Ideas That Shaped Our Practice

How Neuroscience, Mindfulness, and Personalization Elevate Interiors.

By Karolina J. Barrett

Design has always been about more than what we see.

For more than two decades, our work has been shaped by a fascination with the relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit.

Over time, that curiosity moved beyond the traditional boundaries of interior design. Questions of beauty and function became questions of perception, emotion, sensory experience, the nervous system, daily rhythms, restoration, connection, and ultimately, wellbeing.

Research became part of the creative process. Neuroscience, neuroaesthetics, neuropsychology, environmental psychology, human behavior, and the science of wellbeing began to deepen an understanding first developed intuitively through years of designing homes and observing how differently people experience them.

Writing became a way to bring these ideas together.

Beyond Design explores the relationship between brain, body, and space—and how neuroscience, mindfulness, sensory experience, and personalization can expand the way we think about the environments we create.

Designing Wellbeing takes that exploration further, beyond the physical environment and into the wider architecture of everyday life- our nervous system, sleep, movement, nourishment, relationships, habits, restoration, and the conditions that allow us to live well.

These books are not separate from our design practice.

They are part of its evolution.

The ideas explored through years of research, writing, professional study, and design experience have helped shape the philosophy behind Karolina Barrett Interiors and deepen the foundation from which The KBI NeuroDesign Method™ continues to evolve.

Because the more we understand about the human being, the more thoughtfully we can design the world around them.

Two books. One evolving inquiry: how can the way we design support the way we live?

EXPLORE BEYOND DESIGN →

EXPLORE DESIGNING WELLBEING →

Design That Heals. Interiors That Feel.

HOLLYWOOD RESIDENCE 2

Location: Hollywood Hills, CA, USA
Completion Date: 2019-2022
Size: 4,396 Sq Ft
4 beds, 4.5 baths, guest house
Price: $1.125M on 03.15.19

Jaw-dropping city views are totally overwhelming as you approach this awesome residence in the Hollywood Hills. The residence is located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac which provides tremendous privacy.

Since the residence is situated in Hollywood, and attention to detail is a major priority for Hollywood Regency décor, mastering this decor comes down to even the smallest of well-judged details. added to this modern design a bit of old Hollywood glam by designing those silver-gold kitchen handles; a decor that embraces the decadent and fabulous style from top to bottom.

HOLLYWOOD RESIDENCE 1

Location: Hollywood Hills, CA, USA
Completion Date: 2019-2022
Size: 4,396 Sq Ft
4 beds, 4.5 baths, 2-car garage
Price: $1.125M on 03.15.19

Jaw-dropping city views are totally overwhelming as you approach this awesome residence in the Hollywood Hills. The residence is located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac which provides tremendous privacy.

Since the residence is situated in Hollywood, and attention to detail is a major priority for Hollywood Regency décor, mastering this decor comes down to even the smallest of well-judged details. added to this modern design a bit of old Hollywood glam by designing those silver-gold kitchen handles; a decor that embraces the decadent and fabulous style from top to bottom.