Goals, Grit, and Some Woo Woo Sh*t

Trick Yourself Into Healthy Habits With Interior Design with Melanie Zaelich

Oonagh Duncan Episode 86

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Melanie Zaelich of Happy Place Interiors knows your home isn’t just where you live—it’s shaping your habits, health, and happiness.

Healthy habits don’t stop at the kitchen. Hide reminders inside cabinets, switch to smaller plates, and make movement unavoidable—store things higher, put those stairs to work, and keep music within reach for instant motivation. Lightweight furniture? Perfect for clearing space for workouts or dance parties.

The more convenient life gets, the less we move.

One of the biggest home mistakes? Letting clutter take over—because it’s not just a physical mess, it’s a mental drain. Empty walls might seem minimal, but too bare can feel unfinished. And color? It sets the mood. Keep bedrooms restful, workout spaces energetic, and save bold reds for a statement outfit, not your kitchen walls.

Let tech work for you. Swap harsh overhead lights for smart bulbs and lamps to protect your circadian rhythm. And don’t let clutter creep back—keep a donation bin handy so there’s always an easy exit strategy (clutter in, clutter out).

Want a kitchen that supports healthy habits? Use clear glass containers for effortless meal prep, add an anti-fatigue mat to keep your body happy, and bring in plants or candles to create a space that feels as good as it looks.

Biggest trend right now? Biophilic design—bringing nature indoors for clarity and calm. No green thumb? No problem. Snake plants and Zanzibar gems thrive on neglect.

Simple changes, big impact. When your space feels good, you feel good.

What’s Inside:

  • How to inconvenience yourself into a home workout.
  • Little hacks to increase healthy habits.
  • The biggest mistake you're making in your home design. 
  • The newest home trend: Biophilic Design.

This episode was packed with hacks and tips to optimize your home to increase healthy habits and keep it aesthetically pleasing. I didn’t even get a chance to tell Melanie all her tips I've put to work since our last chat (episode 22). So, what are you doing in YOUR home to facilitate healthy living? Let me know on Insta!

Mentioned In This Episode:

Happy Place Interiors
Episode 22 Goal: Design Your Home Like A Healthy MFer with Melanie Zaelich
Join the Masters of Fitness Awesomeness
Goals, Grit and some Woo Woo Shit with Oonagh Duncan