Neuroaesthetics: The science behind Interior Design and the power of beauty in the brain
November 2024
As interior designers, creating beautiful spaces that make people feel good is always the goal, but understanding why some environments evoke comfort, calm or even joy takes design to a new level.
Neuroaesthetics, a field bridging neuroscience and aesthetics, brings this understanding to the fore by exploring how our brains perceive beauty, balance and sensory experiences. By applying neuroaesthetic principles, we as designers can craft spaces that not only look stunning but also support mental well-being, reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Our design studio, well-known for its minimalist and quietly luxurious style, has always focused on quality, timeless elegance and high-end materials. Integrating neuroaesthetic insights enables us to elevate these qualities by designing interiors that align with how the human brain responds to beauty.
“By merging timeless luxury with neuroaesthetic insight, we’re setting a new standard for interior design that’s both scientifically grounded and endlessly elegant.”
Yas Lightowler
Designed by: KHAIA, LONDON
What is Neuroaesthetics?
Neuroaesthetics is the study of how the brain perceives beauty and how design elements impact emotional and mental states.
Studies in neuroaesthetics have found that experiencing beauty activates several key areas of the brain, in particular the orbitofrontal cortex (associated with reward and pleasure) and the ventral striatum (linked to reward processing). This neural activity helps explain why seeing something aesthetically pleasing can feel rewarding, almost like a "reward" signal in the brain.
When we encounter something beautiful, our brain activates specific neural pathways, primarily in the orbitofrontal cortex. This is why beautifully designed spaces can make us feel at ease and emotionally fulfilled.
Why is neuroaesthetics valuable in interior design?
Neuroaesthetics has shown that elements like symmetry, balance and natural materials are inherently appealing to the human mind, providing insights that are invaluable to interior design.
Understanding neuroaesthetics helps designers choose colours, materials and layouts that elicit comfort, reduce stress and enhance well-being. This science-based approach leads to spaces that are visually appealing and emotionally fulfilling.
Applying Neuroaesthetic principles in Interior Design
Neuroaesthetics provides interior designers with scientific insight into how different design elements can influence mental and emotional states. Here’s how these principles shape our approach to interior design, helping us to create luxurious, timeless spaces that feel as good as they look:
Colour and mood. Colour is one of the most powerful tools in interior design. In our Surrey-based interior design studio, we often use rich, natural tones to encourage grounded, balanced feelings. For example, a palette of soft neutrals and muted terracottas can create a serene environment that feels welcoming and sophisticated.
High-quality, sensory materials. Material selection is central to neuroaesthetic design, with natural, high-quality materials like wood, stone and natural fabrics providing a sensory richness that synthetic materials cannot match. The human brain finds organic textures and tactile surfaces soothing, which is why our design studio prioritises using luxurious yet natural materials. Imagine a room featuring bespoke timber furniture, stone floors, and linen or wool textiles: each element invites touch, creating a sensory experience that adds depth to visual appeal.
Symmetry and balance for visual harmony. Symmetry is an important element in neuroaesthetic design because balanced spaces are easier for the brain to process and provide a sense of order and calm. In a refined and minimalist interior, this means creating spaces with simple, intentional layouts. Pairing symmetrical armchairs with a low-profile sofa creates visual balance and encourages relaxation. Such symmetry helps reduce cognitive load and makes people feel more comfortable and at ease.
Natural light and circadian rhythm. Lighting significantly influences mood and well-being, and neuroaesthetic research reinforces the importance of natural light in supporting circadian rhythms. [1] To enhance mood and alertness, our designs maximise daylight through large windows, especially in spaces where natural light is limited. For the evening, warm, dimmable lights mimic the natural progression from day to night. In a bedroom, for instance, adjustable lighting enhances the natural rhythm of day and night, creating a supportive, luxurious environment.[2]
Organic patterns and forms. Neuroaesthetics and biophilic design both point to the human brain’s preference for natural patterns and forms.[3] Organic shapes, such as curves and arches, reduce stress and create a sense of comfort. Inspired by our European and Latin American influences, at KHAIA Interior Design we subtly incorporate these elements with arched doorways, rounded furniture and gentle curves in custom cabinetry. A softly curved sofa or a round mirror can transform the energy of a room and aligns with the brain’s natural affinity for organic forms.
Designed by: TUREK INTERIORS, NEW YORK
Crafting spaces that feel as good as they look
By embracing neuroaesthetics, designers can create spaces that resonate deeply with the occupants. At our Esher-based interior design studio where timeless design is a core design principle, neuroaesthetic insights align with our commitment to quality and timeless design.
Every project is enhanced by the science of beauty. Each design element from colour and lighting to material choice and layout is carefully chosen to create spaces that foster well-being. This way, we create environments that not only meet aesthetic goals but also support mental and emotional health.
In an era where the importance of mental wellness is rising, neuroaesthetics allows us to design with purpose, bringing art and science together to create spaces that are beautiful, balanced and profoundly enriching.
Do you want your home to have a minimalist interior design scheme that is refined and quietly luxurious?
Our Surrey-based interior design studio, KHAIA, excels in transforming spaces into timeless sanctuaries that are built to withstand the passage of time, both in style and substance.
With a deep commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and an unwavering dedication to understated luxury, we are here to guide you through every step of the journey. Whether you are reimagining an existing space or starting anew, we will create a home that not only meets your current needs but continues to offer comfort, beauty, and elegance for generations to come.
Book your initial consultation now
Get in touch with us at KHAIA to talk about your project, we would be delighted to help. Have a look at our instagram feed for more KHAIA inspiration and to see current projects.
If you are unsure whether to enlist the help of an interior designer or an architect, read one of my latest articles here that will help you answer some of the questions you may have.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3001571
[2] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/photonics/articles/10.3389/fphot.2023.1272934/full
[3] https://biofilico.com/news/neuro-aesthetics-in-wellness-interior-design-healthy-buildings#:~:text=The%20Science%20of%20Well%2DBeing,health%20and%20our%20well%2Dbeing