Work Beautiful: (Part 2) Designing a Home That Feeds the Spirit

Elizabeth Reece
Aug 21
4 min read

If our Life really is our work, a beautiful space in a beautiful place is what is needed to create it.

Building a new home is an opportunity to do more than just create a beautiful space. It’s a chance to build a sanctuary—a place that actively supports and nurtures the people who live and work within its walls.

In the creation of my new home, the "Work Beautiful" concept is not just about a design style and more about a philosophy. It’s an intentional departure from the sterile, perfect, and often isolating aesthetic of modern design. Particularly the simulated domestic look and attempted 'feel' of a contemporary office/ work environment and the very real need for our own homes to still feel like our castles (or chateaus). Without becoming an extension of our work life. Much like that creeping sensation that takes place in our guts far too early on in our two week vacation. The gnawing sense that sooner rather than later - we must return to the office!

Instead, I am weaving together three powerful design principles to create a space that feels lived-in, soulful and deeply human: my own version of the WELL Building Standard, a task-based design and the spiritual heart of Wabi-Sabi.

This home is being built not just for me but for anyone who needs a place to land, to create, to connect and to grow. It’s designed to be a place where you can feel a profound sense of peace and purpose.

Beyond WELL: Designing for the Whole Human

The WELL Building Standard is a fantastic framework for creating spaces that promote health and well-being. It focuses on seven key concepts: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. I'm adopting these principles, but with a deeply personal, human-centered lens.

Air and Water: Our design prioritizes clean air and pure water, not as a luxury, but as a non-negotiable foundation for good health. We are integrating advanced filtration systems and natural ventilation to ensure every breath you take is restorative.
Light and Mind: The home is being designed to be flooded with natural light, helping to regulate circadian rhythms and boost mood. Our connection to nature is key—every room will have a view of the garden, a small nod to the biophilic design principles that remind us we are part of a larger, living world.
Nourishment and Fitness: The kitchen and the large roof terrace giving us our stairway to the stars will be central to the home, designed to inspire healthy eating and connection. The space will also feature areas for movement and quiet reflection, encouraging you to nourish your body and mind throughout the day.

This approach is as much about meeting a standard as it is about creating a space that consciously and consistently supports your well-being.

Task-Based Design: The Balance of Community and Solitude

The "Golden Cage Creator" often finds themselves isolated, even in a crowded room. My goal is to create a home that provides a beautiful balance between community and privacy, making it an ideal place to stay and work.

Each space in the home will be task-based:

For Deep Work: We will have private, acoustically-designed nooks where you can focus without distraction. These are not offices; they are sanctuaries for concentration.
For Collaboration and Connection: The open communal areas are designed for spontaneous interaction. Imagine a shared kitchen table where ideas are exchanged over a cup of coffee, or a cozy lounge where conversations flow effortlessly.
For Quiet Reflection: We will have spaces specifically for meditation and contemplation, where you can simply be. These spaces will be designed to feel private and secure, even in the heart of a communal home.

This intentional design ensures that you have the freedom to choose the right environment for your task, whether it's deep focus or open collaboration.

The Soul of the Home: Wabi-Sabi and the 12 Spiritual Principles

This is where the soul of the home truly comes alive. We are intentionally avoiding a perfect, new and sterile aesthetic. Instead, we are embracing the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi—finding beauty in imperfection, transience, and simplicity.

Every single piece of furniture in this home is preloved, repurposed, gifted, upcycled, or rescued. There is nothing new. This is our quiet rebellion against a disposable culture. It is our active choice to live with intention. As William Morris famously said, "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." In this home, every object has a story, and its beauty is amplified by its history.

Imperfection over Perfection: You will find perfectly imperfect things here. The furniture bears the beautiful marks of a previous life. This is not a mistake; it's a statement. It’s an invitation to let go of the pressure to be perfect and to find beauty in your own journey.
Embracing the Old: We are building this home to feel and be lived in. There will be no pristine surfaces you are afraid to touch. The patina of age, the story behind each object and the marks of a well-lived life will be celebrated.

This philosophy is deeply connected to the 12 spiritual principles that guide my life and my businesses. By living in a space that celebrates humility, honesty, and simplicity, we are creating an environment where these principles can be effortlessly embodied. The house itself becomes a teacher, as does the wild and inviting environment that surrounds it. Reminding you every day that there is beauty in letting go of ego and embracing the fullness of your imperfect, beautiful life.

In this home, you don’t just stay and work. You inhabit a space that is designed to help you connect with your purpose, find peace in the present and live in your life and business, body of work, project that feels truly beautiful—not because it's perfect but because it is real.