The Science of Interior Design and Our Well-Being

Our brains react positively to art, to music - it all taps into the feel-good centre in our brains. We can leverage that in interior design.

While beautiful spaces and how they make us feel have been a topic of study for some time, today, scientific evidence is emerging as to how our surroundings can impact our well-being. As it turns out, it's significant.

Science has been behind the scenes studying the value inherent in beauty and aesthetics to better understand its impact on emotions and physiology for a while now, says Mike Peterson, Founder of Visionary Marketing and Co-Founder of the Science of Design Summit. What scientific studies have found, he notes, is that "something happens in our brains when we see beauty and high design. It elevates chemicals such as oxytocin, chemicals that make us healthier."

It's self evident that when we experience beauty, it gives us pleasure - a sense of awe and wonder. And, it also lowers our heart rate and blood pressure. Beauty creates a positive biological response.

Excerpts from "Brain Waves: The Neuroscience Behind Interior Design," published by Home Accents Today, written by Diane Falvey, and "Designing Wellbeing: Neuroaesthetics, Biophilia, and the Healing Power of Beauty," featured on the ANDMORE at High Point Market website.

Designer Barbara Nyke's philosophy is simple: well-planned interiors with beautifully-appointed finishes will make your heart sing. We are a full-service interior decorating and interior design studio providing custom creative designs for busy professionals in Toronto, the GTA and Ontario cottage country.