One of my favorite trends this year is dopamine dressing. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, dopamine dressing is wearing clothes specifically for their ability to lift your mood. Whether it’s those impossibly comfortable Uggs or bright colors that spark joy, these same principles can be applied to your home’s interior. Today, I’m going to show you how to bring joy to your space with dopamine design. Let’s dive into a few of my favorite design elements curated to lift your mood.    Statement Foundational Pieces    By choosing a foundational piece and going wi ..read more

   Whether your home is custom or part of a larger development, I’m sharing my top non-toxic materials for your new build. The materials your builder will use in your home will be there for decades, so you have a unique opportunity to choose high-quality materials right from the start. From creating an eco-friendly home that is safe for the environment to selecting safe materials that can contribute positively to your loved ones’ long-term health, these non-toxic building materials will serve you for years to come.   Flooring    Photo by Paige Rumore For non-toxic fl ..read more

   Let’s debunk the top three myths of sustainable design. From cost to availability and more, sustainability has come a long way in the past 20 years and is stepping into the design spotlight.     Sustainable Design Is So Expensive    Image: MOTIV Interiors Like any build project, when you work with the right build team, they can balance your project needs with your investment. With advances in technology and broader availability, many sustainable materials and finishes are on par with standard material costs. Additionally, due to consumer demand, many pro ..read more

   Your home is a big investment, and partnering with the right professionals is crucial, so we’re sharing our top tips for hiring an interior designer. As you go through this list, please note that we recommend always interviewing 2-3 designers before making your final decision.    Review their portfolio    Photography by Mandy Liz You should be able to review a sample of an interior designer’s work on their website, or they should be able to provide you with a sample easily. As you review their portfolio, you should feel aligned with at least a handful of desi ..read more

   When you think of a custom home, it’s very much like having a fitted suit. When wearing a fitted suit or dress, you feel amazing and are able to put your best foot forward. A custom home can empower you in the same way, and while there are quite a few perks to going custom, these are my three favorite benefits of custom home design.   Every Detail Is Customized to You    Photo by Paige Rumore When you build and design custom, your team curates every element to fit your lifestyle and goals. You will have the chance to imagine a layout that works flawlessly for you ..read more

   Whether you’re ready to reimagine your home or find a new one, we have our three favorite keys to creating a nourishing home through design. Your physical surroundings have a tremendous impact on your physical, emotional, and mental health. This is why at MOTIV, our comprehensive approach to design ensures that every space is tailored to nourish you—body and soul.    Key 1: Design a space that aligns with your goals    Photography by Mandy Liz Photography We’ve all heard the phrase, “dress for the job you want,” but this concept can be applied to many areas o ..read more

   One of the best ways you can protect one of life’s most significant investments is to make your house more climate change resistant. From superstorms to droughts and wildfires, it’s essential to prepare your home no matter where you live.  Here are just a few ways you can make your home safer when it comes to weather and climate change.    Flood Mapping & Preparations    Photo by Laura Rockett Water can be extremely damaging to your home, but you can prevent or mitigate damage with flood mapping and preparations.  Use permeable pavers for your ..read more

   A gorgeous dining room chandelier is a fantastic way to elevate your space and dining experience. Lighting often serves as the home's jewelry and, when selected carefully, is also highly functional.  I am so excited to share a collection of my favorite dining room chandeliers for you to consider. Keep in mind the importance of creating a layered lighting plan—you can read more about that in my free guide, 10 Steps to Removing Toxins From Your Home.  Now, on to these exquisite fixtures!    Albion Chandelier by Currey & Co    While visually light ..read more

   Working with an eco-friendly company in Nashville is key to ensuring a sustainable outcome for your next design or build project. And with the climate crisis continuing to escalate, choosing an eco-friendly interior design or system is one of the best things you can do to protect the health of the planet as well as your family. So, whether you are renovating, building a new home, or just exploring what's possible, choose one of these fantastic eco-friendly companies for your next project in Nashville, TN.    Nashville Sustainable Home Builders    Photography ..read more