Designing with Heart and Purpose: My Design Philosophy

I remember the first time I felt the true power of design. Years ago, my living room felt off. Instead of a complete overhaul,  I simply rearranged my living room by shifting the furnishings along with a basic upgrade of painting the walls a soothing color. Suddenly, the space felt different: brighter, calmer, like a breath of fresh air. That’s when I realized good design isn’t just about looks; it’s about how your home makes you feel. 

As an interior designer with a science background, I’ve built my philosophy around one idea: a beautiful home should improve your well-being.

Designing for Wellness and Joy

My approach to interiors is design as self-care. We spend nearly 87% of our time indoors [1], so our surroundings have a profound impact on our health and our happiness. That’s why, with my clients, I emphasize natural light and clutter-free spaces since scientific studies have show these elements reduce stress and boost mood [2]. 

This belief led me to develop our Curated Home Edits focused on decluttering and organizing, along with blending style with wellness expertise. By editing out the excess and curating meaningful pieces, I ensure spaces feel as good as they look.

Sustainability and Vintage Contrast

Another core tenet of my philosophy is choosing design elements that respect both you and the planet. Sustainability isn’t a luxury add-on; it’s woven into everything. I love incorporating client's heirloom pieces or new low-VOC materials, energy-efficient lighting into my designs, all of which shrink your environmental footprint and can enhance well-being and productivity [2]. I also offer clients eco-conscious options for furnishings, paints, and decor when they're looking to go in a greener direction.

Vintage pieces plays a huge role in how I bring that story to life. Not only does vintage reduce demand for new manufacturing, it tells a tale through timeworn patina and unexpected contrast. A sleek contemporary kitchen suddenly pops when paired with a scuffed wood stools or hand-thrown pottery. These pieces add warmth and character and promotes a lived-in feeling that no catalog item can match. Vintage pieces ground us, connect us to the past, and reinforce sustainability without sacrificing beauty

Bringing It All Together

At its heart, my design philosophy is about authenticity by infusing your home with comfort, beauty, and wellness that meets your unique style and support how you live. The goal is a home that feels like you at your best,  with the goal of your home inviting you to sink in with a contented sigh, that’s mindful design working its magic.

Curious to experience this approach? This is an open invitation. Whether through a home edit or other services, I’d love to help you transform your space into a sanctuary of style and well-being.

Are you a Salt Lake City or Park City (or surrounding area local), and want a home to support wellbeing without the shopping list?Our Curated Home Edit can help your home support you in as little as one day!

FAQ

What is your interior design philosophy?
My design philosophy is centered on creating homes that feel beautiful, personal, and supportive of wellbeing. The goal is not just a visually appealing space, but one that improves how you live and how you feel at home.

How does wellness influence your design approach?
Wellness influences my design approach through choices that support calm, comfort, and daily function. That includes natural light, clutter reduction, thoughtful layouts, and materials that help a space feel healthier and more restorative.

Why are sustainability and vintage pieces part of your design philosophy?
Sustainability and vintage pieces add depth, story, and intention to a home while reducing unnecessary waste. They help create interiors that feel layered, authentic, and more connected to both personal history and long-term livability.

What does design as self-care mean?
Design as self-care means treating your home as something that supports your wellbeing, not just your style. A well-designed space can help you feel calmer, more grounded, and more at ease in daily life.

Can interior design really change how a home feels emotionally?
Yes. Interior design can change the emotional tone of a home through color, layout, lighting, materials, and the level of visual calm in the space. Small changes can make a room feel brighter, softer, and more supportive.

Can Curated Style Collective help create a home that reflects this philosophy?
Yes. Curated Style Collective helps clients create intentional interiors that support beauty, function, and wellbeing through services like home edits and more comprehensive interior design support.

Want a moody space that supports your wellbeing without cave vibes?Click here to get the conversation started. 

(Authored By Craig Gritzen, Founder & Principal Designer of Curated Style Collective Interior Design Studio. We blend project management precision, scientific insight, and a belief that design can transform the way we live.)

References:

[1] Klepeis, N. E., et al. (2001). The National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS). Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 11(3), 231–252.

[2] Negarestan, A. (2025). Natural Light in Interior Architecture: Enhancing Mental Health. Management Strategies and Engineering Sciences, 7(3), 66–76.