THE ART OF MEANINGFUL LIVING: THE SUBTLE ART OF EMOTIONAL DESIGN
LIBRAIRIE
PART II OF III
“How do you experience a space, and how does it make you feel? It’s not about collecting furniture, it’s not about buying, buying, buying - consume, consume; it’s about what we are creating here. What is the experience we are crafting for you to live a meaningful life?”
- Kristen Thomas
FORMER NFL PLAYER, JOE SCHOBERT, AND HIS FAMILY IN THEIR FOREVER HOME, PROJECT NO. 017
Your surroundings influence you in subtle ways, affecting your mood, energy, and overall well-being. Design goes beyond aesthetics - it's about how a space makes you feel. As interior designer Nate Berkus once said, “Your home should tell the story of who you are and be a collection of what you love.” The essence of emotional design is to bring well-being to the forefront, while ensuring that beauty and functionality work together to create meaningful environments.
A few years ago, near the completion of a project, Henry, the five-year-old son of our clients, came home to his newly finished house. Upon entering his new playroom, he was unable to articulate his excitement. Instead, he began to run around, arms out like an airplane, giggling with excitement as he explored his new playroom. It was then that Kristen understood: intentionally designed spaces make people feel deeply. And creating spaces where people feel like themselves is at the heart of what Studio Thomas does.
Our design approach considers how elements such as light, color, and layout influence our emotional well-being. Considering that we spend, on average, 70 years of our lives indoors (CDC), the environments where we live, work, and play profoundly impact our emotional state, and quality of life. Effective design engages all five senses - sight, smell, touch, sound, and even taste. By focusing on these aspects, we create environments that nurture calm, comfort, and connection, making your home not just visually appealing, but a true sanctuary for your well-being.
1.
Inspired by Danish and Swedish traditions, hygge emphasizes comfort, warmth, and coziness to foster a sense of peace and security. This includes paying attention to lighting - fireplaces, candles, and natural light - to make the space more inviting. Adding touches of nature, like plants, flowers, and trees, brings a refreshing vibe to your environment. These elements help create a space where you can truly relax and feel at home.
2.
Spaces that foster human connection are essential for well-being and influence the energy of a room. Thoughtful design elements, like communal areas and inviting seating arrangements, promote meaningful interactions and a sense of belonging. A natural flow and harmonious furniture arrangement further create balance and ease, enhancing the overall energy and comfort of the space.
3.
Personalization is key to shaping the emotional feel of a space. Warm hues create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while cool tones promote calm and relaxation. Selecting the right color palette influences mood and energy. Adding personal elements, like family photos or cherished keepsakes, enhances the emotional connection and makes the space uniquely yours, enriching its overall ambiance.
As Maya Angelou famously said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And your environment is no different. While good design can be visually appealing, great design goes a step further, making you feel something profound and lasting; a place to live a meaningful life.