There has likely been a time you felt so stressed. Like every area of your life was on shaky ground, all at the same time. In moments like this, people search for anything to feel better: solutions, answers, and distractions in the form of cheap dopamine.
But what we overlook is what's all around us: Our environment.
The environment we surround ourselves in affects us more than we often think, without us knowing.
Lighting is one of the most neglected factors that affects our mood.
Natural light is scientifically proven to affect human mood and cognitive function. This is why a dark, gloomy setting can affect you negatively, whilst a room filled with natural light feels comfortable and inviting.
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It goes beyond just how the space looks. It isn't just about how a space looks, design isn't just about visuals, it's something for you to experience.
Our experience is often affected by what we smell, hear, and even feel. The brightness of the room, the textures we feel, and the aroma.
All of these affect our mood. This is what is known as sensory design.
This idea has always been used in real life through something called hospitality design. When we enter a hotel, cafe, or lounge, there is a reason we feel comfortable, at home, and taken care of.
The warm lights, soothing music, and intentional layouts have been chosen to influence how you see and feel the space when we walk in. It's about creating spaces that support your well-being.
The conversation up to this point has been about emotional wellness. How about physical wellness? Longevity design is a sustainable approach focused on creating designs that promote adaptability, durability, and most importantly, health.
Leaning into health, this is where longevity design is meant to create spaces that can not only improve mental health but also encourage movement in that space. Indoor layouts are designed with very spacious areas that include things like standing desks or easy access fitness tools.
It's not just about feeling better, but moving better and living healthier as well. Just like how sensory design shapes how we feel, longevity design shapes how we function.
Interior design is frequently seen as strictly visual, but it goes far beyond that. Our environment influences the way we think, move, and live.
From lighting, to sound, to the texture of the space, to the overall space. These elements work together to shape not only the space, but our person.
When we design our spaces with intention, we are not just improving how it looks, but we are improving how we live. The new art of living.
