Our favorite blogs of 2024 — interior design to transform your mood

Does entering your home or your favorite room positively transform your mood when you enter it? That desire seemed to be prevalent as we looked back over the year to examine our most popular blog posts. Three of the four most read were on Sensory Design, Biophilic Design, and using wallpaper to give a bathroom a spa-like finish.

An Appreciation for Nature

Biophilic Design, where nature and natural elements take center stage in our homes and workplaces, is the leading trend we’ve seen at the recent High Point N.C. Home Furnishings Markets. The emphasis on Biophilic is based on the growing appreciation for nature and its calming influence on our lives.

People are seeking more comfort and coziness at home in the form of painted nooks, moody wallpaper, warm wood tones, and rich, colorful upholstery. The key to this trend is the focus on calm, comfort, and connection.

Read our 2024 blog on Biophilic Design.

Sensory Design Benefits Everyone

Biophilic fits under the umbrella term Sensory Design. Some will think that Sensory Design is only or primarily meant to be for individuals with special sensitivities such as those with autism spectrum disorders or Misophonia, a chronic condition that causes people to have intense emotional reactions to specific sound.

Sensory Design, however, can benefit everyone. The over-arching idea is to create a sanctuary for escape for this fast-paced world. “Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or to improve your mental well-being, transforming your living space into a sensory haven can offer much-needed solace. This approach, rooted in multi-sensory design, utilizes elements that stimulate the senses to enhance relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote mindfulness,” said High Point University Assistant Professor of Interior Design Lisa Williams.

Read our blog about Sensory Design.

We all need a spa-like bathroom

Having a spa-like bathroom is certainly a delightful space to transform your mood. Some people might think wallpaper is outdated, but the truth is that it’s still very popular as an alternative to paint, especially for giving a bathroom a spa-like finish.

Wallpaper comes in multiple types. Each has pros and cons that make it either an excellent or terrible choice for a bathroom. There is printed, mylar, grasscloth, bamboo, and vinyl. You can choose from many colors or combinations.

Read our blog Bathroom Wallpaper Ideas.

Winning design project by Michelle Jett.

Select a coffee table that suits your needs

The décor on your surfaces can also affect your mood. A surface can look chaotic, which can be disturbing; or stylish, which can settle you. Think about coffee tables. No, they are not passé. Looking through this year’s room makeover entries in our International Dream Room competition judged by interior design journalists clearly indicates that coffee tables are certainly in vogue.

The basic lesson for styling a coffee table involves using varied heights, varied materials, layering items, and incorporating nature. Sometimes the table itself is a piece of art and too much styling on the surface would take away from the artistry of the furnishing itself. Upholstered pieces can double for ottoman-type use and table-type use. It takes only a tray to display an accessory or two or serve up some drinks. Of course, there also are multifunction coffee tables.

Read our blog Coffee Table Styling.

We hope you enjoyed the favorite blogs of 2024. Michelle Jett can help you create your own special sanctuary or help you with your room design in a way that makes your room more beautiful and reflective of your personality and lifestyle.

Contact Michelle Jett or call 877-538-8332

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Sensory Design

“In today’s fast-paced world, creating a sanctuary within your home is more important than ever. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or to improve your mental well-being, transforming your living space into a sensory haven can offer much-needed solace. This approach, rooted in multisensory design, utilizes elements that stimulate the senses to enhance relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote mindfulness.” Those were the introductory words of an interview with High Point UniversityAssistant Professor of Interior Design Lisa Williams.

Dr. Jane Nichols, Interior Design Department Chair at High Point University, introduced us to Williams noting that she had recently concluded a research study on sensory design.

Some will think that Sensory Design is only or primarily meant to be for individuals with special sensitivities such as those with autism spectrum disorders or Misophoniaa chronic condition that causes people to have intense emotional reactions to specific sound.

Sensory design, however, can benefit everyone. “From soft lighting to tactile surfaces and soothing sounds, a sensory sanctuary provides an escape from daily stressors while improving your home environment,” Williams says.

The concept of a sensory haven originates from the development of Multisensory Environments (MSEs), which have been widely used in settings like hospitals, therapy rooms, and even universities to help individuals manage stress and anxiety. These spaces are designed to provide a balance of sensory stimulation and tranquility through carefully chosen elements that engage sight, sound, touch, smell, and even proprioception (the sense of spatial orientation).

Bedrooms are popular for including such elements. Styled in transitional elegance, the bedroom above showcases faux silk drapes, rattan accent and carved wood furniture. An area rug anchors the space, while an organic-shaped bench and a sizable mirror optimize the layout. Thoughtfully applied textures throughout create a tranquil and Zen atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Lighting is the Foundation

Movie-goers and TV watchers have known for years how lighting can establish a mood or dictate the emotional response of the audience. But there is science behind it as well. “The neuroscience is clear,” reported a Psychology Today article, “some colors and intensities of light create better atmospheres for particular situations while alternatives are found in settings where different sorts of thoughts and behaviors are most likely.”

The variety of lighting above includes candlelight for added sensory pleasure. The metallic wallcovering and metallic accents gain emphasis from the lighting. Graceful hand-painted herons appear to be flying off the wall across the ceiling bring nature’s tranquility indoors.

Don’t forget how dimmable lighting can change the mood in a room. “More dynamic lighting, such as LED strips or fiber-optic lights, can enhance the sensory experience,” adds Williams. “These options allow you to adjust not only brightness but also colors and patterns, creating an interactive element that appeals to your sense of sight. Imagine a gentle glow of green or blue lights paired with natural sounds to create a forest-like atmosphere.”

Fostering Calmness Through Interaction of the Senses

Sound, touch, and aromas all can be incorporated to make the senses more active. Whether sounds from nature, like a waterfall or soft rain, or various types of music, sounds can easily change a mood. Williams, who has an MFA in Interior Architecture from UNC-Greensboro, explained how sensory room users there had the option to select sounds that aligned with their mood. “At home, consider installing a sound machine or using a smart speaker, or a tabletop fountain,” she says.

To appeal to the sense of touch, Williams recommends soft, textured materials such as velvet pillows, weighted blankets, stuffed animals, or even a hammock to encourage a tactile experience. Create inviting seating with cozy cushions. Create a space where you can physically and mentally sink into relaxation.

Enhance Your Home with Sensory Design

Aromatherapy is a tried and tested method to enhance relaxation and reduce stress. Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or citrus blends can be used in diffusers to fill the room with calming fragrances. “The quick-change feature on modern diffusers, such as the one used at UNC-Greensboro, allows for easy switching between scents to match your mood or the time of day,” Williams added.

“Ultimately, creating a sensory haven at home is about tailoring the space to your preferences and needs,” Williams says. “It’s a place where you have control over your surroundings. The idea is to transform a regular room into a personal oasis where you can escape, recharge, and find comfort.”

If you’d like to integrate sensory-focused design principles into your living space to create a haven that nurtures both mind and body, contact Michelle Jett for a conversation about your home.

Call Michelle Jett today 877-538-8332

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If you enjoyed reading this interior design blog, sign up for our monthly newsletter. They’re never too long and will brighten your day!

The post Creating a Sensory Haven in Your Home is More Important than Ever appeared first on Michelle Jett - Decorating Den Interiors.