As part of our recent Wellness Month coverage, Purgula had the privilege of engaging with design expert, Emmy-winning TV host, and author Bobby Berk to discuss his insights on wellness design and its application in his national collaboration with Tri Pointe Homes.

7 Questions on Wellness Design for Bobby Berk

  1. How does design influence wellness?
  2. What has changed in wellness design?
  3. What is still misunderstood about home wellness?
  4. How do you make design choices for a healthier lifestyle?
  5. What’s the inspiration behind your latest model homes?
  6. What are some surprising design elements you’re using of late?
  7. What advice do you have for homebuyers?

Also see:

 

Question #1: How Does Design Influence Wellness?

Purgula: How does design contribute or connect to wellness in one’s home?

Bobby Berk: For me, design and wellness are inseparable. I always say, “good design is good for your mind.” The spaces we live in can either calm us, energize us, or overwhelm us, depending on how they’re planned. Natural light, fresh air, clutter-free spaces, soothing textures, and thoughtful color choices all have a huge impact on how we feel every single day.

Living Room, Dining Room model designed in Textural Neutral at Tri Pointe Homes' Painted Prairie community. Photo by Eric Lucero Photography

Living room and dining room in the Textural Neutral collection, designed by Bobby Berk, in Tri Pointe Homes’ Painted Prairie community, Aurora, Colorado.
Photo by Eric Lucero Photography

When I worked with Tri Pointe Homes on its Painted Prairie community in Aurora, Colorado, I featured the Textural Neutral collection in one of the model homes. The idea was to show how neutral tones—when paired with highly tactile materials like woven fabrics, warm woods, and stone—create a home that feels grounding and restorative. Wellness-driven design is all about creating a space that makes you feel your best.

The living room of a Tri Pointe Homes model at their Painted Prairie community designed in Textural Neutral by Bobby Berk. Photo by Kara Mercer Photography

Another view of the living room in the Textural Neutral collection, in Tri Pointe Homes’ Painted Prairie community, Aurora, Colorado.
Photo by Kara Mercer Photography

“Wellness-driven design is all about creating a space that makes you feel your best.”

— Bobby Berk, Interior Designer

Kitchen of model home in Textural Neutral collection, designed by Bobby Berk, in Tri Pointe Homes' Painted Prairie community, Aurora, Colorado. Photo by Eric Lucero Photography

A kitchen in the Textural Neutral collection, designed by Bobby Berk, in Tri Pointe Homes’ Painted Prairie community, Aurora, Colorado.
Photo by Eric Lucero Photography

 

Question #2: What Has Changed in Wellness Design?

What, if anything, has changed about designing for wellness since your book came out in late 2023?

Since my book Right at Home: How Good Design Is Good for the Mind was released, I’ve seen a big shift in how people think about wellness at home.

Right at Home book by Bobby Berk, How Good Design is Good for the Mind

Right at Home: How Good Design is Good for the Mind by Bobby Berk

Back then, the conversation was just starting to connect interior design with mental health. Now, people are really embracing it. They’re asking deeper questions like:

  • “How will this bedroom design impact my sleep?” or
  • “Does my kitchen layout make my daily life easier and less stressful?”

This idea has been brought to life through an exclusive, multiyear collaboration with Tri Pointe Homes. When buyers walk into any one of the dozens of model homes that I’ve had the privilege to design and merchandise for Tri Pointe Homes—for over eight years on a regional basis, and since 2023, nationwide—they immediately feel how design choices influence mood. Through our collaboration, we help homebuyers—who are passionate about modern design and aesthetics, as well as their well-being—confidently move forward with purchasing and personalizing the perfect new home and community for them.

 

Question #3: What Is Still Misunderstood About Home Wellness?

What aspects of “wellness for the home” are still often misunderstood or overlooked, by homeowners or industry professionals?

I think wellness in the home is often mistaken for luxury features, like a spa bathroom or a meditation room. But in reality, wellness starts with the basics. Things like natural light, indoor-outdoor flow, flexible spaces, and air quality have a much bigger impact on our daily lives than people realize.

Another overlooked element is personalization. A home that reflects your story through art, textures, photos, and heirlooms creates a sense of grounding and joy that’s directly tied to your overall well-being.

Bathroom in model home in New Mediterranean collection, designed by Bobby Berk, in Tri Pointe Homes' Heatherly community, Rancho Mission Viejo, California. Photo by Kara Mercer Photography

Bathroom in a model home in the New Mediterranean collection, designed by Bobby Berk, in Tri Pointe Homes’ Heatherly community, Rancho Mission Viejo, California.
Photo by Kara Mercer Photography

At Tri Pointe’s Heatherly in Rancho Mission Viejo, California, I designed and merchandised a model home from the New Mediterranean collection. This style blends old-world charm with contemporary flair, using ocean hues, terracotta tones, and rustic natural elements. It’s a great example of how personal touches like handwoven textiles and natural materials can make a home feel both welcoming and deeply restorative.

Bedroom model in New Mediterranean designed by Bobby Berk in Tri Pointe Homes' Heatherly community at Rancho Mission Viejo. Photo by Kara Mercer Photography

Bedroom of a model home in the New Mediterranean collection, designed by Bobby Berk, in Tri Pointe Homes’ Heatherly community at Rancho Mission Viejo, California.
Photo by Kara Mercer Photography

“…wellness starts with the basics.”

— Bobby Berk, Interior Designer

 

Question #4: How Do You Make Design Choices for a Healthier Lifestyle?

How do you decide which materials, fixtures and finishes to choose when designing for a healthier lifestyle?

When I select materials and finishes, I look for three things:

  1. How they impact mood,
  2. How they function, and
  3. How they’ll hold up over time.

For instance, using natural woods and stone instantly connects a home to nature, which studies show can reduce stress. Textured fabrics can make a room feel warm and inviting. Quality finishes that are durable mean less worry and maintenance for the homeowner.

At Tri Pointe’s Context at Oakhurst community in Charlotte, North Carolina, I used the Organic Modern collection to show how that balance can work. The community is designed for people who want the energy of the city but also need their homes to feel restorative. That’s why I used nature-centric elements like rustic woods, rattan accents, and organic fabrics to balance the sleek, low-maintenance lifestyle of a townhome community. The greige-white walls are grounded by black and sand-toned accents, keeping the interiors fresh and versatile. The model feels healthy, soulful, and supportive of your well-being, which is exactly what you want when you step back from the pace of city life.

Bedroom model in Organic Modern at Tri Pointe Homes' Context at Oakhurst, Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Kara Mercer Photography

Bedroom of a model home in the Organic Modern collection, designed by Bobby Berk, in Tri Pointe Homes’ Context at Oakhurst community, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Photo by Kara Mercer Photography

“…natural woods and stone instantly connects a home to nature, which studies show can reduce stress.”

— Bobby Berk, Interior Designer

 

Question #5: What Is the Inspiration Behind Your Latest Model Homes?

What’s your inspiration behind the model home designs at your latest Tri Pointe Homes community?

At Paseo Sereno in San Diego, I designed three model homes from the The BB Edit collections including Tailored Industrial, Serene Scandinavian, and Zen Sanctuary. San Diego has such a unique energy with its relaxed, sun-filled, and wellness-oriented vibe, which made it the perfect canvas for each of these styles.

For the Tailored Industrial home, I wanted to create a space that felt bold and modern, with concrete-look finishes, rich leathers, and industrial accents balanced by cozy textiles.

The Serene Scandinavian home leans into San Diego’s light and openness, using blonde woods, airy fabrics, and organic textures to reflect the coastal climate.

Living room model in designed in Serene Scandinavian at Tri Pointe Homes' Paseo community - Plan 3. Photo by Kara Mercer Photography

Great room of a model home in the Serene Scandinavian collection, designed by Bobby Berk, in Tri Pointe Homes’ Paseo Sereno community, San Diego, California.
Photo by Kara Mercer Photography

With the Zen Sanctuary model, everything is all about serenity: clean lines, sculptural lighting, and natural materials that create a personal retreat. Together, the three model homes reflect the diversity of San Diego living, whether you’re drawn to bold energy, laid-back comfort, or minimalist calm.

 

Question #6: What Surprising Design Elements Are You Using of Late?

What are some intriguing or surprising design elements you’re incorporating in the Tri Pointe Homes models (e.g. sensory-rich environments)?

I love playing with design that engages all the senses. At Painted Prairie in Colorado, the model designed from the Classic Mid-Century collection included walnut woods paired with cool blue tones and brass accents, creating a layered environment that felt both nostalgic and modern. It wasn’t just about how the room looked, but how the textures, colors, and finishes made you feel.

Model kitchen designed in Mid Century Modern at Tri Pointe Homes' Painted Prairie community. Photo by Kara Mercer Photography

A kitchen in the Mid Century Modern collection in Tri Pointe Homes’ Painted Prairie community, Aurora, Colorado.
Photo by Kara Mercer Photography

At Waterston Central in Gilbert, Arizona, I used inspiration from the Zen Sanctuary collection to create a model home that feels like a wellness retreat. We layered blonde woods, organic fabrics, and sculptural lighting to bring calm into the space. It’s what I call “calmergizing”—a design that’s both soothing and energizing at the same time.

Model great room designed in Zen Sanctuary at Tri Pointe Homes' Waterston Central community. Photo by Kara Mercer Photography.

A great room in the Zen Sanctuary collection, designed by Bobby Berk, in Tri Pointe Homes’ Waterston Central community (Rosemary model), Gilbert, Arizona.
Photo by Kara Mercer Photography.

I think those small sensory touches like a textural rug, plant-filled corner, or rattan light fixture casting a warm glow can make all the difference in turning a house into a home.

“I love playing with design that engages all the senses.”

— Bobby Berk, Interior Designer

Primary bathroom of the Rosemary model, in the Zen Sanctuary Collection, designed by Bobby Berk, in the Tri Pointe Homes' Waterston Central community. Photo by Dustin Revella

A primary bathroom in the Zen Sanctuary collection, designed by Bobby Berk, in Tri Pointe Homes’ Waterston Central community (Rosemary model), Gilbert, Arizona.
Photo by Dustin Revella

 

Question #7: What Advice Do You Have for Homebuyers?

What’s your advice to homebuyers on making design and amenity choices when purchasing a to-be-built home in a new community?

My biggest advice is to not get overwhelmed by the options. A new build is a blank canvas, and that can feel daunting. That’s ultimately why Tri Pointe Homes and I collaborated to create The BB Edit, which is featured at Tri Pointe’s Design Studios nationwide. Homebuyers can choose one of the 10 curated design collections and utilize it floor to ceiling—from cabinets, countertops, kitchen and bathroom backsplashes, and flooring materials down to details, such as light fixtures, faucets, paint, and more—or use a BB Edit collection as inspiration to fully personalize their dream home.

Primary bedroom in the Rosemary model in the Zen Sanctuary collection, designed by Bobby Berk, in the Tri Pointe Homes' Waterston Central community. Photo by Dustin Revella.

A primary bedroom in the Zen Sanctuary collection, designed by Bobby Berk, in Tri Pointe Homes’ Waterston Central community (Rosemary model), Gilbert, Arizona.
Photo by Dustin Revella.

I also encourage buyers to think about lifestyle first:

  • Do you want a space that feels energizing and social, or tranquil and private?
  • Are you drawn to natural textures or sleek modern finishes?

Answering those questions helps you choose the right collection or design path. If you’re not exactly sure what you want, I created a fun Style Finder quiz with Tri Pointe, which takes you on a creative journey and helps you define your aesthetic. I highly recommend trying that out!

Finally, you can’t forget about the finishing touches. Personal items like art, plants, and family photos are what make a home truly your own. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your home feels like you. That’s always the best design choice you can make.

“…the most important thing is that your home feels like you.”

— Bobby Berk, Interior Designer

 

The BB Edit: 10 Unique Design Collections

The BB Edit is a curated design collaboration between interior designer Bobby Berk and Tri Pointe Homes, comprised of 10 exclusive collections tailored for new homes in specific Tri Pointe Homes communities. The curation aims to equip homeowners with all the essentials to craft their ideal designer space, emphasizing personalized style, meticulous details, and Berk’s expert guidance. A standout feature is the interactive Style Finder tool, which helps users pinpoint their unique aesthetic preferences through Berk-inspired prompts and recommendations.

The BB Edit consists of the following design collections, each of which includes materials, a color palette, furniture, lighting, decor—and even fully-designed interactive virtual rooms—all available to shop on Mine:

Additional Bobby Berk tools and resources mentioned in this interview, include:

 

About Bobby Berk

Bobby Berk is a design expert, Emmy-winning TV host, and author. He rose to prominence in 2018 for his work transforming lives and living spaces on Netflix’s Queer Eye, and has since established himself as a preeminent leader in the design industry. Bobby leads his eponymous multi-faceted brand, including comprehensive lifestyle destination BobbyBerk.com, while his design firm has become one of the most sought after in the home building industry. Most recently, Bobby released his first book, Right at Home: How Good Design Is Good for the Mind, available now.

 

About Tri Pointe Homes®

One of the largest homebuilders in the U.S., Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. (NYSE: TPH) is a publicly traded company operating in 12 states and the District of Columbia, and is a recognized leader in customer experience, innovative design, and environmentally responsible business practices. The company builds premium homes and communities with deep ties to the communities it serves—some for as long as a century. Tri Pointe Homes combines the financial resources, technology platforms and proven leadership of a national organization with the regional insights, longstanding community connections and agility of empowered local teams. Tri Pointe has won multiple Builder of the Year awards and was named 2024 Developer of the Year. The company is one of the 2023 and 2025 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® and was designated as one of the PEOPLE Companies That Care® for three consecutive years (2023 through 2025). The company was also named as a Great Place To Work-Certified™ company for five years in a row (2021 through 2025) and was named on several Great Place To Work® Best Workplaces list (2022 through 2025). For more information, please visit TriPointeHomes.com.

Tri Pointe Homes community models designed by Bobby Berk that were mentioned in this interview:

 

About Their Partnership

Tri Pointe Homes’ and Bobby Berk’s relationship began in 2015 when he was selected to collaborate on the design of The Responsive Home, two concept homes focused on understanding and activating the Millennial homebuyer. The synergistic relationship naturally evolved over the years to include design collaborations for more than 15 Tri Pointe communities across the U.S.

 

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