In this episode of Beyond Interior Design, Marc Muskens sits down with Tanya Shively—interior designer, founder of Sesshu Design, and advocate for health-driven homes—to explore one essential question: can your home help you feel better, think sharper, and live longer?
Spoiler: yes, it absolutely can. And Tanya shows us how.
Raised in one of the most pristine environments in the US and shaped by a father who struggled with chronic asthma, Tanya’s approach to design is deeply personal. She isn’t just creating beautiful homes—she’s building non-toxic sanctuaries that support well-being on every level.
“Curating your home for success, that’s what interior design really is.”
What’s Making You Sick at Home?
From paint fumes to memory foam mattresses, Tanya walks us through the hidden toxins in our everyday spaces. Many homeowners unknowingly breathe in harmful chemicals, live under the wrong lighting, or sleep on off-gassing materials—all of which can disrupt physical and mental health.
But the solution isn’t complicated. Tanya believes that every space—no matter the budget—can become a place of recovery and restoration.
The Top 3 Design Priorities for Better Well-being
1. Air Quality – It all starts with what you breathe. Tanya always uses non-toxic, zero-VOC materials and integrates air filtration systems as a baseline in her designs.
2. Natural and Circadian Lighting – Her projects often feature circadian rhythm lighting systems that adjust throughout the day, supporting natural sleep cycles and alertness.
3. Temperature and Recovery Zones – Comfort matters. Think saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, and even coffee bars in the bedroom—customized for how clients really live.
“That 'new carpet smell'? That’s toxicity in your home.”
Why Every Designer Should Think About Well-being
Many clients don’t even know their home is affecting their health. Tanya sees it as her mission to educate through design, turning aesthetic goals into functional, health-conscious spaces.
Whether she’s creating a wellness room for a stroke patient or designing a kitchen without a microwave (hello steam oven), Tanya’s message is clear:
“You don’t have to sacrifice luxury for sustainability. You can have both.”
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How interior design can directly support long-term health
- Simple ways to reduce toxins at home (without sacrificing style)
- The difference between designing for athletes vs. entrepreneurs
- What cold plunges, oxygen chambers, and steam ovens have to do with design
- How to position yourself as a well-being focused designer
Why You Should Listen
If you’re an interior designer who wants to stand out, this episode is your blueprint. It’s packed with tips, philosophy shifts, and real client examples that will change how you think about interior spaces forever. Whether you’re already working in this niche or just curious, Tanya’s insights will inspire you to elevate your impact.
Free Download: Top 10 Well-being Design Features
Tanya has created a practical guide to help you get started with health-centered design.
🧠 From air and water filters to circadian lighting—this free PDF breaks down the Top 10 Well-being Design Features every designer should know.
