As a dedicated writer, Scott Sallinger has a deep interest in personal growth and human behavior. He studied psychology in college and completed a transformative three-year program at MTT, where he coached students in personal development. He has shared his insights in his book, numerous articles, and a series of how-to videos focused on creating a home with purpose and meaning.
What led you to becoming a writer?
(SJS): Writing has always been a way for me to process my own experiences and understand the world around me. My journey started with my hands—building, designing, and creating—but over time, I realized that every space I worked on was also a reflection of the person living in it. In helping my clients shape their home environment, I started to see parallels in my own life. The way we hold onto things, the way our environment either supports or hinders us, it all became deeply personal. Writing is not just about sharing what I learn; it is about documenting my evolution and the insights I gained by seeing my reflection in others.
How do you explore human behavior through your writing?
(SJS): I explore human behavior the same way I explore spaces, by looking at what’s beneath the surface. Our homes are more than walls and furniture; they are mirrors of our inner world. Through my writing, I examine the ways we interact with our environment and how those choices reveal our fears, aspirations, and beliefs. As I work with clients, I see patterns in how they struggle to let go, how they create comfort zones that keep them stuck, and how small changes can lead to big transformations. In understanding them, I understood myself better, and my writing became a way to share these discoveries.
What is a common question you get about creating a meaningful home space, and what is your answer?
(SJS): A common question I get is, “What should I start on first?” I love this question because it opens the door to real change. My answer: start with countertops, corners, and closets—clear space to create space! Are you holding onto things from the past that no longer serve you? Avoiding those piles of papers on your countertop? Keeping clothes and shoes you haven’t worn in years? Corners often become clutter traps, collecting dust and distractions. Letting go isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about making room for what truly matters. Start by clearing and organizing these key areas, and you’ll immediately feel a shift in your space and mindset.
What is something unexpected you learned while helping people design their homes?
(SJS): One of the most unexpected lessons I’ve learned is that home design is not really about the home—it’s about the person. I used to think my job was about creating functional, beautiful spaces, but I quickly realized I was helping people work through their own stories, just as I was working through mine. Some clients held onto furniture because it represented a version of themselves they weren’t ready to let go of. Others struggled to create order in their space because they were in transition and unsure of their next step. I saw myself in all of them. I recognized my own attachment to the past, my own resistance to change. Helping others find clarity in their space helped me find clarity in my own life.
What topics do you usually delve into when writing?
(SJS): I write about the intersection of home design and personal growth—how our spaces mirror our emotions, our mindset, and our beliefs. But at its core, my writing is about transformation. I explore themes of letting go, reshaping our environment to support our future, and using home as a tool for self-discovery. My own journey has been one of constant reinvention, and I use my experiences, as well as those of my clients, to illustrate how we can all create spaces—and lives—that reflect who we truly are.
Where did your interest in personal growth and human behavior come from?
(SJS): It came from my own need to understand myself. I’ve always been fascinated by why people do what they do, but it wasn’t until I started working with clients that I saw my own patterns reflected back at me. I studied psychology, coached others, but the real lessons came from experience, seeing firsthand how our homes and our inner worlds are connected. I went through my own transitions, from rebuilding after financial struggles to navigating major life changes, and in each chapter, my home reflected what I was going through. That realization fueled my desire to help others make the same connection and to find home in themselves.
Today, Scott is a Home Life Consultant and owns a San Francisco-based business specializing in built-in cabinetry for both historical homes and contemporary spaces. He applies the Home Life Design process with each client to ensure every project meets their unique needs and lifestyle.
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