The Hidden Connection Between Clutter and Stress: How Thoughtful Kitchen Design Can Transform Your Space

Did you know that clutter can directly impact your stress levels? A 2009 study by UCLA researchers found that women living in cluttered spaces produced more cortisol—our body’s primary stress hormone—throughout the day compared to those in organized environments.

Simply put, when your visual space is overwhelmed with clutter, your brain stays in a constant state of low-grade stress, even if you’re not actively thinking about the mess.

The Science Behind Clutter and Stress

Clutter doesn’t just affect your ability to find things; it affects how you feel. An overstimulated environment bombards your senses, making it harder for your brain to process information. Over time, this can lead to feelings of anxiety, reduced productivity, and even burnout.

For many of us, the kitchen is the heart of the home—a space where we gather, create, and unwind. But if the kitchen is cluttered with coffee makers, toasters, and utensils crowding every countertop, it can quickly turn into a source of stress instead of a haven.

Our Solution: Clutter-Free Kitchen Design

At MIMI & HILL, we believe that a well-designed kitchen should do more than look beautiful; it should contribute to your peace of mind. That’s why our approach prioritizes functional minimalism.

• Hidden Storage Solutions: Every appliance, from your coffee maker to your toaster, has its own designated hidden spot. This keeps counters completely clear, creating a clean, calming visual space.

• Streamlined Aesthetics: We focus on creating sleek, uncluttered designs that not only look sophisticated but also support a stress-free lifestyle.

• Mindful Organization: Thoughtful layouts ensure that everything you need is within reach, without adding to visual chaos.

The Benefits of a Clutter-Free Kitchen

• Reduced Stress: Clear countertops = a clear mind.

• Improved Productivity: A well-organized space makes cooking and entertaining a breeze.

• Timeless Elegance: Minimalist designs never go out of style.

Ready to Create Your Dream Kitchen?

Transforming your kitchen into a clutter-free oasis doesn’t just improve your home—it improves your life. At MIMI & HILL, we specialize in designing spaces that soothe your mind while elevating your style.

Let’s create a kitchen that keeps you calm, inspired, and stress-free. Contact us today to start your design journey!

#MIMIandHILL #KitchenDesign #ClutterFreeLiving #InteriorDesignInspiration

MIMI & HILL Named a 2025 Featured Designer in the AD Pro Directory

We are thrilled to announce that MIMI & HILL has been named a 2025 Featured Designer in the prestigious Architectural Digest Pro directory! (See our page here.) This recognition places us among the crème de la crème of interior design talent, and we are truly honored to stand alongside such visionaries in our industry.

What Is the AD Pro Directory?

The AD Pro directory is a curated list that celebrates the top talents in the interior design world. Being featured in this directory is a testament to innovation, creativity, and excellence in design. It’s a platform that connects leading designers with clients who value artistry and craftsmanship.

Why This Recognition Matters

This honor reflects our commitment to creating spaces that inspire, elevate, and endure. Each project we undertake is a collaboration with our clients, resulting in personalized designs that capture their unique vision and lifestyle. Being included in such an esteemed list underscores our dedication to pushing the boundaries of design.

Designing Spaces That Inspire

At MIMI & HILL, our mission has always been to craft environments that blend functionality with beauty. Whether it’s a modern office, a cozy family home, or a luxury retreat, we strive to bring creativity, passion, and precision to every detail. Our inclusion in the AD Pro directory affirms the impact of our work in shaping spaces that truly transform lives.

Thank You to Our Supporters

This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our clients, collaborators, and community. Your trust and belief in our vision drive us to deliver our best every day.

What’s Next for MIMI & HILL?

As we celebrate this recognition, we are even more motivated to continue innovating and bringing fresh ideas to the world of interior design. Stay tuned for exciting projects and updates as we look ahead to the future.

Let’s Create Together

Are you ready to transform your space into something extraordinary? Let’s collaborate and bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start your design journey.

Being featured in the Architectural Digest directory is a significant milestone for MIMI & HILL, and we couldn’t be prouder to share this news with you. Here’s to the future of design—together, let’s continue to inspire and elevate!

MIMI & HILL's Stone Ridge NevelHaus Featured in House Beautiful

We are thrilled to share that our Stone Ridge, NY, NevelHaus project has been featured in House Beautiful (read here)! This home holds a special place in our hearts as it’s the personal retreat of MIMI & HILL’s co-founder, Hillary Kaplan. Designed with intention and family at its core, this Hudson Valley getaway is a perfect blend of functionality, style, and warmth.

A Vision for Connection and Comfort

When designer Hillary Kaplan decided to transform a spec house in Stone Ridge, New York, into a mountain retreat for her family and friends, her goals were clear: personalize the space and ensure it could host as many loved ones as possible. The result? A five-bedroom, five-bathroom home that comfortably sleeps 18—plus more with blow-up mattresses—thanks to thoughtfully designed nooks and multi-functional spaces.

“We created a lot of nooks in the house that allow for extra sleeping areas,” Kaplan shares. “This house was built to bring family and friends together.”

A Hudson Valley Dream

Kaplan’s love for the Hudson Valley began during a couples trip with her business partner, Miriam Silver Verga. With its vibrant arts scene, vintage shops, and four seasons of outdoor activities, the region became the perfect backdrop for a home built for two intertwined families.

“The house was honestly built for everyone in our two families,” Kaplan explains. The families even share a group text named “Kaplerga”—a testament to the deep bond between them.

Thoughtful Design Details

Kaplan collaborated with developer NevelHaus and INC Architecture & Design to customize the home’s floor plan and create a space perfect for family bonding. The main floor was reimagined by flipping the proposed dining and living rooms, allowing space for a Samsung Frame TV and a wood-burning stove, where cozy family moments take place.

The 4,400-square-foot home also received a lighting overhaul. Kaplan added recessed lighting, sconces, and pendants to create a layered, inviting atmosphere. “This layering approach added warmth and character, transforming the space from a typical new build into a cozy retreat,” Kaplan explains.

Why This Project Matters

At MIMI & HILL, our mission is to design spaces that inspire and connect. The Stone Ridge NevelHaus is a true reflection of that ethos—a home designed not just for living, but for creating lasting memories with loved ones.

Learn More

Interested in transforming your own space into a retreat designed for connection and comfort? Contact us today to start your journey.

This feature in House Beautiful celebrates our dedication to thoughtful, family-centered design. We’re honored to share this project with you and excited to continue creating spaces that inspire.

Featured: @housebeautiful

Design: @mimiandhill

Developer: @nevelhaus

Architect: @inc.nyc

Photos: @sketchfortytwo