Let your home give you a hug!

Have you ever walked into a room or a space and it instantly made you feel good? Your shoulders dropped, you breathed a little deeper, and something inside you said, “Ahhh, yes—I feel amazing.” Chances are, the space was designed using neuroaesthetic design principles!

Now, here’s a question: What if your home could do more than reflect your style and make you feel like this ALL THE TIME? What if it could actually lower your stress, improve your focus, support your mood—and help you feel more you?

This is the power of neuroaesthetic interior design—where science meets design! I am so excited to offer this new wellness-centered design approach to clients who want more than just a pretty room.

Some neuroeasthetic design elements…

Colour palette, natural textures, organic shapes, greenery, light patterns, water elements, balance

So, what is neuroeasthetic design? (Also known as Neuro Design)

Neuroaesthetics is all about how your brain reacts to what it sees and senses. Things like light, colour, texture, layout, and shape all send signals to your nervous system—whether you’re aware of it or not.

In the world of interior design, this means we can create spaces that actually help you feel calm, focused, energized, or inspired—simply by making intentional design choices.

Neuroeasthetics is not the same as Feng Shui

So you might think that neuroaesthetics is just another word for Feng Shui - not at all. Feng shui an ancient Chinese practice which focuses on harmonizing individuals with their surrounding environment by manipulating the flow of "qi" (energy) through spatial arrangement and design, often guided by principles of yin and yang.

Neuroaesthetics, on the other hand, is a science-based field and explores the neural and psychological responses to what we observe around us. The science investigates how our brains perceive design, colour, texture and natural elements. When we design in this way, we are intentionally incorporating principles of neuroaesthetics and biophilic design into every decision, the result being a beautiful space that promote wellbeing, increase productivity, reduces stress and enhance creativity. On the other hand, when these elements are not in place, our environment will negatively affect our minds and bodies and thus our overall health

My journey into Neuroaesthetic Design

As someone with a background in science (I used to be a Petroleum Geologist who worked on oil rigs!) I have always been drawn to the why behind things? And I knew it was the same with interior design, I knew that there was more to design than just pretty pillows. I needed to know the Science behind Design, so I recently took a deep dive into the world of Neuroeasthetics. I emerged myself into the study of neuroscience, biophilic principles (bringing nature into your life through plants, light, texture, patterns and even air flow) and the psychology of space and it changed the way I see design altogether.

Now I understand the science behind what I’ve always intuitively known:

Our brains and bodies respond to our environments on a physiological level.
Design isn't just visual—it's sensory, emotional, and deeply personal

So, I am excited about the new direction and services I have on offer to my design clients - I will be blending creative design with scientific insight to create spaces which support the well being of all the family members.

If your office doesn’t have the correct elements, you might feel drained, unproductive and not creative. This is one of the most forgotten spaces when it comes to neuro designed spaces. Source: AI generated image with creative prompts by Bibby Fine Interiors.

My science-backed, nature-inspired design approach

Our environment (our homes, schools and workplaces) has a direct influence on our cognitive, psychological and physiological body responses and can influence our health and well being in a profound way. In my design approach and process I also incorporate the 14 patterns of biophilic design. Here is a short explanation of each.

Visual Connection with Nature

A visual connection with nature means that once is able to directly view some elements of nature , here are a few examples: a view of trees outside your window and sky views.

Non-visual Connection to Nature

Here our other senses to get to work! Sounds of running water or bird song, stroking your cat or using essential oils in your home will all create that non-visual connection to nature

Non- Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli

An unexpected, brief and interesting distraction from what you are currently doing. Looking at movement after staring at your computer for 20 minutes. Swaying grass, moving clouds, water ripples, light dancing through curtains or the flickering of a candel.

Thermal and Airflow Variability

Subtle changes in air temperature and relative humidity get detected as airflow by your skin and it can feel refreshing and invigorating - think of the warmth of a sunbeam or a fresh breeze. Even different surface temperatures of materials can have a positive effect on our well being.

Presence of water

The presence of water (the fluidity, the sound, the reflections) enhances the human experience is either a calming or stimulating way.

Dynamic and diffused light

We know that lighting design has long been used to set the mood for spaces and can effect your well being. We also know that light in nature naturally has varying intensities, so by mimicking these light and shadows variations has beneficial effects on us.

Connection to natural systems

Realising that we are part of bigger natural systems and being part of these also enhance our wellness - think of climate and weather, seasonal changes, diurnal patterns, natural patina like copper etc.

Biomorphic Forms and Patterns

Right angles and straight lines are not very common in nature, instead nature has given us an amazing selection of contoured, patterned, textured and numerical forms and patterns - think of he Golden Angle and the Fibonacci series. We are also drawn to these more organic patterns - so bringing in these patterns and curvaceous elements into our textiles, architecture and furniture can enhance our well being too.

Material connection to nature

Our material connection in the world is multi sensory, but is mostly based on the surface characteristics such as the texture and colour of an object - think of the grain pattern of wood or the speckles on stone work. Having these textural elements makes a space feel rich and warm and authentic and gives us a direct sense of space.

Complexity and Order

The idea behind complexity and order is to create space that have an intriguing balance between boring and overwhelming elements by using fractal symmetry and geometries, this means that patterns and geometries are repeated at different scales.

Prospect

In biophilic design, "prospect" refers to the ability to observe the surrounding environment, particularly from a distance, while also feeling a sense of safety and protection. It's about creating spaces that allow for expansive views and a feeling of openness, while also providing a sense of control and safety.

Refuge

This refers to a space where we can escape from the main area of activity in the space, where we can feel protected from behind and/or overhead - think of a cosy reading corner with high back chair or a separate seating nook.

Mystery

Mystery principles are places where we are compelled to move forward to and explore, to see what is around corner. Curving edges that slowly reveal more are much more effective than sharp corners. Although mystery in space can diminish in effectiveness, the shapes and forms still add to the form and shape of the space.

Risk and Peril

A space that has some risk or peril, but no real threat is great for us humans to explore - it is irresistible and intriguing. Think of stepping stones over a little stream, balconies and catwalks provide height risks, transparent railings provide fall risks etc.

Awe

Awe experiences leave us with a noticeable reaction such as goosebumps or chills, gaping mouths, these are spaces that stimulate us outside our existing frame of mind. These can be created by unusual size, artistry, skill or time.

Not only does this bathroom create that sense of awe, it also has the following neuroeasthetically inspired elements: a visual natural connection, biomorphic patterns in the tile and flooring, direct and diffused light, a natural colour palette, the bath itself offers water elements and acts as a refuge with its enclosing shape. Image: AI generated with creative prompts by Bibby Fine Interiors.

Wellness at Home - Neuroaesthetic Wellness Consultation Session

I am so excited to introducing our new (Summer 2025) Wellness at Home sessions. The Wellness at Home Session is a 60-minute, one-on-one consultation where we look at your space through the lens of neuroaesthetics and biophilic design. Whether it's your living room, home office, or living areas —we’ll help you create a space that’s aligned with how you want to feel.

Who’s it for?

Burnt-out professionals who need a home that helps them decompress
Families wanting more peace and connection in their shared spaces
Clients navigating life transitions (empty nesters, retirees, new parents)
Anyone who wants their home to support—not drain—their energy

You'll get:

A personalized design review with wellness-focused recommendations
Tips for lighting, layout, colors, and textures that support emotional ease
A curated summary of your space’s strengths and opportunities
Optional styling and product recommendations
A follow-up to check in on your progress

Available virtually or in person (for clients in the Nelson, BC area), this is a powerful yet approachable way to start designing with intention.

Learn more

Final thoughts…

Design is more than color palettes and furniture. It’s how your home feels when you walk through the door. When you live in a neuroaestheticly designed home, you’re not just choosing a look—you’re choosing a lifestyle.

Because the best kind of home? Is the one that gives you a hug every single day.

The science behind Neuroaesthetic design