The pursuit of well-being is a significant influence on décor choice for contemporary living. “At the heart of this movement is the concept of ‘sense-scaping’ which is the practice of using all five senses to create a desired mood or experience within a particular environment,” explains Lucy Mather a 5th generation family member of European furniture and furnishings retailer, Arighi Bianchi, established in 1854.
And according to Lucy, “The trend goes beyond aesthetics to design spaces that evoke emotional responses and enhance well-being by carefully considering how interiors look, feel, sound, smell, and even taste.”
[No, don’t lick the lino: you’re better to top up the fruit bowl!]“Dedicated quiet zones for relaxation or mindfulness, free from external noise pollution, are important within this trend as well as layered lighting schemes, including soft uplights, dimmable lamps, and candlelight, to create mood-enhancing atmospheres,” Lucy continues. “By curating spaces that cater to all the senses, this trend creates immersive environments that nurture both physical and emotional health. Its focus on personalisation ensures that each space feels uniquely comforting and deeply engaging.”
Colour psychology plays a vital role and up to the moment interior designs are incorporating natural textures, biophilic elements, and earthy colour palettes that foster a connection with the world beyond the window – in line with the pantone colour of the year for 2025, Mocha Mousse, a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. These organic shades gently bring the outside in and foster a connection to nature.
The incorporation of calming colour palettes, smart storage solutions that reduce clutter, and minimal patterns will transform these spaces into havens of tranquility and calm.
Natural materials like linen, jute, and wool enhance this, offering serenity and evoking that feeling of getting away from it all in the great outdoors whilst tactile flowing fabrics like silk and velvet add a touch of luxury alongside golden stone and sleek marble.
Insights from the Milan Furniture Show further underline this shift. “Designers showcased furniture with soft, rounded lines, moving away from strict minimalism to create more dynamic and inviting spaces. Curved side tables, armchairs, and sofas are trending, enhancing comfort and fluidity within interiors,” Lucy adds.
Here’s how to engage your sense and incorporate sensory design into your home:
Add tactile materials: Pair fabrics like velvet, bouclé, faux fur, with the simplicity of classic linen for furniture Add cushions and throws to add depth and comfort, and incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and ceramics to provide a variety of textures.
Play with lighting: By day, soften natural light by incorporating sheer curtains or blinds and for a cosy evening ambiance opt for warm, soft-toned lighting. Add dimmable lights or smart bulbs, to alter the brightness and colour based on mood or activity: download a smart home app to change the settings at the end of the day without lifting a finger.
Embrace calming colours: Apply principles of colour psychology to choose hues that evoke desired emotions, like blues and greens for calmness or yellows for energy. This year it’s all about earthy tones and neutral palettes. Add plants!
Think about movement and flow: Arrange your furniture to create open, easy-to-navigate spaces that are welcoming as well as functional. Furniture with rounded edges will enhance your sense of comfort and safety, and is there room for your yoga mat?
Focus on scents: Incorporate natural scents from materials like cedarwood or eucalyptus and use essential oil diffusers, scented candles, or fresh flowers to introduce pleasing aromas that suit each room’s purpose. We recommend lavender for a good night’s sleep.
Choose a soundscape
Is it time for a new play list? Whether that’s relaxing classical melodies or chill pop. Use thick rugs, upholstered furniture, and curtains to absorb sound and minimise echoes and you might even consider a white noise machines or acoustic wall panels to reduce the noise of the traffic and jackhammers in the street.
And sense-scaping not only improves your well-being. Look out for a productivity boost too, particularly if you work from home!
