June 14, 2025
Hi Reader,
This week’s newsletter topic is Designing for Specific Mental & Emotional States.
At PCBC 2025, Dr. Sahar Yousef, a cognitive neuroscientist, spoke on the Neuroscience of Creativity and Innovation — variables and practices that can best enable people of “both brain types” to be more creative.
Spoiler Alert: According to Dr. Yousef, there is no such thing as Left-Brain People or Right-Brain People. We are all “whole brain creatures” who use different parts of our brains for different types of neural networks (i.e. mental states, such as creative thinking, and focused, task-oriented processing).
In parallel, at this year’s recent HD Expo, we took note of several designers on discussion panels, who are enamored with how a room makes one “feel”. We also discovered that some innovators in the hospitality design space are investing in scientific research to understand the underlying interior design variables that impact feelings.
Given our fascination with the intersection of design, emotion and neuroscience, we couldn’t help but explore how mind and emotion can be affected by interior design.
What does it mean to design for specific mental and emotional states?
To help illustrate this topic, we present two stark examples of interior spaces in the home, that have opposite mental and emotional objectives: the Primary Bedroom and the Home Office.
We can deduce from Dr. Yousef’s presentation that she would agree that designers need to “set the stage” in each of these two divergent rooms for the ultimate goal:
- Restoration & Creativity for the Bedroom; and
- Focused Productivity without Distractions for the Office.
In short, you will introduce disharmony if you include “mixed design messages”, such as having a messy work desk in your bedroom, or a comfy chaise lounge in your office.
When designing spaces with distinct mental and emotional goals, be sure to utilize the right “dosage” and "mix" of the following variables: color; materials; acoustic treatments; assistive technology; decluttering; scent therapy; and music.
Stimulatory devices, such as whiteboards, lighting, candles, speakers, and conducive music, can all positively contribute to interior ambiance — whether for enhanced creativity or productivity — depending on the specific goal and appropriate settings.
PS: Our previous newsletter can be found here and our archive here.
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