Interior designers help their clients create spaces that look as wonderful as they feel. Kymberlea Earnshaw of the eponymous firm Kymberlea Earnshaw Design focuses on “wellness-driven interior design” not only as the company’s motto but stemming from her point of view as an advocate for a healthy and holistic lifestyle.

Earnshaw offers design services for homes and businesses that can incorporate feng shui, sustainable materials, clean materials and green design. In their work sourcing finishes and furnishings, Earnshaw and her team consider what is good for the client and the planet and envision spaces they will love to look at and live in.

When working with a client, she asks questions beyond a client’s personal style, such as “What type of environment would support your health?” and “What kind of design would bring harmony to your life?” In fact, she is also studying to become an integrative health practitioner. “We’re going to ask a lot more questions in regard to health and your lifestyle,” Earnshaw said. “We’re going to dig into, first of all, what is the soul of your project? What vibe do you want to feel when you’re walking in here? How do you want it to support you?” Her services include architectural review, interior design, space planning, builder collaboration for remodels and new construction and overseeing the process from finishes to furniture.

Earnshaw started her business around 2007, took a break while raising her two daughters, then dug back into it in 2013. She and her family moved to Bend from San Diego two years ago. From the time she was young, she had a creative side. Once in college, she considered studying interior design, but practicality stood in the way. The interior design studio time conflicted with the many hours Earnshaw spent in the pool training for swimming competitions as part of her scholarship.

After studying communications instead, Earnshaw knew she hadn’t yet found her career path. “I had this dilemma. Would I go into health, like a naturopath, or would I go into design?” Earnshaw said. “At that point, the creative side really called to me, but in my spare time I was always reading health and fitness stuff.”

Earnshaw felt even more drawn to researching what’s in our environments and the effects of off-gassing as she became a mother.  According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, off-gassing is the release of chemicals into the air from any material, including furniture, flooring, paint and more.

“I think that was a really pivotal moment,” Earnshaw said. “You’re pregnant, [asking] what can I put on or in my body? So then this whole new awareness just erupted for me. I started looking at things with new eyes and realizing just how much stuff there is out there that’s really not beneficial for us,” she said.

Early on, not everyone understood Earnshaw’s intention with wellness-inspired interior design. Now, more people are considering what fills their homes and how that affects their mood and health. For example, she tries to maximize natural light, bring in plants when possible, select organic bedding, clean and natural materials and choose Forest Stewardship Council-certified woods—all with sustainability and the carbon footprint in mind.

“We typically do new construction or full remodels, so we’ll start from the beginning. We work really closely with the architect and the builder,” Earnshaw said. “We are the ones who do all the specifications of the tile, the hardwood, the paint, so we try to keep the VOCs or anything that can off-gas as clean as possible.”

VOCs are volatile organic compounds, many of which are human-made chemicals used in the manufacture of paints and more, according to the EPA. Breathing in VOCs for long periods of time may increase some people’s risk of health problems, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. VOCs refer to a group of chemicals, but each individual chemical has its own potential effects.

 Whatever the project, Earnshaw’s goal is to pick furniture with cleaner materials, whether it’s recycled or certified by the Sustainable Furnishings Council.

“Even though we are navigating this, there are a lot of things that aren’t 100 percent clean. We do the best that we can with what we have, but just the knowledge is the power to make better decisions in this industry,” Earnshaw said.

Earnshaw has seen wellness-focused interior design begin to trend in hospitality, and she expects the practice will eventually trickle down to more private homes, just as her business has spread by word of mouth. Learn more at kymberleaearnshaw.com.

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The entryway of a home is a space to welcome visitors, and to feel comfortable each day while arriving home. There are tricks to making elevated entryways that work for the everyday.

If the idea of redesigning the entryway feels overwhelming, go for a “less is more” approach, said Karrie Bomstad, owner and designer of Staging Spaces & Design in Bend, which specializes in home staging, style and design. “Your guests are going to walk in, and it’s really their first impression, so it’s either warm and welcoming, or not,” Bomstad said.

One approach is to focus on five foundational elements of the entryway, according to Traci Porterfield, designer and co-owner of Circa Interiors, an interior design firm that has operated in Bend since 1991. “I think the entry especially can be so beautiful and also functional as long as you have a few key pieces,” Porterfield said. Start with a grounding piece of furniture, whether it’s a console table or sideboard that offers some storage. Above this table or sideboard, choose something that makes a statement, Porterfield said. “My preference is to do a dramatic piece of artwork, but an interesting mirror works as well,” she said. As a third element, Porterfield recommends having something fresh like a plant, flowers or branches. Fourth, it’s important to engage more senses than the eyes. “There always needs to be a scented candle, and in my world, it’s always burning,” Porterfield said. Finally—a must in the high desert—a durable, beautiful rug. Porterfield personally opts for hand-knotted styles. “I recommend choosing something that hides dirt but it doesn’t have to be an entry mat,” she said. “It can be something that offers a lot of style.”

One bonus design choice will make an impact before any visitors even pass through the threshold: the front door and its hardware. Even if choosing more affordable hardware in the rest of the home, front door hardware is worth the investment, Porterfield said. 

A beautiful entryway also doesn’t have to be a big entryway. For homes that are short on space, Bomstad said to swap in a nightstand for a console table or add floating shelves for extra storage.

Bomstad often helps design mudrooms, with smart pieces such as benches and cubbies for baskets. One new feature that’s rising in popularity is especially appropriate for Bend: a metal tub dog wash, allowing clients to bathe their dogs as easily as a groomer, sometimes just off the mudroom in the laundry room. She also typically adds a counter space meant for charging and storing devices; it’s the kind of feature you might not think of without expert help.

Like any room in the home, it may take time to curate an entryway to get it just right. “You make smarter choices when you’ve lived in a house for a little bit,” said Allison Clouser, co-owner of Clouz Houz, and formerly of Design Bar Bend. Clouser and her husband recently launched their new venture in Clouz Houz, offering design services and flipping fixer uppers. “Especially in this house, we use our front door all the time,” Clouser said of her family’s home. “We don’t have a mudroom like a lot of new houses do these days.”

She manages with a console table, benches and baskets for people to kick off and stash their shoes. In the console table, Clouser has a place to store mail, keys and leashes for their golden retrievers. Light-colored rugs help hide the dog fur that inevitably escapes a daily vacuum run. “This space has to work in multiple ways,” she said, explaining finding the balance of beauty with a spot her teenagers and their friends pass through daily.

A final curated detail that sets the tone of the entryway is lighting. “The lighting is really key in an entryway,” Clouser said. Changing the overhead lighting, or simply adding a lamp, can transform the whole setting of an entryway, she said. Porterfield agreed, explaining soft or adjustable lighting is essential.“That way if it’s dark out, you’re not coming into this blast of light,” Porterfield said. “That might be done with a lamp, or the light is on a dimmer.”

In a well-done entryway, there is a special feeling when you walk in. “The goal is that it feels warm and welcoming,” Porterfield said. “And there’s a hint of what’s about to come.” 

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Known for their relaxing and rejuvenating effects, saunas have been shown to provide real health benefits, something especially appealing to fitness-conscious Central Oregonians. Evidence suggests sauna bathing may be tied to a reduced risk of vascular diseases, according to research in the peer-reviewed journal, Mayo Clinic Proceedings. For some people, it’s an enticing enough option to invest in one of their own.

A sauna is a special insulated room built of softwood and outfitted with a heater, according to Karen Post, who co-owns her business, Aqua Hot Tubs in Sisters, with her husband, Jason. The sauna’s heater contains rocks that can be heated to 600 degrees, but the room itself won’t get hotter than 180 degrees. “The health benefits are amazing, even just for mental health, rest and relaxation, meditation,” Post said. “For most people, sauna time is a quiet time; you’re not just improving circulation, burning calories, you’re doing a lot for your skin.”

Saunas can also help relieve joint pain and stiffness, according to Post. Most people heat the room to between 120 to 140 degrees, Post said, adding that anyone with health concerns should consult their doctor before partaking. In a traditional Finnish sauna, like those that Aqua Hot Tubs offers, users ladle water over the stove’s rocks to make steam, creating about 10 to 40 percent humidity.

For Heather Cashman of Bend, having a sauna at home is such an essential experience, she’ll be installing one for the third time. Each time Cashman has moved in recent years, she has built a sauna with the help of Redmond Spa Stove & Sauna. She uses her sauna at least four to five times a week, for about fifteen to twenty minutes at a time, she said. “It’s sort of almost euphoric, you’re so relaxed,” Cashman said. “If I’ve overexerted my muscles or anything it helps. You can just go in there and feel it unwind.”

Sizes of saunas can range depending on when you decide to add one. If you’re building a new house, there is the most flexibility with size. A size of five by seven feet is the most common for interior saunas added to an existing home, Post said. “If they’re building new, they’ll do bigger because they can. For exterior saunas, you’ll get all different sizes.” The ceiling height of saunas is usually no higher than seven to eight feet to maximize efficiency and safety.

While saunas offer a pretty standard setup of benches surrounding a heater, homeowners can make the room’s layout their own. Glass doors, commonly used in saunas, can also be etched with
eye-catching, custom designs.

Saunas can be built custom or from kits, on your own, or with hired help depending on how handy you are. Many people associate saunas with the smell of cedar for good reason; saunas are built with softwood, and cedar is a go-to option.

At Aqua Hot Tubs where Post sells the Portland-area based brand Finlandia, the wood options are Western red cedar and Western hemlock. Aesthetically, hemlock is light and consistent, providing a slightly more modern look, whereas cedar is a bit richer in color with more variations throughout the wood. Both have soothing scents, Post said.

Finlandia offers two options for home saunas: prefabricated and pre-cut. Prefabricated saunas are kits that come with the interior and exterior walls plus insulation, ready to piece together. For pre-cut saunas, the Finlandia team designs and draws custom plans for the space in which you are looking to build your sauna, and then sends every piece needed to build the sauna—from the custom-cut slats of wood, to the pre-made benches, Post explained. 

The prefabricated option is a standalone sauna that might be placed in a home gym, garage or in the backyard if a roof is added. A pre-cut sauna might be built into a spare walk-in closet, extra space in an oversized bathroom in an existing home, or the sauna room of a new custom home. 

In addition to contractors, many people hire electricians if needed, as electric sauna stoves may require a 220-volt outlet. For many modern saunas, technology allows people to start heating their sauna using an app on their phone. Saunas with wood stoves are an alternative option to electric stoves.

In Central Oregon, where Scandinavians began immigrating generations ago, some people are drawn to saunas because they grew up with them. Others simply want a permanent spa experience at home. “They are a personal thing, a home sauna,” Post said. “Once you do it a few times, it’s something you miss when you can’t do it.” 

Today’s range of outdoor furniture can set the tone for the many ways we use our outside spaces—with a big trend toward what’s comfortable, durable and, especially in Central Oregon, what can withstand the weather.

After considering what’s desired in terms of design, use and style, look for furniture, textiles and decor made with the following materials to create an outdoor space that looks great and stands the test of time. 

Metal, Stone and Ceramic

Powder-coated aluminum and steel have soared in popularity in recent years, including here in Central Oregon, according to Shanda McGee, co-owner of Powder House Ski and Patio. Powder-coated aluminum is not only available in a variety of colors and textures, it’s a durable material prepared to meet Central Oregon’s extreme weather. While it’s recommended to cover or store all outdoor furniture in the winter, McGee pointed out that powder-coated aluminum can withstand a beating from the high desert sun, and it can be rinsed off with a hose for easy cleaning. Many powder-coated aluminum seating options offer a modern, low, sleek style, and often feature deep, thick cushions on top, ideal for lounging.

Just like indoors, stone materials including granite are a coveted option for outdoor pieces like tabletops, though it can be tricky to maintain through changing seasons unless it’s heavily sealed. As an alternative, look for tabletops and other materials made from poured ceramic, a material that’s rising in popularity, according to Jed Teuber, co-owner of Furnish. Teuber said that poured ceramic can provide the look of stone or concrete but be much more durable. 

Natural Materials

Natural materials, including rattan, cane and seagrass can provide a light, coastal, even spa-like feel for a patio or backyard. But these natural materials aren’t usually associated with the mountains for a reason, and basic versions of these materials often don’t hold up to the Central Oregon elements.

Weather-resistant and vinyl wicker are better choices if you want to keep your patio furniture in good shape for the long-term. While traditional, round-topped wicker pieces are still an option, today’s weather-ready wicker can also be made to fit in with modern design, with clean lines and wide armrests perfect for lounging and resting your drink.

Recycled Plastics

Plastic can withstand a beating from inclement weather—including snow—even if left outside over the winter. Many companies even make their plastic outdoor furniture out of recycled items such as milk jugs to give
single-use plastic a second life. 

Bendites have likely spotted the colorful traditional leaning Adirondack chairs made of recycled plastic that Powder House has in front of the shop each spring and summer. Furnish also carries a brand of recycled plastic Adirondack chairs that offer a more modern aesthetic, with a low profile perfect for sitting around a firepit.

Woods

Wood is a classic option for outdoor furniture, but choosing this more traditional material can require more time and care to ensure it lasts a long time. A good wood option, especially in Central Oregon’s climate, is teak, according to McGee. “Teak is a dense wood with high oil content,” McGee said. “It will come from the factory really smooth, then get a peach fuzz to it, but it doesn’t crack and splinter.”

Ipe wood, which comes out of South America, is another smart choice for outdoors, according to Scott Holmer, owner of Patio World, explaining it holds a better finish than teak does. “It’s a good, rich wood, but it’s for someone who doesn’t mind putting work in,” Holmer said.

Mixed-material furniture is also an option to consider if your heart is set on wood. For example, Powder House has carried powder-coated aluminum chairs that feature teak armrests, so there is a natural element in the design without the full upkeep wood might require.

Textiles

In the more than twenty years McGee has been selling outdoor furniture, one of the biggest shifts she has seen is from traditional dining sets to deep-set, comfy lounge furniture. And the fabrics chosen to make umbrellas, cushions and pillows are just as important as the materials that make up the furniture. Outdoor furniture made to last costs more upfront, but it’s worth the investment for the life you will get out of it, said Holmer, who explained quality is ensured in the creation process. For textiles, it’s that the fibers are treated before the fabric is even woven.

Most modern cushions are made of materials that are fine to get wet, but it’s important they get the chance to dry out again. Ideally, you’re moving cushions inside and covering furniture over winter, so that piles of snow aren’t soaking and dirtying your furniture for months out of the year.

Choosing outdoor fabrics that are designed to be fade-resistant, washable and made with durable materials is key to creating cozy and comfortable outdoor spaces that feel inviting for years to come. 

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photo DC Builders

A unique framing style once reserved for barns and warehouses is growing in popularity and leading to a new wave of creative homes and structures. Pole barn, or post-frame construction, design allows for walls of windows and breathtaking views, something a conventionally framed home couldn’t easily support. And as the use of pole barn construction gains traction, traditional builders are seeing more demand for barn-inspired homes, including here in Central Oregon.

Metaphorically, the pole barn framing structure of poles and trusses are “tree-like,” said Steve Nuetzel, a Bend-based architect and general contractor who built a few pole barns for clients before deciding he’d like to build himself one as a home. “Pole sounds like it would be round, but they’re actually square or rectangular,” Nuetzel said, explaining that each pole in a pole barn structure is placed twelve feet apart and set four to six feet deep in concrete like a flag pole. Trusses are then bolted to each side. 

Nuetzel’s pole barn home vision comes to life just south of Sunriver near the Deschutes River, where the indoors transition seamlessly into the live lodgepole and ponderosa pines outside. The barn home is split into a residential side and a workshop area. The residential side includes 1,100 square feet of space with one bedroom, one bathroom, the kitchen and living room. An expansive covered deck just outside its glass doors offers an additional 1,200 square feet of outdoor living space perfect for lounging and dining. The workshop side of the home is the most barn-like, providing another 1,100 square feet for a combination workshop-office area complete with a 14-foot-high door where Nuetzel renovates RVs and trailers. 

On the residential side, the home’s exterior is made up of red cedar siding and top-to-bottom walls of windows, interrupted only by the naturally stained Douglas fir poles that support the home, while the workshop side of the building has metal siding. Nuetzel carefully considered aesthetic and efficiency in building a home he would love, installing clear, vertical grain Douglas fir cabinets and concrete slab countertops, polished to a high sheen. The natural materials complement the light, organic feel of the home. “It’s a really uplifting space,” Nuetzel said, explaining the high ceilings, natural light, and views of the sky and treetops through an atrium over the living area make the home feel “almost spiritual.”

Many of the home’s design features are also energy saving, offering long-term cost-effectiveness, Nuetzel said. The roof’s deep overhang shades the home enough that he hardly ever uses his air conditioner, and in winter, an efficient wood-burning stove surrounded by a large concrete hearth absorbs and reflects heat so well, Nuetzel doesn’t use his heater much either. 

While not technically pole barn construction, DC Builders out of Damascus, Oregon, is known for building barn-inspired residences, which also offer wide open floorplans. One barn-inspired residence built in Central Oregon features a barn-style RV garage downstairs with a spacious living area on the second story. 

Generally, pole barn construction is a little more affordable than for a conventional house, meaning homeowners can turn and invest those cost savings into higher-end finishes inside, or save the money altogether. 

Cost was a concern for Amber and Josh Blount, who sold their Bend home to purchase a ten-acre property in Terrebonne, with plans to build a custom home. When faced with escalating prices along with labor and material shortages related to COVID-19, they decided to get creative with their construction plans. “We (were) standing at the property and looking at this forty-eight-foot by twenty-four-foot pre-existing (pole) barn at the top of the hill and thought to ourselves, ‘maybe we can make this work?’” Amber Blount said.

Bend-based PJ Hurst Design and PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc. of Klamath Falls were excited to guide the Blounts on their remodel for the home they’re calling “Terrebarn.” Having lived on a Portland floating home, a hobby farm and a unique hillside house in Bend, the family is at home in unusual spaces. And because they rent out their house when they vacation, the Blounts can appreciate the appeal of a one-of-a-kind abode.

That fits well with the design style of PJ Hurst, whose motto is to “do the unexpected.” Her design will showcase sweeping views of Smith Rock and local mountains via panoramic windows and incorporate nods to rock climbing throughout, including a climbing wall up to the Blount kids’ secret reading loft and a mural of Smith Rock. With two levels, the three-bedroom, two-bath home will boast high ceilings ideal for a hanging chair and acrobatic equipment hung from the trusses. A library ladder in the kitchen will allow the family to reach high cabinets designed to add storage space. 

While construction hasn’t quite begun, Hurst is excited to support her clients in bringing the design to life. “It’s such a cool thing to see a modern family jump into this barn lifestyle and really absorb this as their life,” Hurst said. “It just kind of shows that it’s not just a concept, it’s a way of life.”   

Editors Note: This article was originally published April, 2021

More time at home these days is leading many of us to rethink our home décor, housewares and even the tech-savvy tools that make our lives easier. When shopping for new tech, let’s not forget the bathroom, a space where we often start and end each day. Technology is making a splash in today’s bathrooms, with products that improve hygiene and cleanliness, provide relaxing warmth, control ideal lighting and more. See how some of these new gadgets can make getting ready for a new day, or winding down after a long one, just a little easier.

Kohler Veil Comfort Height Intelligent Toilet

There are now smartphones, smartwatches and according to Kohler, intelligent toilets. With a tankless design for a sleeker look, the Veil Comfort Height smart toilet offers front and rear bidet options, a self-cleaning function using UV light, a warm-air drying system and an adjustable heated seat. Motion-activated opening and closing of the seat and cover means you don’t even have to lift a finger, except maybe to tune to your preferred settings. LED lighting illuminates the base, saving the need for a nightlight. 

Conair Dual Jet Bath Spa

If you’re more into baths than showers or just look forward to a relaxing weekend soak, the Conair Dual Jet Bath Spa can bump up your bath to a full-on jet spa experience. The bubbler hangs over the side of your tub to provide two jets of adjustable streams, taking water in on either side of the device to give continuous aeration action.

A&A Oil and Lotion Warmer

Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference when it comes to self-care. If you’ve ever bristled at trying to smooth on cold lotion after a nice warm shower or bath, the A&A Oil and Lotion Warmer may be just the thing. The lotion and oil dispenser saves you the time and trouble of warming up lotion in your hands, heating the product you choose to 140 degrees. Available in a few natural shades, the warmer offers a techy solution to your skin care regimen.

Moen Digital Shower Controller

A digital shower installation is the thing luxury bathrooms are made of. Whether you’re hoping to bring the spa feel home or you miss the extravagance of an upscale hotel, Moen can transform your shower. Once installed, the device can be controlled with touch or via an app, and is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit/Siri and Google Assistant, allowing for voice control. Customize your shower day to day with just the right temperature, make your own presets or set a shower timer to ensure you stay on schedule.

Byecold Vanity Touch Mirror

Smart mirrors are another item you may have enjoyed in a chic hotel that you can now make a reality at home. Byecold’s Vanity Touch Mirror provides an adjustable backlight, defogging function, clock, as well as the weather forecast made easily visible as you consider your outfit for the day. Or take things up a notch with Kohler’s Verdera Voice Lighted Mirror with Amazon Alexa. At a $1,065.35 list price, the Kohler mirror can connect to Bluetooth, take voice commands, and play music, offering you the most soothing—or exciting—way to prep for bedtime or primp for a night out.

Tushy Spa 3.0 Bidet

For those interested in adding a bidet to their existing toilet, the Tushy Spa 3.0 may be the perfect choice that won’t break the bank. As toilet paper became hard to come by for some in 2020, many people began turning to bidets as an alternative, or addition, to their current setup. As the product offers an adjustable warm water spray, Tushy even argues it’s an eco-friendly choice, eliminating the need for toilet paper altogether.

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With some extra time on our hands, some of us have taken up old hobbies again, or challenged ourselves to try a DIY project. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to take a crack at some of the home wishlist to-dos you’ve been eyeing for some months, or maybe years. These are the home projects we’ve dreamed up that really are within reach—if only we made the time.

Each of the projects outlined here can be done for around $150 or less and completed between the span of an afternoon and a weekend, depending on how many breaks you take. Find inspiration in these ideas, then make them your own.

Accent Voila

Accent walls have come a long way from the randomly painted purple or lime green wall you may picture when you hear the phrase. Today’s accent walls can add something different than a burst of color—they can bring texture, character and depth to a room that may otherwise feature a big blank wall. Board and batten, shiplap and paneling offer a classic touch and are all versatile options. Go traditional with all white or show your style is au courant with a moody color like a deep blue or dark green. You’ll just have to do some measuring and math, and for supplies you’ll need to pick up MDF or wood, nails, adhesive, sandpaper and paint. Wallpaper also makes for an eye-catching statement and stays affordable when you’re only covering one wall. Temporary wallpaper is another fun, affordable option that’s easier to undo for a space like a child’s room that needs to grow with them. Plus, temporary wallpapers offer mural options too, that go beyond just a flat print.

Vinyl Revamp

Want to try out a new flooring style without a high price tag or big time commitment? Vinyl stickers just might be your new best friend. Available in a huge variety of colors and patterns, peel-and-stick vinyl tiles can mimic real tiles or a variety of common flooring options, and can be used to freshen up kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms or even a dated backsplash. Depending on the product you choose, peel-and-stick vinyl can be easily removed and even rental home friendly. Try a bold black and white pattern, mix together colors for a one-of-a-kind design or keep it classic with a solid color that complements a room’s existing look.

Kitchen Cabinet Refresh

Sometimes all it takes is a small tweak to have a big impact on a space. Kitchen cabinets really set the tone of a kitchen—which is why something as simple as hardware can make a difference. Consider changing out your dated pulls with a cleaner new style that still complements the colors and finishes in your space. Nickel continues to be a frontrunner for kitchen hardware, while soft gold and matte black have made a name for themselves in recent years. Count up the number of cabinets and drawers you’ll need pulls for, calculate the most you’d like to spend per pull, consider the existing holes your pulls will leave behind (depending on the width of a handle, for example), and get to shopping. All you’ll need is a screwdriver and some patience for installation.

Porch Perfect

Repainting your front door can be as simple as wiping it down and giving it a sanding and coat of primer before transforming it with a new color. Choose a go-to pop like a deep red, a classic yet trendy choice like true black or lighten things up with a shade of light blue or yellow that suits your home year-round. If you’re willing to put in the extra time, swatch a couple of samples and take a peek throughout the day as the light changes to know you’ll love your new front door in the sunshine, with cloud cover and under the porch light come night.

Whichever idea makes your DIY heart skip, it’s not too late to check off a project or two in your own home that you haven’t gotten to yet. In addition to these projects helping pass the time and sharpen your Bob Villa or Martha Stewart skills. There is something to be said for putting some thoughtful energy into the places we spend so much time.