Using Sensory Design to Create a Sensory Sanctuary All Year Long
The first time I heard about sensory design, I was honestly annoyed—how had I not discovered this sooner? It felt like I’d been missing out on a huge interior design secret! But now that I know, I’m telling everyone, because, let’s face it, everyone should be in on this. Here’s why:
Ever smelled a scent or heard a tune that instantly took you back to a different time or place? Like the aroma of braised meats and potatoes that takes you back to your nana’s kitchen and makes you feel five again?
If we think about it, it goes to show how powerful our senses really are!
Not only do they shape our perception (you walk into a stinky apartment and mentally write down the owners as bad neighbors) but they can also turn an ordinary moment into something unforgettable.
What is Sensory Design?
Just imagine if we could work all the senses and apply all that magic to our homes and how they make us feel.
Sensory design is designing a space that appeals to all five senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. This can help create a living environment that doesn’t just look beautiful but feels alive and brings us joy. (Now you understand why I was upset. Sensory design is a game changer!)
Here’s how you can engage each of your senses to transform your home into a sensory haven while keeping the different seasons in mind. Let’s begin with sight:
A Feast for the Eyes
Your sense of sight is the game changer when it comes to interior design, and for good reason—it’s the first thing we notice. Here are some ideas you can incorporate to enhance visual appeal:
- Color Palettes: Whether you’re looking for calming blues or energetic yellows, your color scheme sets the mood. Soft pastels whisper relaxation, while bold, vibrant hues scream excitement. Or go with the seasons and bring colors of winter, fall and spring!
- Lighting: Natural light is your best friend, but the right artificial lighting can work wonders too. Task lighting for focus, and ambient lighting for mood—combine them to create a warm, inviting glow.
- Art and Decor: Time to get artsy! Whether it’s a Picasso print or a gallery wall that reflects your personality, art engages the eye and sparks conversation. Your home is your canvas, so don’t hold back on creating a strong visual harmony.
Auditory Appeal Through Sensory Design
Next, we have the sound. There’s a reason ‘the quiet neighborhood’ is a strong selling point for realtors. But even if you live in a world full of noise or have a neighbor with a dog who loves to bark, you can still create a space that’s quiet and stress-free.
Here’s how:
- Sound-Absorbing Furniture: Sofas and chairs with acoustic materials aren’t just for sitting—they’re also for softening the sound in the room. Furniture designed from these materials helps reduce ambient noise, creating a more peaceful and focused environment.
Also, go with some thick, heavy fabric for your curtains. It can make a significant difference in blocking out noise. - Soundproof Windows: Install double or triple-pane windows, or use noise-blocking curtains. These additions can reduce outside noise significantly.
- Add Rugs and Carpets: Soft surfaces absorb sound, so rugs, carpets, and even thick curtains can help reduce the amount of outside noise that echoes through your space.
- Acoustic Panels: Stylish acoustic panels reduce noise while adding a sleek design element to your walls or ceilings.
- Background Music: Alexa, play Mozart. (or Taylor Swift- no judgment here.)
Use Alexa or a few wireless speakers throughout your home to set that mood.
My personal favorite: a white noise machine and a tabletop water fountain! Auditory bliss!
Scents: Candles and Diffusers
Scent is like the silent conductor of your home’s symphony, pulling strings you didn’t even know were there.
A single whiff of vanilla or coffee can transport you to another world—or, your favorite coffee shop. Here’s how to use sensory design in your home for yourself and when entertaining guests:
- Candles and Diffusers: No cookies baking every half-hour? No problem. Opt for candles with rich, warm scents like teakwood and tobacco to wrap your space in comfort. Essential oil diffusers with lavender or citrus scents can also add just the right vibe.
- Seasonal Scents: Keep it fresh by changing scents with the seasons—think cinnamon in winter, and floral in spring. Whether you’re looking to energize, relax, or host guests, scents have your back.
Feel-Good Finishes
Touch adds an extra dimension to your home. It’s not just about how things look, but how they feel.
This may feel a bit tricky to understand at first but think of it in terms of shopping for clothes. You can always tell the real quality stuff from the cheap, synthetic material.
Here’s how to up your sensory design game:
- Textures and Fabrics: Think velvet cushions, soft throws, and plush rugs. Layering different materials like wood, metal, and textiles creates a tactile experience that invites interaction. Who can resist sinking their toes into a sheepskin rug?
- Furniture: Upholstered furniture with luxurious textures adds a level of comfort that’s hard to ignore. Plush seats? Yes, please! Go ahead—make your home a place where it’s totally acceptable to touch everything.
Ready to level up your design game? We’ve got tons more Design Element Projects just waiting to spark your next big idea. Dive in!
Sensory Design: Taste
Taste in home design? Absolutely!
While your home doesn’t need to taste good, it can actually taste good. No, I don’t mean in the Hensel and Gratel way. Instead, you can score some sensory design points with these tips:
- Edible Decor: Display beautiful bowls of fresh fruit in the summer that you and your guests can pick and eat. Or nuts in cute jars to munch on during winter.
- Seasonal Treats: Change out treats to match the season. Think fresh berries in spring, caramel apples in the fall, or a festive bowl of peppermint sticks for the holidays.
- Herb Gardens: Winter and spring are both great times to bring your herb garden inside. Opt for cute pots and allow yourself and your guests to pluck basil or mint right from the pot.
Small pots on a windowsill or countertop can make your space look vibrant and tasty! - Mints: A bowl full of mints in a living area or next to your bed is the easiest way to add to your home’s sensory design.
Done? Now sit back and soak it all in!
