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What if you could design your table the way you design your home? In this episode of yourHOME by Design, we tour dining cultures - from Spain’s late-night sobremesa and Japan’s washoku rituals to France’s layered elegance, India’s abundant thali, and Scandinavia’s light-filled simplicity and translate them into practical choices for your space. We cover the ergonomics of a comfortable dining room, how lighting and texture shape mood and digestion, why plate and bowl design can change portion perception, and small rituals that turn dinner into connection.

You’ll leave with simple, high-impact tweaks: a 15-minute linger rule after meals, calm visual cues to slow eating, ways to reclaim a catch-all table, and ideas for both relaxed and elevated settings (indoors or al fresco). When you design your table with intention, you design how you live.

If this episode sparks ideas, share it with a friend and explore more resources at yourparo.com. Create space, and let your table tell the story of the life you want to live.

• Design your table like your home: choose rituals, lighting, and textures that deliver the life you want.
• Try a 15-minute linger after dinner (hello, sobremesa) to boost connection and lower stress.
• Create visual calm: Japan-inspired balance and simple settings naturally slow eating.
• Elevate weeknights: layer linens, glassware, and a focal light for French-level “this matters.”
• Plates shape portions: wide rims and bowl sizes change how much your brain thinks you’re eating.
• Make it a team sport: Scandinavian style-shared prep, punctual dinners, everyone clears.
• Texture sets tone: rustic = relaxed and inviting; glossy = formal and careful.
• Outdoor counts: design al fresco to be as casual or as refined as your values.
• Reclaim the table: clear the catch-all zone and set a daily cue (runner, candles, flowers).

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Ever wondered why people in Japan sleep on futons, why Germans swear by two duvets, or why the French infuse elegance and scent into their bedrooms? In this first episode of Home by Country: How the World Sleeps, we explore global sleep traditions and what they teach us about design, wellness, and creating a restful bedroom. From history to modern rituals, discover how culture shapes the way we rest and how you can borrow these ideas to transform your own sleep environment. Learn about light, scent, sound, air quality, and styling tips that blend design with science for deeper rest.

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Is your home quietly working against you? In this 50th episode of YourHome by Design, Nico uncovers five common design mistakes that are secretly causing stress- from visual clutter to poor furniture placement. Learn how to spot them, why they affect your well-being, and what small changes can make a big impact. Based in neuroaesthetics and real-life design strategy, this episode helps you use your home as a tool for better living.

Perfect for design lovers, wellness seekers, and anyone craving more calm, clarity, and control in their space.

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Is your home starting to feel a little “off”- even if it looks beautiful? You might be experiencing design stagnation, and it could be quietly draining your energy, clarity, and motivation. In this episode of yourHOME by Design, recorded on a forest walk, Nico explores the concept of habituation - how our brains stop noticing what surrounds us and why this matters deeply for how we feel at home.

You’ll learn:

• How to spot the subtle signs of a stagnant space.
• The neuroscience behind why you stop noticing clutter, lighting, or layout issues.
• Simple tweaks to reignite purpose and beauty in your rooms.
• Why design isn’t just about aesthetics but about daily well-being and mental energy.
• Small, science-backed shifts you can make today to feel more alive in your space.

Whether you rent or own, love your home or feel disconnected from it, this episode will help you see your surroundings differently-and use them as tools to support a better life.

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Website: https://www.yourparo.com/
Resources: Free Living Room Know How. Free Bathroom Serenity Guide. Get the Free Guides Here! https://www.yourparo.com/free-guides

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What if your clutter problem isn’t about too much stuff - but not enough smart design?

In this episode of YourHome by Design, we explore how hidden storage and concealed rooms can create calm, support better daily rhythms, and reduce the friction you feel at home. From recessed bathroom mirrors to secret doors and cleverly disguised laundry spaces, I’ll walk you through high-level design strategies used to elevate function and well-being.

You’ll learn:

• Why hidden storage offers more than just a clean look
• How concealed rooms shape behavior and reduce stress
• Design details that create surprise, delight, and order
• The neuroaesthetic reasons your brain craves visual calm

Plus, I share a personal client story about transforming a forgotten entry closet into a focal-point bench with hidden storage-proving that overlooked spaces can become moments of joy.

If you want a calmer, more intentional home that supports your life, this episode is for you.

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Website: https://www.yourparo.com/
Resources: Free Living Room Know How. Free Bathroom Serenity Guide. Get the Free Guides Here! https://www.yourparo.com/free-guides

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Do you ever wonder how people find those one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that instantly elevate a space? In this episode of Your Home by Design, I’m sharing the art of the hunt- why secondhand and vintage decor isn’t just about style, but about soul.

You’ll hear a story from my teenage years about a painted peace-sign table that transformed not just my room, but how I felt in it. We’ll explore how neuroscience backs this emotional connection to objects, how to overcome the overwhelm of thrifting, and where to look when you’re just starting out.

Whether you're thrift-curious or already a seasoned scavenger, this episode offers practical designer tips, smart sourcing strategies, and a fresh perspective on shopping slow and decorating with intention.

Let’s turn your next vintage find into a story worth telling.

Takeaways

• Hunting for secondhand items is about connection, not just aesthetics.
• Emotional design impacts how we feel about our spaces.
• Neuroesthetics links storytelling to our bond with the environment.
• Every object we bring home carries a story.
• Thrift stores and salvage yards are treasure troves for unique finds.
• Creating a list before shopping helps focus your search.
• It's important to visit thrift stores regularly to discover new items.
• Be open to the experience of hunting, even if it feels overwhelming.
• Curate your space with intention to avoid clutter.
• The stories behind objects can enhance the emotional value of your home.

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Website: https://www.yourparo.com/
Resources: Free Living Room Know How. Free Bathroom Serenity Guide. Get the Free Guides Here! https://www.yourparo.com/free-guides

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You might think a sofa is just a place to sit-but it's so much more than that.

In this episode of Your Home by Design, we're diving deep into the art (and science) of sofa selection. Whether you’re designing a room around a brand new piece or making your current couch work better in your space, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes and find the right fit for your body, your home, and your life.

I’m sharing my own sofa regret story, what I wish I knew then, and things I’ve learned since—including why the right sofa can literally help your brain relax. We’re talking about ergonomics, aesthetics, materials, and the psychology behind comfort. Let's make your next sofa choice a smart one.

takeaways

• Choosing a sofa should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
• The right sofa can literally help your brain relax.
• Quality and ergonomics are crucial when selecting a sofa.
• Good posture allows you to feel assertive and confident.
• Your brain releases happiness hormones in a cozy space.
• Designate the room properly for its intended use.
• Don't just focus on looks when buying a sofa; consider functionality.
• Ask about the fabric's durability based on your lifestyle.
• Measure your hallway widths to ensure the sofa fits.
• Use painter's tape to visualize the sofa's space in your room.

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Website: https://www.yourparo.com/
Resources: Free Living Room Know How. Free Bathroom Serenity Guide. Get the Free Guides Here! https://www.yourparo.com/free-guides

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In this episode of Your Home by Design, we dive deep into the transformative power of intentional layering in interior design. Discover how to build your room’s story through carefully selected materials, textures, and shapes that speak to your lifestyle and wellbeing. From choosing the right wood tones and ceramics to playing with curves, angles, and heights, learn expert tips to create a dynamic, balanced, and inviting space that feels truly yours.

Whether you’re shopping for samples or decorating your living room, this episode will guide you on how to stay aligned with your design goals and bring purposeful rhythm and flow to your home. Tune in to unlock the secret to making your home feel complete, grounded, and full of life.

Takeaways

Layering gives a room its soul and character.
Creating a home reflects personal identity and lifestyle.
Layering is essential for making a space feel lived in.
Connection to a space enhances feelings of belonging.
Layering is a process of decision-making and storytelling.
Every object in a room should serve a purpose.
A well-layered space reflects the way you want to live.
Layering can be achieved through textiles, materials, and colors.
The balance of heights and shapes adds dynamism to a room.
Completing a space involves knowing when to stop adding elements.

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Website: https://www.yourparo.com/
Resources: Free Living Room Know How. Free Bathroom Serenity Guide. Get the Free Guides Here! https://www.yourparo.com/free-guides

Digital Course: Design Your Home for Better Living https://www.yourparo.com/course