Rachel Blindauer
Transform Your Home For Better Mental Health: 10 Tips

Transform Your Home For Better Mental Health: 10 Tips

by | Jun 6, 2024 | Interior Design, Residential

Having a well-designed home can significantly impact our mental health and overall well-being. Our surroundings and the way they are organized can greatly influence our mood, productivity, and stress levels. In this blog post, we will explore 10 design tips to transform your home into a sanctuary that promotes better mental health.

Declutter and Organize

 
A cluttered and disorganized space can create feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. Start by decluttering your home, getting rid of unnecessary items, and organizing your belongings. Invest in storage solutions like shelves, baskets, and bins to keep things neat and tidy. A clean and organized environment promotes a sense of calm and reduces mental clutter.

Incorporate Natural Light

 
Natural light is essential for our well-being. It regulates our circadian rhythm and boosts our mood. Maximize the amount of natural light in your home by opening curtains and blinds during the day. If natural light is limited, consider using light-colored furniture and reflective surfaces to create a brighter and more spacious feel.

Use a Calming Color Palette

 
Colors have a profound impact on our emotions. Choose a calming color palette for your home to create a soothing atmosphere. Soft blues, greens, and neutrals are known for their calming effects. Avoid using bright and bold colors in spaces meant for relaxation.

Introduce Indoor Plants

 
Indoor plants not only improve air quality but also have a positive impact on our mental health. They add a touch of nature to our living spaces, creating a sense of tranquility and reducing stress. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or peace lilies if you’re new to plant care.

Design Comfortable and Cozy Spaces

 
Designing comfortable and cozy spaces in your home is essential for relaxation and stress reduction. Invest in comfortable furniture, soft textiles, and plush rugs to create a welcoming atmosphere. Create cozy nooks or reading corners where you can unwind and rejuvenate.

Enhance Air Quality

 
Clean air is vital for our mental well-being. Improve indoor air quality by using air-purifying plants, proper ventilation, and air filters. Avoid using chemical-based cleaning products that can release harmful pollutants into the air.

Personalize with Meaningful Objects

 
Personal belongings can contribute to a sense of identity and belonging. Display sentimental objects, family photos, or artwork that brings you joy and comfort. However, be mindful of excessive clutter and maintain a balance to avoid overwhelming the space.

Create Zones for Different Activities

 
Designate specific areas in your home for different activities to maintain a sense of order and purpose. Create separate workspaces from living spaces to promote a healthy work-life balance. Design multifunctional spaces that can accommodate various needs and activities.

Focus on Soundscapes

 
Sound can significantly impact our mental state. Consider incorporating elements that create a soothing soundscape in your home, such as soft music though out the home (speaker systems or instruments you play), nature sounds, or water features. 532 Hz and 888 Hz are highly beneficial. Avoid excessive noise and create a peaceful environment that promotes relaxation and concentration.

Seek Professional Guidance

 
If you’re unsure about how to best transform your home for better mental health, consider seeking professional guidance from an interior designer or mental health expert. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences.

Creating a home environment that supports better mental health is crucial for our overall well-being. By implementing these 10 design tips, you can transform your home into a haven that promotes joy, reduces stress, and fosters happiness and creativity. Remember to prioritize decluttering, natural light, calming colors, indoor plants, comfort, and personalization. Enhance air quality, create designated activity zones, focus on soundscapes, and seek professional guidance when needed. Your home has the potential to positively influence your mental well-being, so take the time to design it with intention.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop
10 Solutions for a Blank Wall

10 Solutions for a Blank Wall

by | Apr 18, 2024 | Interior Design

Blank walls are like a blank canvas in your home waiting to be transformed into a captivating work of art. They offer endless possibilities for adding style, personality, and visual interest to any space. However, filling a blank wall can be a daunting task, and consideration of various factors such as size, shape, and the overall aesthetic of the room. Here we will explore 10 innovative solutions to fill those empty spaces, helping you turn your blank walls into stunning focal points that reflect your unique style and elevate the ambiance of your home.

Wallpaper that Makes a Statement

One way to add depth and character to a blank wall is by using wallpaper. Choose a design that reflects your personality and complements your existing decor. When the wall looks this good you don’t need art.

source | source | source

Upholster a Wall

Upholstering a wall not only helps to protect your head from hitting the wall but also reduces sound. So it is a perfect solution behind any bed, day bed, sofa or a dining room where parties are held.

source | source | source

Photo & Map Murals

For a unique and personalized touch, consider creating a photo or map mural on your blank wall. Choose meaningful photographs or maps that hold sentimental value and create an eye-catching display. This option allows you to showcase your memories or explore your wanderlust, adding a personal touch to your space.

source | source | source

Chalkboard and/or Pinboard

Use chalkboard paint and/or cork to create a statement wall. This is an ideal solution for kitchens and offices. Cover a wall in cork and use it as a brag wall for children’s art or as a inspiration board. By using chalkboard paint on an entire wall your art becomes whatever you can draw. If you worry about not being an amazing artist use a projector or graphite/carbon paper to help you draw the design onto the wall.

source | source | source

Wall of Mirrors

Creating a room twice as big is as easy as installing a wall of mirrors. You can cover the entire wall with large mirror panels to make the wall disappear or use antique mirror tiles to create transparent texture. Framing out mirror panels with wood helps to break up a solid wall allowing some reflection.

source | source | source

Bookshelves

Install custom bookshelves or tile premade bookshelves to create a library-inspired look. This solution not only adds storage space for your book collection but also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal. Ensure the bookshelves are securely fastened to the wall to prevent tipping.

source | source | source

Oversized Art 

Purchase a large scale piece of art or make your own abstract art. If you make your own it doesn’t need to be complicated just select acrylic paint colors that will complement and add depth to the room. Craft stores often have great sales on huge canvases, so you can try to create your own Pollock, Rothko or just paint the canvas in a solid color.

source | source | source

Use MDF to create an architectural feature wall

Create a relief you can paint over to give your room architectural interest. It may even improve the resale of your home.

source | source | source

Create an Art Wall

Tile similar looking art into a large wall display. Wheather the images are simple drawings or photographs the repetition and slight differences of the images elevate become enchanting. ? also takes your images and creates one print out with all of the images – so all you need is one frame.

source | source | source

Ledges

Running out of space on the coffee table for the coffee table books? Need a place to put all of your children’s books? Ledges can run the entire length of the wall and used to display anything from coffee table books, art, and record album covers.

source | source | source

Showcase Your Collections

Take whatever collections you have and put them on the wall. Your children’s lost mittens become art when placed in tiled picture frames. Colorful woven baskets can become a focal point in a hallway and your childhood train set can become art when elevated on small shelves.

source | source | source

Filling a blank wall is not just about placing random decorations or artworks. It is an opportunity to make a bold statement, create a cohesive design, and enhance the overall atmosphere of your living space. By considering the size, shape, and style of your walls, as well as utilizing innovative design ideas, you can transform these empty spaces into captivating features that reflect your personality and elevate the visual appeal of your home. With the 10 solutions we have explored in this blog post, you now have a wealth of inspiration to embark on your journey of transforming your blank walls into stunning showcases of creativity and design.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop
What’s Next for the Housing Market?

What’s Next for the Housing Market?

by | Apr 5, 2024 | Trends

The housing market is undergoing significant changes, with various factors impacting prices, interest rates, and selling practices. In this blog post, we will examine the current state of the housing market and explore its potential future trajectory. By analyzing the influence of the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts, a major settlement affecting real estate agents’ commissions, and President Biden’s efforts to alleviate high housing costs, we aim to provide valuable insights for buyers, sellers, and renters.

Interest rates are expected to fall

Over the past years, mortgage rates have risen due to the Federal Reserve’s decision to increase interest rates. However, there is an anticipation that the Fed will lower borrowing costs, potentially resulting in a decrease in mortgage rates. This reduction could be significant if investors expect further rate cuts beyond current predictions, offering favorable conditions for homebuyers.

Changing dynamics in real estate practices

A landmark legal settlement may disrupt the longstanding practice of home sellers paying a standard 6% sales commission to real estate agents. This change could have implications for first-time homebuyers, potentially alleviating some of the financial burden associated with selling a property. However, it remains to be seen how this shift will impact the overall real estate market.

Affordability challenges persist

Despite the potential relief from lower interest rates and changes in selling practices, the housing market continues to face affordability challenges. The combination of high home prices and rising interest rates has made it increasingly difficult for individuals to enter the market. Additionally, closing costs, including loan origination fees and appraisal expenses, further contribute to the affordability barrier.

Limited inventory and strong demand

One of the primary factors driving the housing market is the persistent shortage of available homes for sale. Demographic trends, such as population growth and changing preferences, continue to fuel demand for housing. Cheaper mortgages resulting from lower interest rates may entice buyers, but the constrained inventory remains a significant challenge to address, potentially keeping prices elevated.

Future uncertainties and the importance of staying informed

As the housing market evolves, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about emerging trends and their potential implications for housing decisions. While economists anticipate relatively moderate cost increases, it is unlikely that prices will decrease significantly, especially for home purchases. The evolving nature of the market necessitates constant monitoring and adaptation to make informed housing choices.

The housing market is currently undergoing significant changes that will shape its future trajectory. One key factor is the Federal Reserve’s plan to cut interest rates this year. This move could potentially have significant implications for the housing market, as lower interest rates tend to make borrowing cheaper and stimulate home buying activity. Alongside this, a change in selling practices is expected to bring about further transformations. Real estate agents are likely to reduce their commissions following a major settlement, potentially impacting the dynamics of home shopping and making it more accessible and affordable for buyers.

President Biden has also recognized the issue of high housing costs and has taken initiatives to address it. The White House has announced plans to build and preserve over 2 million new homes, with the aim of lowering rents and the cost of buying a home. These efforts are directed towards making housing more affordable for working families, as President Biden firmly believes that everyone deserves to live in a safe and affordable home.

The current state of the housing market reflects both challenges and opportunities. While sales have slowed due to higher interest rates, home prices and rents remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Economists predict relatively moderate cost increases in the housing market over the next year, but they do not anticipate prices to decrease significantly, especially for home purchases. This is due to the strong demand fueled by demographic trends and the limited inventory of available homes.

Overall, the housing market is in a state of flux. The expected decrease in interest rates and the potential shift in selling practices could have significant impacts on buyers, sellers, and renters. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed about these changes and their potential implications when making housing decisions. While there are challenges to overcome, there are also opportunities for those looking to enter the market or invest in real estate. By staying informed and adapting to the evolving market conditions, individuals can navigate the housing market successfully.”

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop
Create a Home that Grows with You from Age 1-100

Create a Home that Grows with You from Age 1-100

by | Mar 4, 2024 | Interior Design

Aging in Place thru Universal Design Principals

When we talk about a home that lasts a lifetime, we’re not talking about durability—we’re talking about dignity.

Universal design—an approach that blends beauty with inclusivity—offers a blueprint for living well across every season of life. Whether you’re chasing toddlers, recovering from a surgery, or settling into your eighth decade, a well-designed home doesn’t age out of usefulness. It adapts.

“Designing for aging is not about limitation. It’s about liberation—removing friction so that life flows, safely and beautifully.”

The Hidden Crisis in Our Homes

Despite the strong desire to age in place—77% of Americans 50+ say they want to—just 1 in 10 homes is actually ready for that reality. According to the U.S. Census and AARP, the vast majority of American housing stock lacks features like no-step entries, wider hallways, and ground-floor bathrooms.

And yet, the benefits of aging in place are undeniable: improved mental health, deeper social ties, and lower healthcare costs. A study by HUD found that aging in place can reduce Medicaid costs by as much as $48,000 per person per year when paired with home- and community-based support services.

We don’t need new buildings. We need better design.

Universal Design in Action: What It Looks Like at Home

Main Floor Living
Plan for a bedroom, full bathroom, and laundry on the first floor—even if you don’t need it yet. This one choice adds lasting flexibility, whether you’re recovering from an injury or accommodating guests with mobility concerns.

Barrier-Free Showers
Walk-in showers with linear drains, built-in seating, and handheld sprayers feel spa-like but serve everyone from toddlers to aging adults.

Multigenerational Kitchens
Install drawers instead of upper cabinets so both kids and those in wheelchairs can reach daily items. Lever handles, touchless faucets, and induction cooktops make cooking safer across generations.

Thoughtful Lighting
Layered lighting—including under-cabinet LEDs, motion-sensor night lights, and dimmer switches—prevents falls and eases eyestrain.

“Good design isn’t visible. You feel it in the ease of movement, the silence of safety, the comfort of being considered.”

Technology That Supports Independence

Smart Home Devices

  • Voice assistants can control lights, thermostats, and reminders.

  • Video doorbells offer security without the need to rush to the door.

  • Medication dispensers with alerts ensure health routines are followed.

Telehealth Access
Aging in place becomes easier when you can connect to doctors via Zoom, send blood pressure readings from your phone, or receive remote diagnoses. Medicare now covers many of these services.

Fall Detection & Emergency Response
Smartwatches and home hubs now include built-in fall detection, emergency buttons, and caregiver alerts, all without sacrificing aesthetics.

Emotional Design: Creating a Home That Loves You Back

Homes that support aging are also homes that support belonging.

  • Incorporate biophilic design: natural light, views of nature, indoor plants.

  • Include memory anchors: family photos, heirloom objects, meaningful art.

  • Prioritize communal space for conversation, connection, and caregiving.

  • Choose colors and materials that soothe rather than stimulate—think soft woods, warm whites, tactile upholstery.

“The most future-proof homes don’t feel clinical. They feel like you—just easier to live in.”

Retirement-Ready Services to Layer In

Aging in place isn’t just about walls and windows. It’s also about the ecosystem of support:

Category Examples
Home Services Lawn care, handyman, HVAC maintenance
Health & Wellness Physical & occupational therapy at home, speech therapy
Food & Essentials Grocery delivery (Instacart, Amazon Fresh), meal prep services
Caregiving In-home aides for dressing, bathing, meal prep
Technology Remote health monitoring, call buttons, security cameras
Transportation Uber, Lyft, senior shuttles
Finance Remote banking, automated bill pay, fraud monitoring

Designing for Everyone, from Toddlers to Elders

Universal design also benefits families with young children, those recovering from surgery, and people with temporary or permanent disabilities. A drawer microwave is safer for a child and more convenient for a wheelchair user. A wide hallway accommodates both a walker and a stroller.

The goal? To design spaces that don’t single anyone out—but welcome everyone in.

Final Thoughts

Aging in place isn’t a trend. It’s a truth—and one we’re all moving toward. Whether you’re building new or remodeling, now is the moment to make choices that serve your future self.

Because the best homes aren’t just where life happens. They’re where it keeps happening.

About the Author: Rachel Blindauer is an award-winning interior and product designer known for creating spaces that live as well as they look. With over 15 years of experience in residential, multifamily, and hospitality interiors, she specializes in designs that elevate daily life while anticipating future needs.

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop
The Ultimate Lighting Guide: How to Master Lighting Like a Designer

The Ultimate Lighting Guide: How to Master Lighting Like a Designer

by | Mar 4, 2024 | Interior Design

Lighting isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s the foundation.
Done well, it shapes mood, defines space, and quietly transforms the way we live in our homes. It’s what turns a house into a haven, a kitchen into a gathering space, a hallway into a gallery. And yet, lighting remains one of the most misunderstood—and underutilized—tools in interior design.

In this guide, we’ll unpack the layered language of light: from the warmth of a well-placed sconce to the precision of task lighting at the kitchen island. You’ll learn how to sculpt your space with intention and how to avoid the most common (and costly) lighting mistakes.

Start With the Temperature for the House & Grounds, NOT Fixtures

Before thinking about style or placement, get clear on kelvin temperature. Light’s color temperature sets the tone—literally.

  • 1800K–2700K: Warm, golden light ideal for bedrooms, dining rooms, and living rooms

  • 3000K+: Cool, sterile light commonly used in hospitals and commercial kitchens—too harsh for residential interiors

“I typically do 2700K on everything. Warmer lighting is more flattering to people and spaces.”

Consistency is critical. Mismatched color temperatures from room to room create visual dissonance. Choose one temperature—preferably on the warm end of the spectrum—and carry it throughout the home.

Accent Picture Lights and LED was up Barrel Vault

The Three Layers of Light (And Why You Need All Three)

1. Ambient Lighting: The Room’s Backbone

This is your general illumination—the soft wash of light that makes a room usable. Think recessed ceiling lights, skylights, flush-mount fixtures, or a statement pendant. The goal is even, shadow-free light that feels natural and effortless.

2. Task Lighting: Where Form Meets Function

This layer is all about precision. Reading, cooking, grooming—any activity that requires concentration deserves its own light source. Use gooseneck sconces for bedside reading, LED tape lights under kitchen cabinets, or articulated arms above desks.

Above islands or tables: Hang fixtures 30–36″ above the surface, spaced ~30″ apart for balance and airflow.

In bathrooms, sconces should be mounted at eye level and 5′ apart for even illumination without casting unflattering shadows.

3. Accent Lighting: Design’s Quiet Drama

Accent lighting draws the eye to what matters—art, architectural features, or a stunning fireplace. Picture lights should span half the width of the artwork and be angled at 30 degrees for optimal shadow play. Use uplights in indoor tree pots or recessed cans to highlight sculptures or art.

Don’t forget natural sources like candlelight or firelight, which can anchor a space in warmth and movement in ways no bulb ever could.

Dimmers & Controls: The Unsung Heroes of Great Design

If every space tells a story, dimmers are your narrator. They allow light to shift from day to night, from task to ambiance, with subtle control. For maximum flexibility, install dimmers in every main living area, and consider motion sensors for halls or closets. It’s not just functional—it’s atmospheric.

The Natural Light Equation

No artificial lighting plan is complete without considering sunlight. Where it enters. How it moves. What it touches.
Use windows, skylights, and solar tubes to your advantage—but filter the glare. Sheers, tinted films, or architectural overhangs can help soften light and reduce heat gain.

Avoiding the LED Pitfall

LEDs are energy-efficient—but not all are created equal.
Most LED products—especially strip lights and under-cabinet kits—don’t dim well or flicker under low voltage. Always test your LED products with your dimmers before installing. Look for dimmable, high-CRI (Color Rendering Index) LEDs to maintain color accuracy.

Avoid no-name LED strips or plug-in puck lights. They often create inconsistent light and hum on dimmers.

Outdoor Lighting on a Modern House

Outdoor & Landscape Lighting: Extension of the Home

Great lighting doesn’t stop at the threshold. Your exterior should feel as thoughtfully lit as your living room. I have my favorite outdoor lighting brand that is made of brass and patinas beautifully with age.

  • Bullet lights highlight trees and architectural features

  • Well and wash lights add glow to walkways and facades

  • Deck and step lighting prevent tripping while feeling luxurious

  • Motion sensors and security lights just don’t use these. When you do the top three lights well, security lights become obsolete. Just invest in a security camera instead.

A Final Word: Design Is in the Details

Lighting is often treated as an afterthought, but it is truly one of the most transformative elements in any interior. When properly layered, precisely chosen, and thoughtfully integrated, lighting doesn’t just illuminate a space—it tells its story.

If you’re designing a boutique hotel, renovating a coastal retreat, or simply craving a more elevated day-to-day, it helps to have a guide. At Rachel Blindauer Interiors, lighting is never an afterthought—it’s part of the emotional architecture of a space. We craft lighting plans that not only work but live beautifully, all day and all night.

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.
2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop