budget, start with lighting, paint, and floors. If you’re eyeing resale, prioritize infrastructure—windows, roof, doors—and storage that shows beautifully; for long-term living, tailor the layout to your routines and keep finishes timeless.

By the end, you’ll know how to start early, avoid the “rush premium,” and use a designer strategically to catch issues invisible to the untrained eye—glare, task lighting, ergonomics, and code constraints. Renovation is change management for your home and your habits. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend planning a project, and leave a review with the one question you’re asking every contractor now.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Renovation success isn’t about swinging hammers faster—it’s about slowing down where it counts. We sit with Danny Wang, Head of Growth Initiatives at Block Renovation, to unpack the real engine of a smooth project: planning, trust, and aligned expectations. From the first Pinterest save to the final walkthrough, we map the steps that keep your timeline, budget, and sanity intact.

Danny shares the upstream moves that prevent downstream chaos: define scope with precision, price against a real plan, order materials early, and lock permits before demo. We get specific on contractor selection—how to read detailed bids, why outlier prices are a trap, what milestone-based payments look like, and how a GC’s subs actually dictate finish quality. You’ll learn the red and green flags that matter, plus a simple test to gauge how a contractor handles friction and options when surprises pop up.

We also tackle the money decisions that change daily life. Invest in function and skilled labor; don’t let fragile materials or complex patterns outpace installer expertise. Choose plumbing systems you can trust, be honest about maintenance on stone and grout, and budget a 10–15% contingency for the unknown. For high impact on a lean budget, start with lighting, paint, and floors. If you’re eyeing resale, prioritize infrastructure—windows, roof, doors—and storage that shows beautifully; for long-term living, tailor the layout to your routines and keep finishes timeless.

By the end, you’ll know how to start early, avoid the “rush premium,” and use a designer strategically to catch issues invisible to the untrained eye—glare, task lighting, ergonomics, and code constraints. Renovation is change management for your home and your habits. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend planning a project, and leave a review with the one question you’re asking every contractor now.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-18687423 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 4316 1 6 full false Our Prehistoric Brains at Home Our Prehistoric Brains at Home Ever walked into a beautiful room and felt strangely tense? We dig into why spaces that photograph well can still exhaust your brain—and how small, science-backed changes can flip a room from draining to restorative. With Dr. Sally Augustin, environmental psychologist and author of Designology, we unpack how design cues shape stress, focus, creativity and the way we treat each other.

We start with clutter and minimalism, revealing how both visual overload and visual scarcity strain attention. From there, we map out biophilic design in practical terms: one plant per sightline, real materials like wood with visible grain, and the “meadow on a spring day” test to balance calm with gentle richness. We break down the hidden cost of glare, why matte beats mirror shine, and how shiny hospital floors can even change how people walk. Then we get tactical with light: cooler, brighter overhead light for analysis; warmer, dimmer lamps for creativity and connection; and the habit shift that gets blinds back up to restore daylight benefits.

Behavior shifts come from seating and layout too. A thin cushion softens negotiations. A slight recline lowers arousal in tough talks. Round and oval tables reduce hierarchy signals, while moving chairs off the short ends of a rectangle makes conversation more equal. Orientation matters: give people a backstop and a view to reduce vigilance and distraction. We also tackle sound the realistic way—open offices fail when speech bleeds into focus zones. Very soft nature sounds can mask language without feeling manipulative, and subtlety is the rule for any scent or sound if you want buy-in.

Culture and language shape form preferences more than we think—curves often feel welcoming, sharp right angles signal speed—so context matters, especially when people are under stress. And throughout, we keep perspective: design is powerful, but it works best alongside aligned incentives and real knowledge. The takeaway is simple and freeing—design for your inner chipmunk, aim for the meadow, place light like the sun, and ignore trends that fight human nature.

If this conversation sparked ideas, follow and subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a calmer, smarter space.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Ever walked into a beautiful room and felt strangely tense? We dig into why spaces that photograph well can still exhaust your brain—and how small, science-backed changes can flip a room from draining to restorative. With Dr. Sally Augustin, environmental psychologist and author of Designology, we unpack how design cues shape stress, focus, creativity and the way we treat each other.

We start with clutter and minimalism, revealing how both visual overload and visual scarcity strain attention. From there, we map out biophilic design in practical terms: one plant per sightline, real materials like wood with visible grain, and the “meadow on a spring day” test to balance calm with gentle richness. We break down the hidden cost of glare, why matte beats mirror shine, and how shiny hospital floors can even change how people walk. Then we get tactical with light: cooler, brighter overhead light for analysis; warmer, dimmer lamps for creativity and connection; and the habit shift that gets blinds back up to restore daylight benefits.

Behavior shifts come from seating and layout too. A thin cushion softens negotiations. A slight recline lowers arousal in tough talks. Round and oval tables reduce hierarchy signals, while moving chairs off the short ends of a rectangle makes conversation more equal. Orientation matters: give people a backstop and a view to reduce vigilance and distraction. We also tackle sound the realistic way—open offices fail when speech bleeds into focus zones. Very soft nature sounds can mask language without feeling manipulative, and subtlety is the rule for any scent or sound if you want buy-in.

Culture and language shape form preferences more than we think—curves often feel welcoming, sharp right angles signal speed—so context matters, especially when people are under stress. And throughout, we keep perspective: design is powerful, but it works best alongside aligned incentives and real knowledge. The takeaway is simple and freeing—design for your inner chipmunk, aim for the meadow, place light like the sun, and ignore trends that fight human nature.

If this conversation sparked ideas, follow and subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a calmer, smarter space.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-18651482 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 4397 1 5 full false Room to Think Trailer Room to Think Trailer Hosted by Lyssia, Head of Brand at LiLi Tile, Room to Think explores the intersection of interior design and psychology. Each episode features conversations with architects, designers, artists, neuroscientists, psychologists, and makers who understand both the beauty and the science behind the spaces we live in.

Together, we unpack how your home quietly shapes your mood, habits, energy, and relationships, and translate those insights into practical takeaways you can apply to your own space immediately.

The goal is simple: to help you build a better life by design.

Welcome to Room to Think.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Hosted by Lyssia, Head of Brand at LiLi Tile, Room to Think explores the intersection of interior design and psychology. Each episode features conversations with architects, designers, artists, neuroscientists, psychologists, and makers who understand both the beauty and the science behind the spaces we live in.

Together, we unpack how your home quietly shapes your mood, habits, energy, and relationships, and translate those insights into practical takeaways you can apply to your own space immediately.

The goal is simple: to help you build a better life by design.

Welcome to Room to Think.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-18630966 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500 42 trailer false From Bottle Service to Bedroom Bliss From Bottle Service to Bedroom Bliss Some rooms nudge you to relax, connect, and smile before you’ve said a word. Others feel loud, flat, or awkward. We wanted to know why, so we brought on designer–builder John Sofio to break down the psychology of space—from high-energy nightclubs to quiet, restorative homes—and the small, invisible choices that change how people feel.

John shares how a simple shift to figure-eight circulation transformed his club projects by giving guests agency and relief in crowded rooms. We dig into spatial hierarchy, VIP psychology, and why bar corners and “blockers” create intimacy without walls. Then we translate those ideas to homes and restaurants: compress ceilings over seating, expand in circulation, keep lamps low and warm, and aim for 30–40% soft surfaces so conversation stays rich, not shouty. If you’ve ever left a restaurant exhausted by the noise, you’ll love his acoustic playbook.

We also get hands-on with materials and proportions. John explains how handmade details carry soul, why durability can coexist with beauty, and how kevlar-backed upholstery, thin cushions, and solid cores keep hospitality seating comfortable and tough. He shares precise dimensions for seats, backs, and tables that make bodies relax—and talks through a practical three-color paint system that sculpts light in any room. Throughout, he returns to a powerful mindset: treat your home as a machine for living and tune it to give you energy back.

If you’re designing a venue, upgrading a dining room, or just trying to make your living room feel more like you, this conversation gives you real steps to build flow, calm, and connection. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves design meets psychology, and leave a review to tell us which idea you’ll try first.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Some rooms nudge you to relax, connect, and smile before you’ve said a word. Others feel loud, flat, or awkward. We wanted to know why, so we brought on designer–builder John Sofio to break down the psychology of space—from high-energy nightclubs to quiet, restorative homes—and the small, invisible choices that change how people feel.

John shares how a simple shift to figure-eight circulation transformed his club projects by giving guests agency and relief in crowded rooms. We dig into spatial hierarchy, VIP psychology, and why bar corners and “blockers” create intimacy without walls. Then we translate those ideas to homes and restaurants: compress ceilings over seating, expand in circulation, keep lamps low and warm, and aim for 30–40% soft surfaces so conversation stays rich, not shouty. If you’ve ever left a restaurant exhausted by the noise, you’ll love his acoustic playbook.

We also get hands-on with materials and proportions. John explains how handmade details carry soul, why durability can coexist with beauty, and how kevlar-backed upholstery, thin cushions, and solid cores keep hospitality seating comfortable and tough. He shares precise dimensions for seats, backs, and tables that make bodies relax—and talks through a practical three-color paint system that sculpts light in any room. Throughout, he returns to a powerful mindset: treat your home as a machine for living and tune it to give you energy back.

If you’re designing a venue, upgrading a dining room, or just trying to make your living room feel more like you, this conversation gives you real steps to build flow, calm, and connection. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves design meets psychology, and leave a review to tell us which idea you’ll try first.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-18613828 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 4153 1 4 full false Designing Places That Feel Human Designing Places That Feel Human Your surroundings are shaping your mood before you take a single step. We sit down with Professor Justin Hollander to unpack the hidden psychology of places—why our brains hunt for faces in facades, how ornament and craft earn long-term care, and what happens when cities are designed for cars instead of people. From the figural primitive to the power of light materials and human-scale detail, this conversation connects neuroscience with everyday design choices you can make at home and across a neighborhood.

We dig into the realities of shrinking cities and the courage it takes to “plan for decline” so daily life still feels coherent and humane. Hollander explains why some historic forms endure—active ground floors, symmetry, texture—and how blank walls and oversized boxes flatten our attention and sap joy. We explore the social fabric too: third places, wide sidewalks, and plazas that draw people out of their homes, counter loneliness, and create the casual contact that makes communities resilient.

On the practical side, you’ll hear research-backed takeaways: break up blank walls, balance detail with visual breath, aim for a view or “primal vista,” and consider lighter tones to boost mood. At the city scale, we challenge the status quo with a case for new towns planned for walking, biking, and mixed use, enabled by smarter zoning. We also touch on the 20-minute city and emerging links between walkability and brain health, showing how thoughtful design can support memory and well-being over a lifetime.

If this sparks ideas for your home or your block, join us for more design-meets-psychology insights—subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.

About the Guest

Professor Justin Hollander is Professor of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University. His research focuses on how environments influence human behavior, combining urban planning, neuroscience, psychology, and design.

Learn More About Professor Hollander’s Work

Tufts University Faculty Profile
https://facultyprofiles.tufts.edu/justin-hollander

Research article: How facades and materials impact perception and emotion
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09613218.2025.2506065

Book: Cognitive Architecture: Designing for How We Respond to the Built Environment
https://a.co/d/jby9U51

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Your surroundings are shaping your mood before you take a single step. We sit down with Professor Justin Hollander to unpack the hidden psychology of places—why our brains hunt for faces in facades, how ornament and craft earn long-term care, and what happens when cities are designed for cars instead of people. From the figural primitive to the power of light materials and human-scale detail, this conversation connects neuroscience with everyday design choices you can make at home and across a neighborhood.

We dig into the realities of shrinking cities and the courage it takes to “plan for decline” so daily life still feels coherent and humane. Hollander explains why some historic forms endure—active ground floors, symmetry, texture—and how blank walls and oversized boxes flatten our attention and sap joy. We explore the social fabric too: third places, wide sidewalks, and plazas that draw people out of their homes, counter loneliness, and create the casual contact that makes communities resilient.

On the practical side, you’ll hear research-backed takeaways: break up blank walls, balance detail with visual breath, aim for a view or “primal vista,” and consider lighter tones to boost mood. At the city scale, we challenge the status quo with a case for new towns planned for walking, biking, and mixed use, enabled by smarter zoning. We also touch on the 20-minute city and emerging links between walkability and brain health, showing how thoughtful design can support memory and well-being over a lifetime.

If this sparks ideas for your home or your block, join us for more design-meets-psychology insights—subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.

About the Guest

Professor Justin Hollander is Professor of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University. His research focuses on how environments influence human behavior, combining urban planning, neuroscience, psychology, and design.

Learn More About Professor Hollander’s Work

Tufts University Faculty Profile
https://facultyprofiles.tufts.edu/justin-hollander

Research article: How facades and materials impact perception and emotion
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09613218.2025.2506065

Book: Cognitive Architecture: Designing for How We Respond to the Built Environment
https://a.co/d/jby9U51

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Lyssia Katan Buzzsprout-18568108 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 3048 1 3 full false The Emotional Life of Wood The Emotional Life of Wood What if the most beautiful parts of your home are the ones that survived the most stress? We sit down with sculptor and designer Miriam Carpenter to explore how wood records its life in burl, spalting, mineral streaks, and movement—and why those marks of strain feel so human. Miriam shares how she begins with concept before choosing a material, letting the season of her life dictate whether she turns to wood, bronze, or clay. From a floating table that honors a fallen tree’s resilience to side tables that reveal hidden complexity only when you kneel and look closely, her work invites a slower, more attentive way of seeing.

We also talk stewardship and sourcing. Miriam partners with local lumber brokers who mill trees only after they’ve fallen or been responsibly removed, keeping a living chain of trust and history intact. Some pieces come from centuries-old oaks, transforming dormant giants into objects that breathe in new spaces. Along the way, we unpack the emotional difference between handmade and mass-produced furniture. Fast design isn’t just an aesthetic problem—it can dull our sense of meaning. Handmade objects carry human signatures that we can feel; they teach us to slow down, repair, and reconnect. Natural light, honest materials, and clutter-free surfaces become tools for mental clarity and everyday calm.

If you want an immediate shift, start with one small act: choose a handmade item you already own and give it care—oil a wooden bowl, dust a beloved mug, or move a crafted piece into the center of your daily view. That single gesture can spark a repair culture at home and reset your relationship with your space. Press play to learn how resilience in trees mirrors resilience in people, and how design choices can nurture well-being, attention, and belonging. If this conversation resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves spaces with soul.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> What if the most beautiful parts of your home are the ones that survived the most stress? We sit down with sculptor and designer Miriam Carpenter to explore how wood records its life in burl, spalting, mineral streaks, and movement—and why those marks of strain feel so human. Miriam shares how she begins with concept before choosing a material, letting the season of her life dictate whether she turns to wood, bronze, or clay. From a floating table that honors a fallen tree’s resilience to side tables that reveal hidden complexity only when you kneel and look closely, her work invites a slower, more attentive way of seeing.

We also talk stewardship and sourcing. Miriam partners with local lumber brokers who mill trees only after they’ve fallen or been responsibly removed, keeping a living chain of trust and history intact. Some pieces come from centuries-old oaks, transforming dormant giants into objects that breathe in new spaces. Along the way, we unpack the emotional difference between handmade and mass-produced furniture. Fast design isn’t just an aesthetic problem—it can dull our sense of meaning. Handmade objects carry human signatures that we can feel; they teach us to slow down, repair, and reconnect. Natural light, honest materials, and clutter-free surfaces become tools for mental clarity and everyday calm.

If you want an immediate shift, start with one small act: choose a handmade item you already own and give it care—oil a wooden bowl, dust a beloved mug, or move a crafted piece into the center of your daily view. That single gesture can spark a repair culture at home and reset your relationship with your space. Press play to learn how resilience in trees mirrors resilience in people, and how design choices can nurture well-being, attention, and belonging. If this conversation resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves spaces with soul.

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> hello@roomtothinkpodcast.com Buzzsprout-18533155 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500 2728 1 2 full false Foxes, Folk Art, and the Feel of Home Foxes, Folk Art, and the Feel of Home Subscribe to Room to Think

In this first episode of Room to Think, Lyssia sits down with artist and designer Adam Trest, whose work lives at the intersection of storytelling, pattern, and emotion. From growing up in the South surrounded by handcrafted objects to studying architecture and fine art, Adam shares how his environment shaped not just his style—but the way he thinks about the role of art inside a home. 

The conversation explores how memory, childhood, and lived experience quietly show up in the spaces we create—from foxes that symbolize a “good day” to collections that unknowingly become reflections of family and past. By the end of this episode, you’ll start to think differently about the pieces you bring into your home—and why the most meaningful spaces are the ones that feel collected, not designed. 

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Subscribe to Room to Think

In this first episode of Room to Think, Lyssia sits down with artist and designer Adam Trest, whose work lives at the intersection of storytelling, pattern, and emotion. From growing up in the South surrounded by handcrafted objects to studying architecture and fine art, Adam shares how his environment shaped not just his style—but the way he thinks about the role of art inside a home. 

The conversation explores how memory, childhood, and lived experience quietly show up in the spaces we create—from foxes that symbolize a “good day” to collections that unknowingly become reflections of family and past. By the end of this episode, you’ll start to think differently about the pieces you bring into your home—and why the most meaningful spaces are the ones that feel collected, not designed. 

Loved this episode? Let us know!

Subscribe to Room to Think

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram

]]> Room to Think Buzzsprout-18488884 Sun, 11 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0500 3738 1 1 full false