Creating a space that makes people feel something is a powerful way to connect with others. Good design can evoke emotions such as comfort, excitement, calm, or inspiration. Creating spaces that evoke emotion is not just about how things look, but how they make us feel inside.
Why Emotion Matters in Design
When you enter a room, you see more than just furniture and colours; you also see a vibe. This mood can impact thoughts, behavior, and even your health. For instance, candlelight in a warm living room can help you feel relaxed and safe. Bright, bold colours in an open space, however, might energise you and provide motivation.
Designers want to elicit these emotional responses because spaces that feel right are just better—and more memorable. It’s natural for us to spend more time and be happier in places that connect with our emotions.
Building Emotional Spaces
This is how designers approach the five facets to evoke emotions:
- Colour: Colours can have powerful emotional attributes. Warm colours, like red or orange, might feel exciting—or perhaps cozy—and cool colours, like blue or green, might feel calm and peaceful.
- Light: Natural light makes spaces feel open and fresh; soft, warm lights inside create the feeling of intimacy and comfort.
- Textures and Materials: Soft fabrics, natural wood and hard surfaces can all contribute to how a room feels. Rugged textures can add an earthy vibe, whereas slick materials look clean and modern.
- Space and Layout: The way a space is designed impacts how people will move and interact. Open spaces are conducive to socialising, whereas smaller, more secluded spaces create quietness and reflection.
- Personal Touch: Anything that tells a story, has meaning or has memories behind it will make a space feel special and emotionally rewarding.
Design with Feelings in Mind
We have different things to invoke in a space, based on what the space is being used for. For example:
- Homes: They are generally constructed to be cosy and safe. People just want to chill and be comfortable.
- Offices: These spaces are often designed for focus and creativity, but also comfort, for relieving stress.
- Restaurants: Strive to create an environment that reflects the food and the experience — whether it’s a place that is lively and fun or an environment that is quiet and elegant.
Balancing Emotion and Budget
Creating emotional spaces is a terrific idea, but it can sound a bit pricey. You would think you would have to spend quite a bit to have the look and feel. But, unless you win the lottery, you more than likely have to work within a budget to achieve the space you want. The great news is that making people feel doesn’t have to cost much. Small changes, like bringing in plants, rearranging furniture or thoughtfully using colour, can be enough.
Takeaways
Creating emotional spaces can be very good for your wellbeing. With creativity and thought, anyone can create a place that feels right — you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a space that truly feels special.
