Some conversations linger in your mind long after you’ve shut down the mic. My talk with architect Talor Stewart—the heart and soul behind Conscious Home Design—was exactly that kind of conversation.

We dove deep into what makes a home truly heal, restore, and support the humans living inside it. And right from the start, Talor’s perspective blew open the idea that conscious home design is simply “eco materials” or “good Feng Shui.” It’s so much bigger, so much more human than that.

It’s about designing spaces that make our lives richer—emotionally, physically, and relationally. And that’s why conscious home design belongs at the center of any conversation about building a happier, healthier home.

Meet the Man Behind the Movement

Architect Talor Stewart spent 20+ years observing what makes homes work—not just aesthetically, but functionally, emotionally, and spiritually. While drafting, designing, and walking families through home-building decisions, he collected hundreds of notes about human behavior, connection, and wellbeing. Eventually he distilled them into a framework that redefines how we think about home.

And then he paired that book with a workbook that helps you walk room-by-room through your own space, discovering what supports you… and what’s quietly working against you.

His philosophy centers around one core idea:

Your home should lift you toward the life you want—not pull you away from it.

The Heart of Conscious Home Design Starts With Relationships

You might think happiness comes from a stylish home, the latest smart features, or energy-efficient upgrades—and yes, those things help. But Talor pointed to something deeper: a landmark Harvard study that tracked thousands of people for decades.

It found that the strongest predictor of happiness and even life expectancy wasn’t wealth, career success, or health.

It was relationships.

Not just romantic relationships—all of them:

• friendships
• mentorships
• caregiving
• family bonds
• spiritual connections
• even the living things we tend

So Talor organized Conscious Home Design around three types of relationships we all experience:

• Giving relationships — caring for plants, pets, children, or anyone we nurture
• Receiving relationships — mentors, inspirations, ancestors
• Reciprocal relationships — peers, partners, friends

And here’s where the magic happens:

He shows us how to design every room in the home to support all three types.

Even the bathroom.
Yes—especially the bathroom.

The Bathroom: A Surprising Hub for Conscious Home Design

Talor completely reframed the bathroom for me. We walk in, brush our teeth, wash our face, jump in the shower—and never consider that this tiny space sets the tone for our entire day.

He suggests bringing the three relationships into your bathroom:

Giving Relationships

• A small plant that thrives on humidity
• A simple fish bowl (yes, really!)
• Anything you tend daily as part of a nurturing ritual

Receiving Relationships

• A photo of someone who inspires you
• A short quote or poem beside the mirror
• A symbol of your lineage or spiritual grounding

Reciprocal Relationships

• Double vanities
• Dual shower heads
• A soaking tub built for connection

Can you imagine starting your day brushing your teeth next to someone you love… while glancing at a quote that reminds you of your purpose… and tending a plant that mirrors your growth?

That’s conscious home design at work.

And now—confession time—I’m definitely rethinking the master bathroom renovation we’re starting soon.

The Entryway: Your Energetic (and Emotional) Landing Strip

The entryway, Talor says, is the hinge between “public life” and “home life.” And most of us treat it like a dumping ground—shoes here, mail there, maybe a coat hook if we’re lucky.

But he explained it in the most vivid way:

Walking into a home without a proper entryway is like landing a plane without a runway.

We need a place to transition.

What a Conscious Entryway Includes:

• A system for shoes, keys, coats — so relationships aren’t strained by clutter tension
• A visual reminder of what matters most — a small gallery wall, an inspirational poem, a symbol of family connection
• Proper scale — space for your lifestyle and your climate

What you see when you walk out the door can be just as important.

Talor keeps a poem by his entryway called The Noble New, a reminder to “sing songs that none have sung.” It’s a nudge toward authenticity before stepping out into the world.

The Kitchen: The Powerhouse of Wellbeing

If there’s one space that dramatically influences your long-term health, it’s the kitchen. Talor calls it a major “mover of the needle,” and for good reason:

• It shapes your routines
• It influences your nutrition
• It affects your energy
• It sets the tone for family connection

But here’s where conscious home design breaks the norm:
Talor challenges the old “kitchen triangle” rule and introduces a five-point kitchen.

The Five Points of a Conscious Kitchen

• Stove
• Refrigerator
• Sink
• Sprouting/growing station
• Juicing/extraction station

Why?

Because if your kitchen supports quick, high-nutrient choices, you’re far more likely to follow through—even on the days you’re tired.

As Talor put it, an inefficient kitchen drains your motivation.
And I felt that in my soul. We’ve all had those moments where a cluttered counter derails a healthy dinner plan.

The Sunny Window Effect in Conscious Home Design

Plants, herbs, sprouts, and good lighting all thrive near natural light. So do we.

Talor explained how even pets instinctively seek out sunny patches. Humans are no different. A sunlit kitchen beckons us toward nourishment—and makes cooking feel joyful instead of like another task.

Your Home Gym Might Be Working Against You

Okay, this one hit hard.

Most people tuck their gym equipment into a dark basement, thinking they’re being practical. But Talor calls this a “torture dungeon.”

Instead, he suggests asking:

• How do you like to move your body?
• When do you feel most motivated?
• What time of day do you actually have energy?

Then place your movement space accordingly.

Conscious Home Design Gym Principles

• Put movement where your life actually happens
• Choose a room with natural light
• Remove barriers to entry (literally and figuratively)
• Align the space with pleasure, not punishment

Imagine doing yoga or stretching in a bright, warm corner rather than a cold basement. One of these scenarios invites consistency. The other invites excuses.

The Nine Essentials of Conscious Home Design

Talor’s full framework includes nine areas of the home—and each one supports the others, like organs in a body. We explored several deeply (bathroom, kitchen, entryway), but his workbook walks you room-by-room through all nine, helping you identify:

• What’s working
• What’s missing
• Where your relationships thrive
• Where friction builds
• How your home can better support the life you want

Because the real heart of conscious home design is this:

When you dedicate space to the things that matter, those things finally have room to grow.

Why This Matters for Your Health and Happiness

Conscious Home Design isn’t about perfection or aesthetics.
It’s about alignment.

It’s about creating an environment where:

• your routines feel natural
• your relationships have room to thrive
• your wellbeing is gently supported each day
• your home feels like a partner in your healing

And honestly?
We’re living in a sped-up, Amazon Prime, convenience-driven world. We need spaces that anchor us. Slow us. Nourish us.

As I told Talor during our conversation:
“I can be on the most beautiful beach… and still crave the joy of a cozy weekend at home.”

Home is our grounding place.
And conscious home design helps us return to that truth.

How to Start Your Own Conscious Home Design Journey

If you’re feeling inspired (and I hope you are), the best place to start is Talor’s workbook. It guides you through each room so you can discover what’s helping you—and what’s quietly draining your energy, time, or connection.

You can explore his book, workbook, or services at conscioushomedesign.com

Final Takeaway

Your home isn’t just where you live.
It’s where you love,
Where you grow,
Where you rest,
Where you return to yourself, again and again.

Conscious home design isn’t just about making your home look better.
It’s about helping you feel better—every single day.

And that, my friend, is a home that heals.

Talor Stewart Bio:

Talor Stewart is an award-winning architect and the author of Conscious Home Design. Over the past 20 years, he has developed the Conscious Home Design philosophy and system. In the book, he illustrates the principles in easy-to-understand ideas anyone can use to increase the flow, ease, and grace of their home. Talor has helped clients live a richer and fuller lifestyle by using design to support good health, positive relationships, and personal feelings of meaning and connection.

Resources:

Website: https://conscioushomedesign.com
Workbook: https://conscioushomedesign.com/physical-package
Socials: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConsciousHomeDesign/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscioushomedesign/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talorstewart/

Resources

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• Take a peek at my Jen Recommends list to see more of my favorite products.
• Grab my FREE Home Wellness Checklist here for more tips.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services. The statements and views expressed are not medical advice and are not meant to replace the advice of your medical doctor. This podcast, including Jen Heller and her guests, disclaims any responsibility and any adverse effects you may experience from the specific use of the information contained herein. The opinions of guests are their own and this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for the statements made by guests. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you have a medical condition, consult your licensed physician.