Designing a Home That Supports Your Well-Being

As a nurse, I think a lot about sensory load—how the spaces we move through either support or overwhelm our nervous system. Lately, I’ve realized that the products I use at home play a quiet but powerful role in that equation. A sharp scent, a scratchy towel, or a cleaner that lingers in the air can nudge me toward stress without me even noticing. That’s why I’m paying closer attention this season—not just to what’s “clean” or “non-toxic,” but to what helps my body soften, breathe, and feel safe through wellness-focused home design.

This summer, I’m continuing my move toward a healthier home—not by clearing out everything I own, but by thoughtfully testing a few new products, routines, and textures that support my health, my nervous system, and my lifestyle. These small shifts are meant to make our home more grounded.

To be clear, this is not done in pursuit of perfection, but to create a home environment that actually supports my nervous system—day in and day out. I’m sharing what I’m trying out, what I’ve learned so far, in order to help you reflect on what you need in your space.

Cleaning Systems I’m Experimenting With

Let’s be honest: my cleaning routine has a bit of a multiple personality disorder on a good day. I’m constantly adjusting when, how often, and where I start—but somehow it works with my busy work schedule and part-time life at the barn.

One thing I’m consistent about? Avoiding harsh chemicals unless they’re absolutely needed. I only use something like Lysol when someone’s been sick or the toilet really needs it. The rest of the time, I stick to fragrance-free or plant-based products, and I’m learning to notice what I actually enjoy using.

For example, it took me a full month to like Molly’s Suds laundry detergent. I’m still not sure if the machines needed a detox, or if my own scent expectations had to recalibrate—but once things settled, I couldn’t imagine going back.

I’m also slowly replacing other products with versions that list their ingredients clearly, don’t overwhelm the air with fragrance, and help me feel like my space is actually clean, not chemically masked.

• What cleaning products do you reach for most often—and how do they make your space feel after using them?
• Do your current products support your health or overwhelm your senses?

Textiles I’m Upgrading for a Calmer, Healthier Home

For years, I treated towels and sheets as background players—just utility items. But lately I’ve started noticing how much the textures in my home impact how regulated I feel. Softness, breathability, and even weight can shift how relaxed (or tense) my body is.

This summer, I’m slowly upgrading the textiles we use every day. We’re looking into organic cotton towels that don’t feel like cardboard after two washes, and I’ve started researching sheet sets that are breathable, non-irritating, and gentle enough for both us and my stepdaughter’s bed.

These aren’t just aesthetic choices—they’re wellness-focused home design decisions. Our skin is our largest organ. What touches it all night, every day, deserves to be non-toxic when possible, but also comfortable and sustainable. I’m also doing a slow refresh of our linens and throw blankets—washing everything in fragrance-free detergent, and storing items in ways that support clean air and lower allergens.

• What fabrics or materials in your home do you actually enjoy touching—and which ones do you avoid or ignore?
• What does comfort feel like to you: crisp? soft? warm? breathable? Are your home textiles supporting that?

Rituals That Anchor My Day

Not everything I’m testing this season comes in a bottle or a box. Some of the most powerful changes I’ve made are tiny rituals that ground me—especially during stressful transitions or long days at work.

I put on music when I clean. I take my time at the barn instead of rushing home—and that pause does more to reset my nervous system than any to-do list ever could. Last week, I spent nearly four hours grooming every single mare—baby girls included. By the end, I was physically tired, but mentally clear. The stress relief was intense, like my brain had finally exhaled after holding its breath for weeks.

These micro-routines give my day structure, but they also act as sensory cues. When I’m overstimulated, they help me come back to my body. When I’m too tired to think, they offer gentle clarity.

Sometimes I think the best thing we can “test” in a home is not a product, but a feeling.

• What’s one small ritual that makes your home feel calmer or more anchored—even if it’s barely noticeable to anyone else?
• What daily habits are helping you feel safe, soft, or slow in your space?

Final Thoughts: Let the Slow Changes Lead

These changes might seem minor—a new towel here, a different soap there—but they’re part of a quiet recalibration and wellness-focused home design. I’m not overhauling my home- that’s what my missing contractor is for. I’m just paying closer attention to how it feels to live in it. That’s enough for now. And maybe “not perfect, just better” is exactly the kind of summer I need.

If you’re testing a few things too, I’d love to hear what’s working in your space. Drop a comment or sign up below to keep the conversation going—no pressure, just shared progress.