Natalie Biles, co-owner and lead designer of Shine Interior Design Studio in Lonoke, Arkansas, leads the charge for the firm’s specialized services in healthy home design. Together with co-owner Stacey Breezeel and the rest of their team, she delights in creating beautiful, balanced spaces that meet a wide variety of client and project needs.

We asked her to tell us all about a new home project she completed for a client diagnosed with mast-cell activation syndrome, a condition that presents with high sensitivity and severe reactions to a variety of allergens. Read on to see how this designer collaborated with a cadre of talented professionals to carefully create a healthy home that was both welcoming and wellness-centered down to the smallest detail.

STIR: Tell us about your background. How did you get started in design, and where has it taken you?

Natalie Biles: From a young age, my passion for color and interior design was evident—it all began with crafting my 7th-grade career orientation poster. My academic path started in architecture at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where I soon transitioned into an interior design major during my second year. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to numerous clients’ homes and building projects, each one a unique and rewarding experience. In 2019, Stacey Breezeel and I joined forces to establish Shine Interior Design Studio. Our vision at Shine is not only to deliver vibrant and healthy design solutions for residential and hospitality clients but also to foster a supportive environment for women in design and the workplace.

STIR: How did you create a “clean and healthy” home for a client with such specific health concerns?

NB: We began the project from the ground up, with the architect devising well-thought-out and creative solutions for designing spaces that offered privacy and protection from outside contaminants. Collaborating closely with the contractor, we proposed innovative and healthy solutions to meet the project’s needs at every stage. Working in tandem with the contractor, client, and their physicians’ recommendations, we established goals and standards, outlining what to avoid and what to achieve. 

As construction progressed, we focused on specifying furnishings, artwork, and accessories that would complement the space, all while adhering to our health standards. From flooring, to tile, to paint, up to the final installation, we kept the health and safety of our client at the forefront. We didn’t even bring in cardboard during the furniture delivery process—everything was unpacked in the garage, wiped down, and then brought into the house.

STIR: Was there any research involved to better understand the needs of a person with mast-cell activation syndrome?

NB: We read everything we could find about how to manage the day-to-day realities of responding to this condition. There wasn’t a ton of information, but we knew that latex was one of the primary offenders, so we started there and made a list of products and chemicals that could trigger allergic reactions and worked to avoid those items. Our clients were extremely knowledgeable, and we all worked together to discuss the benefits or disadvantages of different products and solutions.

STIR: What were some of the challenges of accommodating a specific health concern rather than designing for general well-being?

NB: Just because something was labeled “green” or “healthy” didn’t mean that it fulfilled the specific needs of our client. We had to dig deep and check content, read material data and safety sheets, and contact manufacturers directly to inquire about the materials used in furnishings. Every chemical and contaminant couldn’t be completely avoided, so sometimes we had to assess the pros and cons and determine what the best solution would be.

STIR: What were some of the things you learned about indoor air quality that you weren’t aware of previously?

NB: As designers, we are often aware of the contribution from building materials to the indoor air quality, but it was eye-opening to consider everything down to the artwork, plants, and accessories that were going to be used in each space.

We’re typically eager to occupy newly completed spaces, but in this instance, we implemented a waiting period for the “dust to settle.” This allowed us to ensure thorough cleaning and proper ventilation of new furnishings before the client moved in. We didn’t fully know all of the triggers for a reaction, so we used as many strategies for healthy indoor air as we could find.

STIR: How did this information affect the considerations made for coatings, furnishings, and other elements of the design?

NB: We knew from the start that paint was one of the largest contributors, but we also considered the adhesives and substrates being used for tile and flooring. We had to take into consideration the foam in any upholstery or mattresses, backings in fabrics, and any product that might behave as latex (rubber, even banana leaves, can cause the same reaction). We incorporated live house plants with air purifying qualities, rather than using artificial greenery (which are often silk dipped in latex) and carefully chose accessories. For the artwork, we opted for works behind glass when we could and oil-based paintings. We selected wool rugs and used wool carpet padding to secure and cushion.

STIR: What is one element of the design that you think perfectly meets the client’s medical needs and also reflects their unique personality/style?

NB: One of the most heartwarming aspects has been witnessing the family enjoying their kitchen and living area. From grandchildren seated around the island to family members coming together around the table, the space radiates warmth and hospitality. While the layout and design prioritize functionality, with separate storage and prep areas to accommodate allergens, it’s also crafted for entertaining and hosting. The incorporation of warm wood accents and traditional patterns adds an old-world charm blended with a touch of updated traditional style. Even amidst a challenging medical condition, the family radiates peace and joy, and their home truly reflects their unique personality.

STIR: What role did Designer Marketing Manager Ashlynn Barton Bourque play in this project, and how did she assist you?

NB: She was very thorough in checking (and checking again)! While she wasn’t involved in the weekly meetings, we started the discussions very early on about what product would best suit the client’s needs. She assured our team and gave us confidence in the products we were specifying.

We selected ProMar^® 400 Zero VOC Interior Latex Eg-Shel. Ultimately the zero-VOC options were the best choice due to the low odor and the fact that it meets the most stringent environmental requirements without sacrificing quality or color.

STIR: Tell us about the color choices. How do you typically select color, and what inspired your choices for this project in particular?

NB: Color selection is a crucial aspect of design, especially when creating environments that promote well-being and recovery. For this project, inspired by the client’s physicians’ recommendations for a soothing, low-stress environment, we opted for spa-like colors. We chose hues with low contrast, slightly bolder in public areas to create a sense of openness and vitality, while transitioning to softer shades in intimate spaces to foster relaxation and tranquility. These color choices aim to support the client’s recovery process and promote a calm immune response, aligning with our goal of creating a healing environment.

Drawing inspiration from a standout element like the wallpaper in the powder bath is a fantastic approach to color selection. By using it as a focal point, you not only ensure visual coherence throughout the space but also infuse the entire design with a cohesive and harmonious color palette. This method allows for a seamless transition between different areas of the home while maintaining a unified aesthetic that ties back to the initial inspiration.

STIR: The home was a new build, but still manages to bring an Old-World charm. What was the inspiration here, and how did you achieve the look?

NB: Our clients, both wine creators and collectors, desired a wine cellar that reflected their love for travel. This influenced our selection of warm woods and textures. We balanced the more distressed elements with cleaner lines and softer colors and the end result was a unique reflection of the clients’ personalities.

STIR: What additional thoughts do you want to share about inclusive design and the ways it's improving and impacting people’s lives today? 

NB: Inclusive design is not just about accessibility; it’s about creating environments and products that cater to the diverse needs of all individuals, including their need for security and a sense of home. By prioritizing inclusivity in design decisions, we can contribute to healthier, more vibrant homes that enhance the well-being of everyone. From choosing healthy materials to implementing creative solutions, each small change adds up to a significant impact on people’s lives, fostering a sense of belonging and security and overall wellness.

For help bringing your design vision to life and meeting the specific needs of your next project, contact your Account Executive today.

Top image: Alabaster SW 7008 (255-C2). Photo by Rett Peek.