Therapy Through Your Home

Anita Yokota is a well-rounded creative who draws from her licensed background in therapy to design homes with intention. She is a blogger, an interior designer, an established digital content creator, and recently, a bestselling author. Her work, she says, is inspired by a love and passion for helping others to become the most authentic versions of themselves from the “inside out.”

Yokota’s designs always start with her clients’ relationships with each other and their homes. “What about your relationship in this space makes you happy, sad, or even frustrated?” is one of the first things she asks them.

Yokota remodeled this kitchen for a multicultural family of five, accommodating the need for a creative communal dining area.

In Yokota’s Amazon bestselling book, Home Therapy, she points to four critical “domains” of home design with wellness in mind: individual, organization, communal and renewal. Each domain is associated with specific rooms in a home.

Of the “individual” domain, Yokota says that it’s key to “figure yourself out first.” Otherwise, she says, “it’s hard to manage your relationships.” This category is dedicated to private spaces, like reading corners, where the individual can enjoy hobbies.

“Surrounding yourself with things that bring you joy — a musical instrument, pretty plants, and a cozy blanket — helps you combat any limiting beliefs you might have about yourself,” says Yokota.

The “organization” domain, Yokota says, is about developing good habits. “When we have good boundaries and structure, we feel more secure,” she explains. For that, baskets, shelves and built-in organizational systems are handy.

The “communal” domain focuses on coming together and enjoying time with loved ones. “Now you can show up in your relationships more present-minded, productive and positive,” Yokota explains. Communal spaces include your living rooms and dining rooms.

The “renewal” domain is all about self-care and relaxation. Spaces to focus on for renewal include your bedrooms and bathrooms.

Throughout her book, Yokota details various “home therapy tools” that homeowners can use. One helpful tool for the individual domain is an “intention tray,” an idea that Yokota came up with after seeing a need to have something aesthetically pleasing and tangible that represents goals and personal accountability. The intention tray encourages homeowners to build healthy habits and feel empowered. For example, if a person aims to have a more balanced and nutritious diet, the intention tray could include healthy snacks, a candle or aromatherapy, and a mini food journal.

“You become more empowered when you build good habits,” says Yokota.

“You become more empowered when you build good habits,” notes Yokota. An intention tray can serve as a personal reminder of your goals and aspirations.

Yokota has experienced her own challenges at home and in her career — and that’s given her a deeper understanding of the intersection of home design and wellness. But with so few women and Asian-Americans in the home design industry, Yokota quickly realized that she would have to work hard to establish herself.

“At the beginning of my career, I had to prove myself to contractors and the crew,” explains Yokota. She now has her own crew composed of supportive people who allow her the freedom to just be.

Yokota worked with a family to refresh a dark bathroom and reimagine the space with an open mind. “New tiles, lighting, including a sun tunnel, flooring, and cabinetry revived their hope for starting their day right,” she explains.

Knowing the value of authenticity, Yokota pushes homeowners as well to be honest in their relationships and homes.

“My biggest encouragement for all homeowners is to … design your home for you,” she says.

“If you want blue tiles in your kitchen and that makes you happy, do it … paint that hot pink wall if you want. Live in your home and use your home as therapy.”

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.