Founder's Letter

Welcome to WLLW, a space designed with intention, care, and a deep commitment to your wellbeing. We’ve poured our hearts into creating this place, and I hope it serves as a source of guidance and inspiration as you embark on your own journey to a healthy home.

As a designer, my work has always been about helping others create spaces that support their lives in meaningful ways. When it came to my own home, I approached it with the same passion for detail and perfectionism – carefully selecting every piece, from paint colors to furniture to finishes. I was, after all, my own toughest client. In the end, I created a calm, beautiful environment I believed was perfect for my family.

But life, as it often does, had other lessons in mind. When my toddler began experiencing serious respiratory issues, it forced us to confront an uncomfortable truth. What we thought was a healthy, peaceful home was, in fact, full of hidden hazards.

That realization came through a pivotal encounter with an environmental consultant, an expert in building biology, who showed me, among other things, that the very materials I’d chosen for their beauty were potential contributors to real health problems. Tests revealed poor air quality, contaminated water, and harmful chemicals in the furniture, paint and carpets I had carefully selected.

That moment changed everything for me, both personally and professionally. As a designer, I was trained to focus on beauty, but this experience made me realize that true beauty in a home goes hand in hand with its impact on our health.

I began searching for solutions, but what I found was deeply frustrating. There was so much confusion, misinformation and greenwashing in the wellness and design industries. Reliable, transparent information about how to create a truly healthy, sustainable home simply wasn’t available. That’s when it became clear to me – there was a real need for a resource; somewhere people could turn to for guidance they could trust.

And so, WLLW was born. It's a platform dedicated to helping people create beautiful homes that support their health, while also nurturing the planet. It’s founded on the belief that a healthy environment is an investment in our collective wellbeing.

As a female-owned business, I’m proud to say that WLLW amplifies diverse voices and highlights the often-overlooked work of marginalized makers and artisans. We are a platform that is inclusive and reflective of the world’s incredible diversity. To my surprise, WLLW has grown into an internationally-read journal, connecting readers across continents and cultures. In a time when we can sometimes feel more divided than ever, WLLW is a testament to a universal truth – everyone deserves a safe, healthy, beautiful home.

It’s a privilege to share expert insights, real-world advice, and inspiring stories that will help you live a healthier, more intentional life. My vision for WLLW is simple – when we know better, we can do better. Thoughtful, intentional living has the power to transform not just our homes, but the way we engage with the world.

Whether you're here for expert advice, beautiful, health-conscious products or personalized design guidance, I’m thrilled to have you with us on this journey. At WLLW, we believe that a beautiful home is a healthy home.

Welcome to WLLW. We're so glad you're here.

Warmly,

Lisa Sternfeld
Founder & CEO

Feature Image courtesy of Oyuna