Modern architecture and interior design are increasingly shaped by one reality: people spend most of their lives indoors. The quality of those environments has measurable effects on mood, energy levels, and mental health.

Material warmth in interior design uses natural materials, light, and biophilic principles to improve comfort, wellness, and long-term performance. In the Pacific Northwest, where darker seasons and damp conditions shape how homes are experienced, material choices play a critical role in supporting both physical comfort and mental health.

Hi everyone! It's Rachel here, back again to talk about those pesky winter blues. In 2014, I wrote a post called "Living with the Blooz" where I shared some tips on using interior design to combat the seasonal slump. (You can check it out here)

Since then, there's been a lot of new research and understanding around Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). So, I thought it would be helpful to revisit the topic with a fresh perspective and some updated strategies.