The Psychology of Space: How Interior Design Impacts Behaviour and Wellbeing

In the world of interiors, designing aesthetically pleasing spaces is just the tip of the iceberg. As designers, our role is to take someone's space beyond mere visual appeal and apply our art in a way that has a profound impact on the human psyche and wellbeing.

It's therefore imperative that we understand the psychology of space and how it can evoke positive emotions, enhance productivity and promote overall wellbeing for our clients. At FCI, our expert interior design team have worked on every conceivable type of space, from private country homes to commercial office spaces to trade events. In all of our design projects, we've prioritised space as one of the top three transformative elements.

Here we delve into the fascinating realm of how interior design, and in particular spatial constructs, influences human behaviour. We share our practical insights that we hope will help you better cater to your clients' deeper emotional needs.

1. Emotional Responses and Design

The spaces we inhabit hold the power to evoke a range of emotions, from joy and calmness to anxiety and discomfort. Tapping into this emotional aspect can profoundly impact your clients' experiences within their spaces. By incorporating elements that trigger positive emotions, you can create environments that leave lasting impressions and foster a sense of connection with their surroundings.

Practical Application

• Use colour psychology to evoke specific emotions. Warm colours like yellow and orange generally create feelings of warmth and energy, while cool colours like blue and green promote relaxation and tranquillity.
• Incorporate natural elements, such as plants and natural textures, to evoke a sense of serenity and connection to nature.
• Most importantly, design spaces that tell a story, creating an emotional narrative that resonates with your client's values and experiences.

2. Impact on Productivity and Efficiency

In the realm of commercial and workspace design, the layout, lighting and overall ambience can significantly influence employee productivity and efficiency. How you use space in an office design plays a crucial role in crafting environments that inspire creativity and foster focus, ultimately contributing to the success of businesses.

Practical Application

• Understand the principles of biophilic design and incorporate elements that mimic nature to enhance cognitive function, reduce stress and improve productivity.
• Implement space planning strategies that encourage collaboration and communication among employees while also providing quiet zones for individual focus.
• Choose smart lighting solutions that adjust throughout the day to mimic natural lighting patterns, which will regulate circadian rhythms and promote alertness.

3. Enhancing Wellbeing through Functional Design

Creating a space that prioritises functionality and user experience can significantly impact your client's overall wellbeing. When you're designing a residential home, consider your client's daily routines, habits and personal interactions and ensure that your plans work with these to shape the quality of life for the family.

Practical Application

• Focus on ergonomic design principles to create spaces that support physical health and comfort, such as incorporating adjustable furniture and proper lighting for specific tasks.
• Pay attention to spatial flow and circulation to ensure seamless movement within the space, reducing feelings of congestion and promoting a sense of openness.
• Incorporate mindfulness spaces, meditation corners or relaxation areas within residential and commercial projects to promote mental wellbeing.

4. Designing for Inclusivity and Accessibility

Inclusive design is a fundamental aspect of responsible and thoughtful architecture and interior design. It may not apply to all your projects, but considering the needs of individuals with disabilities or those belonging to diverse demographics enriches the space you're designing environment and ensures that it will always be welcoming and accessible to all.

Practical Application

• Familiarise yourself with the principles of universal design which aims to create spaces that can be used by people of all ages and abilities without the need for adaptation.
• Ensure compliance with accessibility standards and regulations to guarantee that your designs are inclusive and accessible to individuals with disabilities.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders to understand their unique needs and tailor designs that cater to their specific requirements.

Conclusion

As interior designers, we hold the power to shape environments that transcend aesthetics and function alone. Understanding the psychology of space allows us to create spaces that nurture positive emotional responses, enhance productivity and promote overall wellbeing.

By incorporating these insights into your design processes, you can better cater to the needs of your clients and improve your skill sets, ultimately leading to more successful projects and satisfied clients.

We understand the challenges that you face as interior designers, which is why we've created our range of trade services to help take the headache out of your projects. Sign up for a trade account today - it's completely free! - and we'll give you a dedicated account manager to help you with end-to-end logistics, product sourcing and so much more. Chat with us - we're here to help in any way we can.