What we learned designing a health-first Fort Lauderdale kitchen
When Samantha asked us to redesign her Fort Lauderdale kitchen, her goals went beyond aesthetics. She wanted a space that wasn’t just beautiful, but one that would quietly support her family’s daily health—from hydration habits to smarter food choices and better sleep.
Through Samantha’s project, we learned firsthand how small, intentional design decisions can transform the kitchen into a foundation for wellness. Here’s what we discovered:
1. Reducing Decision Fatigue
Research from Cornell University shows the average person makes over 220 food-related decisions a day—most unconsciously. In Samantha’s old kitchen, cluttered cabinets and hidden food supplies made healthy choices harder.
What we changed:
Installed glass-front cabinets for daily staples like nuts, oats, and teas
Organized drawers by behavior (“Weeknight Dinners,” “Smoothie Fixings”)
Simplified visual cues to encourage cooking from whole ingredients
By designing clear glass behavior-based organization, we helped Samantha’s family make nourishing choices with less mental effort.
2. Rethinking Storage Materials
Many traditional storage containers contain chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which have been linked to hormone disruption.
What we changed:
Replaced plastic bins with glass and ceramic containers for dry goods and oils
Organized pantry zones away from heat sources to preserve ingredients naturally
Encouraged ingredient visibility to make whole foods more accessible
Cleaner storage materials helped Samantha create a safer, more inspiring kitchen environment.
3. Making Hydration Central
Convenience is one of the biggest predictors of hydration habits. In Samantha’s original layout, water access was an afterthought.
What we changed:
Created a dedicated hydration station with filtered water and trace mineral add-ins
Placed carafes and infused waters visibly near prep and dining zones
Now, water is “self yourself” naturally accessible to the entire family.
4. Aligning Lighting With Natural Rhythms
Lighting design affects sleep, digestion, and energy. Samantha’s old kitchen had harsh, bright lighting that stayed the same throughout the day.
What we changed:
Installed layered lighting (ambient, task, and mood) with dimmable settings
Prioritized warm lighting tones in the evenings to support melatonin release
Maximized natural daylight around breakfast and prep zones
The lighting upgrade reinforced Samantha’s natural daily rhythms—calming the evenings and energizing the mornings.
5. Choosing Materials That Support Clean Air
Indoor air quality is crucial—especially in the kitchen. Many surfaces and finishes emit compounds that compromise indoor air purity.
What we changed:
Used low-VOC cabinetry, natural stone countertops, and toxin-free paints
Chose finishes that resist humidity and mold without relying on harsh chemicals
Improved ventilation and access to fresh air
By selecting healthier materials, Samantha’s kitchen now supports cleaner breathing and a fresher cooking environment.
6. Designing for Real Life
Kitchens are often designed for entertaining, not for daily family life. Samantha’s real life included busy school mornings, personalized health routines, and a young child learning independence.
What we changed:
Created child-accessible zones for healthy, independent snacking
Designed space for weekly meal prep, supplements, and seasonal produce
Positioned wellness items like herbal teas and functional ingredients at arm’s reach
The new layout reflects Samantha’s real life—not an idealized version—and supports her family’s evolving health goals.
A Kitchen That Supports You
Samantha’s project reinforced an important lesson: wellness design isn’t about adding more. It’s about realigning your space with the way you want to live—making healthy habits frictionless, intuitive, and beautiful. A kitchen can quietly support wellbeing, one thoughtful decision at a time.
Photos coming soon!
Interested in creating a kitchen that supports the way you truly live?
Inquire to learn more and work with us.
