As temperatures drop and daylight hours become shorter, many people naturally spend more time indoors. Fall is often associated with cozy blankets, candles and warm décor, but creating a truly restorative home can involve more than seasonal accessories.
Lisa Sternfeld, a WELL Accredited Professional interior designer, building biology expert and founder of WLLW Studio, approaches home design from a wellness perspective. Her work combines environmental considerations, interior design and human well-being to create spaces designed to support healthier living.
According to Sternfeld, one of the most important places to begin a fall home refresh is with the air. As windows remain closed more frequently during colder weather, homeowners can consider simple mechanical improvements, including upgrading air filters and managing indoor humidity. These steps can help maintain a more comfortable indoor environment throughout the season.
Materials can also influence the feeling of a room. Sternfeld recommends considering natural options such as untreated wool, alpaca and organic cotton when selecting blankets, rugs and other textiles. Beyond providing warmth and texture, these materials can help create a more natural, inviting environment.
Sound is another often-overlooked element of a comfortable home. Heavy natural drapery and flatweave rugs can help soften the acoustics of a room, reducing some of the harsh sounds that can make indoor spaces feel less relaxing. Creating a quieter environment can contribute to a sense of calm, particularly during the darker, slower months of the year.
Lighting becomes increasingly important as fall progresses. With fewer hours of natural daylight, Sternfeld recommends layering warm-dimming fixtures throughout the home. The goal is to create lighting that feels more similar to the warmth of the autumn sun while supporting a comfortable evening environment.
Bringing nature indoors can provide another seasonal refresh. Instead of relying exclusively on bright summer florals, homeowners can incorporate potted plants and textural branches to maintain a visual connection with the outdoors. Sternfeld describes this approach as “winter biophilia,” emphasizing nature-inspired elements as part of an indoor environment.
Sternfeld’s philosophy grew from personal experience after her son experienced significant environmental health challenges. She transformed her own home into what she describes as a “living laboratory,” exploring approaches involving air purification, acoustic considerations and material choices.
Today, through WLLW Studio, Sternfeld advises clients, developers and architects on what she calls the “longevity home,” an approach that looks beyond aesthetics to consider how the built environment can affect everyday well-being.
As fall settles in, the healthiest home makeover may not require a complete redesign. Small changes to air, materials, sound, lighting and natural elements can help transform an indoor space into a warmer, calmer and more restorative retreat for the season ahead.