There’s a quiet magic that unfolds when design, healing, and intention meet.
For Sara, Founder of Kondōu, a wellness studio on the Central Coast of NSW, creating this sanctuary was more than building a space, it was the beginning of a deeply personal journey toward stillness, presence and reconnection.

Born from her own experience of healing and self-discovery, Kondōu embodies the belief that true wellness begins in the moments we slow down, listen and soften. 
Every detail from the touch of natural materials to the warmth of light and scent is guided by a philosophy of care, sustainability and mindful living.

We speak with Sara about the story behind Kondōu, her approach to creating spaces that nurture calm and how sustainability, parenting and daily rituals all weave into her vision of slow, intentional living.

| Featuring our Ananda Round Two Toned Natural Jute Rug

Tell us about you and your journey which lead you to starting Kondōu

Kondōu was born from a deeply personal chapter in my life — one that reshaped the way I understand healing. After experiencing postpartum psychosis and navigating my own mental health recovery, I was drawn inward to explore the connection between body, mind and spirit. What I discovered was how profoundly the nervous system responds to intentional touch, presence and silence.

Through years of working with the body, studying fascia and the emotional patterns held within it, I began to see that healing doesn’t always come from doing more — it often begins in stillness. In the quiet moments, when we feel safe enough to soften, the body begins to remember how to release, recalibrate and return to balance.

Kondōu became my way of sharing that understanding. It’s a space created with deep intention where silence heals, touch is guided and every sensory detail invites calm. My hope is that those who step through our doors feel supported, seen and gently guided back to themselves.

How important was it for you to include recycled or repurposed pieces in the build?

Sustainability has always felt like a natural extension of the way I live and create. When building Kondōu, I wanted the space to hold the same values that guide our treatments: respect, care and intention. Using recycled, second-hand and repurposed pieces wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about energy and story.
There’s a certain warmth that lives in things that have been loved before — textures that already hold memory, wood that’s aged with time, fabrics that have softened through touch. Bringing these elements together made the space feel grounded and alive, rather than polished or new.
"Sustainability isn’t only about reducing waste; it’s about honouring what already exists. Every object, every piece in Kondōu was chosen to reflect that: a reminder that beauty and purpose can come from what we choose to preserve and reimagine."

Do your wellness values shape how you parent and create space for your family?

My wellness values and the way I parent are really one and the same. The same principles that guide Kondōu — slowing down, being present, creating calm — are the ones I try to bring into our home.

I’ve realised children feel our energy before they ever hear our words, so I focus on bringing softness and rhythm into our days. It’s not always perfect but it’s about presence, not perfection.

Parenting, to me, is just another form of holding space. It’s about attunement: listening, noticing and allowing room for everyone to feel safe and connected. Wellness isn’t something I step in and out of; it’s woven through how we live, love and grow together as a family.

When you’re welcoming guests into Kondou, how do you like to set the mood within the space?

When I’m welcoming guests into Kondōu, I like to begin with ritual… Each morning I light palo santo, set the candles, put music on softly and prepare a pot of tea. It’s my way of awakening the space with intention. These small moments create a rhythm that helps me ground before anyone arrives.

By the time guests walk in, the energy already feels calm and held. The scent, the warmth of the light, the quiet hum of sound — it all works together to signal that this is a space to slow down and breathe. It’s a simple ritual, but it sets the tone for everything that follows.

Do you see a connection between interiors, wellness, and the way people feel in a space?

"I believe interiors and wellness are deeply connected. The spaces we spend time in shape how we feel,  they can calm the nervous system, invite stillness and create a sense of safety."

At Kondōu, every detail was chosen with that in mind:  natural textures, soft light, grounding scent. When a space feels balanced and alive, people soften. They breathe deeper, and something within them begins to settle.

What does “slow living” or mindful living look like for you day-to-day?

Slow living is about presence... moving through the day with awareness rather than urgency. It’s in the small rituals that anchor me: lighting palo santo in the morning, making tea before the day begins, feeling my feet on the ground, taking time to breathe before I speak.

It’s less about doing everything slowly and more about doing things with intention. 
Some days flow with ease, others feel messy but mindfulness helps me return to myself again and again. It’s in how I move, how I listen, and how I create space for quiet, even in the busiest moments.

| Featuring our Gaia Loop Weave Jute Rug in Natural

Do you have a favourite ritual or recipe that makes you feel grounded and nourished at home?

One of my favourite tea rituals is making a tea, either grating fresh ginger or turmeric root, combining it with raw honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or adding in some fresh herbs… I sip it slowly, paired with a few minutes of mindful facial massage using a botanical face oil. It’s a small way to unwind, release tension, and reconnect with my body at the end of the day…
I also appreciate slower mornings... allowing space to move gently, breathe, and begin the day with intention. These simple acts of care help me feel grounded, nourished, and present.

Which are your favourite Rugs for Good pieces, and what do you love most about them?

I’m drawn to the more natural, textured pieces from Rugs for Good — especially the jute and woven rugs like the Gaia Loop Weave and the earthy-toned cushions. There’s a quiet warmth in these pieces that feels grounding and alive, almost like they’re breathing with the space.
What I love most is how they carry both texture and story. The natural fibres, the subtle imperfections, and the earthy palette create a sense of calm and connection. They’re not just beautiful to look at; they make a space feel held, inviting you toward slow down and settle into it.

You can find You can find Kondōu on Instagram linked here. 

SHOP THE EDIT 
| Gaia Loop Weave Jute Rug in Natural
| Ananda Round Two Toned Natural Jute Rug
| Luma Round Pom - coming soon
| Pom Pom Cushion in Grey - coming soon
| Atlas Cushion in Terracotta - coming soon
| Etta Cushion in Ivory & Terracotta - coming soon
| Amaya Striped Cushion in Natural Brown - coming soon
| Amaya Striped Cushion in Natural Ivory - coming soon