How spaces influence our well-being
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Psychology of Interior Architecture – what science says
Sometimes we walk into a room and immediately feel as though we can breathe more easily. Other rooms, however, feel somehow wrong despite their beautiful décor, without us being able to say exactly why. What feels like pure gut instinct is in reality the result of complex neurobiological processes. Our brain and nervous system are constantly reacting to the environment we find ourselves in, without us being consciously aware of it.
On average, we spend over 90 per cent of our time indoors: at home, in the office, in cafés. Yet very few people think about how their immediate physical surroundings influence their mood, energy levels, concentration and even the quality of their sleep. Interior design is often seen as purely aesthetic. However, as a growing number of scientific studies show, it is an incredibly powerful tool for mental health and quality of life.
This article explores what lies behind the impact a room has on our well-being, backed by scientific evidence and featuring practical tips for everyday life.
Why our brains never perceive spaces as neutral
The relationship between the built environment and human well-being is the subject of a growing field of research that brings together architecture, neuroscience and environmental psychology. A systematic review from 2025 summarises the current state of knowledge: factors such as thermal comfort, light quality and acoustics have measurable effects on heart rate, skin temperature and brain activity.
This is no coincidence, but has evolutionary causes. Over thousands of years, our brain has learnt to scan the environment in a fraction of a second for safety, orientation and potential dangers. Many of these processes take place entirely unconsciously, via the so-called limbic system and the brainstem. These structures in our brain are significantly older than those responsible for rational thinking. Our environment and our technologies have changed at breakneck speed over the last few centuries. Our neurobiology, on the other hand, has hardly changed at all. This means that a chaotic, stimulus-laden space can activate our stress response, even if we do not perceive any conscious threat. Conversely, this means that a thoughtfully designed space can signal to the nervous system: ‘You are safe here.’
An analysis in the journal Buildings & Cities describes this relationship using a Maslowian* framework: before well-being can arise, comfort must first be ensured – thermally, acoustically and visually. Spaces that do not meet these basic comfort requirements actively prevent people from being able to relax or flourish.
**Maslow’s hierarchy of needs describes the needs that motivate people. According to Abraham Maslow , basic needs must first be met before higherlevel goals become important. Key message: only when the lower levels are largely met do higher-level needs come to the fore.
Order relieves the brain – what research tells us about chaos
Visual clutter is not a neutral phenomenon for the brain. It increases what is known as the cognitive load, the mental processing capacity our brain must expend to filter, prioritise and interpret our surroundings. The higher the cognitive load, the fewer resources we have left for concentration, everyday decision-making and emotional regulation. In other words, it actively drains our batteries.
A study from 2009 showed that disorganised environments cause stress levels to rise. Participants who described their homes as untidy had higher cortisol levels throughout the day, meaning more stress hormones in their blood. The clutter keeps the nervous system in a state of chronic heightened alertness. Those participants who described their homes as tidy not only had lower cortisol levels, but also felt more balanced and less depressed.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota also found that participants in tidy rooms were twice as likely to make healthy choices as those in untidy rooms. Interestingly, the study also suggests that untidy environments promote creativity, although this could not be confirmed in follow-up studies (a possible solution is the thesis that unorganised people are more creative by nature). Our environment therefore shapes not only our mood but also our behaviour and can thus even shape our personality in the long term.
This does not mean that a home has to look sterile or minimalist for us to benefit from these positive effects. What matters is that there is a sense of orientation and control. So, when our belongings have fixed places, pathways work intuitively and rooms have clear structures, this creates mental relief and thus space for relaxation, creativity and joy.
You can find an article on organised systems instead of stress here. here.
Biophilia: The deep-rooted longing for nature
Humans have a biologically rooted connection to nature. The American biologist Edward O. Wilson coined the term biophiliato describe this: the innate affinity humans have for other living beings and natural systems. In modern interior design, this has given rise to an entire design principle: biophilic design.
If you’re not yet familiar with biophilic design, you can find out more in this article..
A study published in the journal Scientific Reports in 2025 showed that even brief exposure to nature-related elements (such as a green wall) leads to measurable and significant relaxation, even during cognitively demanding tasks. Biophilic elements can therefore alleviate stress without negatively affecting the ability to concentrate.
This is consistent with the findings of a systematic literature review on biophilic design in the workplace from 2023: access to outdoor spaces, plants in the office and natural light were associated with reduced stress levels in several studies.
Natural materials such as wood, stone and linen, organic forms, the sound of water, views of greenery and living textures appeal to several senses simultaneously and have a lasting calming effect on our nervous system. This explains why we often feel more at ease in a small café with wooden tables and houseplants than in perfectly designed but sterile rooms with hard materials.
Light – an important and often underestimated spatial factor
Light is not merely a visual aid for seeing. It is a biological clock that controls our entire organism. Daylight synchronises our internal clock – the so-called circadian rhythm – and regulates cortisol, melatonin, body temperature, immune function and the sleep-wake cycle.
A 2014 study by Northwestern University and the University of Illinois compared 22 office workers with windowed workstations and 27 without. Employees with natural light at their workstations slept an average of 46 minutes longer per night and reported significantly better sleep quality, less daytime sleepiness and a higher quality of life.
Without daylight, especially at the right time of day, we feel tired, listless and sometimes even irritable, even if we believe we have had enough sleep. Many people suffer from symptoms for several days a month without knowing where they come from, yet the right exposure to light could noticeably improve their quality of life.
Good lighting is not just functional, but also takes biological and emotional factors into account:
- In the morning: stimulating, bright white light (cool colour temperature) promotes natural cortisol levels and wakes the body up.
- During the day: as much natural daylight as possible. In addition to large windows, mirrors or light-coloured walls also help to diffuse the light deeper into the room.
- In the evening: a transition to warm, subdued and atmospheric light signals to the nervous system that it is time to switch to the rest phase and promotes melatonin production.
Older residential buildings with little daylight due to small windows are particularly problematic, and these flats often have very few ceiling fixtures for installing lights. However, with the right professional on your side, even charming old buildings can be significantly upgraded in terms of lighting quality.
You can find out more about lighting in your home here.
Acoustics: The invisible stress factor within our four walls
When we view a flat, we rarely think about the acoustics. It is only after moving in that it gradually becomes clear whether the acoustics are a problem. Because what many people underestimate is that poor acoustics can take the joy out of any room.
A comprehensive review of studies on noise pollution in the workplace from 2025 showed that chronic noise not only impairs concentration but is also linked to increased stress levels, accelerated mental exhaustion, sleep disturbances and even cardiovascular risks. Noise is therefore undisputedly one of the strongest factors contributing to a lack of well-being in rooms.
Noise is no longer a rarity in office spaces, as open-plan offices are now the norm. Employees’ concentration suffers enormously; not only are they constantly interrupted by noise, but the average employee subsequently needs around 23 minutes to regain their focus.
There are also many potential sources of noise in the home: from rooms with echoes caused by hard materials, neighbours, the street and traffic, to poorly insulated downpipes. Even the modern open-plan living concept is not always without acoustic issues. Sound travels unhindered, and background noises overlap.
Well-chosen floor coverings, textiles, carpets, curtains, bookshelves and plants absorb sound and noticeably improve room acoustics.
Good rooms not only feel quiet, they actually are quiet.
Rooms appeal to all the senses – not just the eyes
Interior design is usually reduced to visual design. Yet we experience spaces through all our senses: through sounds, smells and touch. This sensory information comes together and determines whether we feel at ease in a space, often without us realising it.
Sounds have a direct effect on our nervous system – be it music or the steady patter of rain on the windowpane. Smells, in turn, strongly activate our memory and evoke intense emotions, such as the aroma of a favorite childhood dish or the earthy scent of a forest after a summer rain.
Wood is a good example of something that can be experienced with all the senses. Wood feels warm, often has a unique texture, absorbs sound, and has a characteristic scent that our brain subconsciously associates with nature. Artificial Imitations of wood can only replicate the appearance, but cannot deceive our other senses. This explains why rooms with authentic materials, despite having a similar visual aesthetic, feel completely different from those with synthetic surfaces.
In my article on wood vs. imitation wood you can read about the pros and cons in more detail.
Room temperature and air quality also play a significant role, one that is becoming increasingly important in times of global warming. Rooms that are too warm and poorly ventilated reduce concentration and promote drowsiness. Areas that are too cool and draughty stimulate the body and hinder relaxation, and can lead to persistent tension in the long term.
How rooms shape our behaviour – and thus our personality
Spaces not only influence our mood, they also shape our behaviour. James Clear, author of the bestseller Atomic Habits, describes this connection as follows: Our environment is the most powerful tool for shaping habits. When we change our surroundings, we also change our behaviour in the long term.
And that is why the first step towards new habits is always this: Make it obvious! New habits usually fail not because of a lack of discipline, but simply because we forget to do them. People have around 6,200 thoughts a day, and around 43% of everything we do is completely automatic. So it’s no surprise that it’s difficult to incorporate new habits into this rhythm. Conscious interior design acts as a bridge by reminding us of the new habit.
If you want to read more instead of watching TV, place the bookshelf near the sofa and ideally hide the TV behind a cupboard door.
If you want to exercise at home, set up an area where the mat and equipment can stay out. Constantly tidying them away creates friction and makes it harder to stick with it.
For me, good interior design therefore starts with questions: How do you want to live? What should this space enable you to do? Which habits do you want to support?
If you’d like to find out more about how interior design shapes our habits, I’ve got this article for you..
The psychology of individual rooms
The bedroom: regeneration or sensory overload?
The bedroom is the most sensitive room in a home. This is where our nervous system really needs to be able to wind down, and that only works if the light, temperature, noise levels and visual stimuli send the right signals to the body.
Unfortunately, for many people, electronics have long since taken over the bedroom, with far-reaching consequences for well-being. A TV in the bedroom is a real no-go. Our brain is capable of learning: it links places with behavioural patterns. Anyone who regularly watches TV in bed trains their brain not to associate the bed with sleep, but with entertainment. This stimulates the release of dopamine, keeps the nervous system active and can lead to serious sleep disorders in the long term. The same applies to scrolling on a smartphone at night: the blue light from the screen inhibits melatonin production and delays the time we fall asleep, even if we subjectively feel that we are relaxing.
A well-thought-out lighting concept is therefore one of the most effective tools in the bedroom. In the evening, the body needs warm, low-blue-light lighting; this signals to the nervous system the transition into the rest phase and supports natural melatonin production. In the morning, on the other hand, stimulating light with a higher blue component can help to wake the body up effectively and raise cortisol levels naturally. Smart lighting systems are ideal for this, as the two lighting scenarios have very different requirements and can hardly be met by a single light source.
Beyond the light, the bedroom appeals to one of our deepest human needs: security. Only when we feel truly safe can the nervous system switch to parasympathetic mode, the state of genuine relaxation. Soft, natural materials such as linen, wool or wood, subdued room acoustics and an interior design concept that evokes warmth and the feeling of being nestled in a cocoon help to create precisely this atmosphere.
The bathroom: from a functional space to a place of self-care
Bathrooms are often viewed purely in functional terms during the planning stage: toilet, washbasin, shower, bath. Yet for many people, this is where the day begins and ends. We take care of ourselves, gather our thoughts under the morning shower, and prepare ourselves for the day, both mentally and physically. In the evening, we cleanse ourselves again, find peace and let the day slowly draw to a close.
The bathroom is a place of daily rituals and therefore deserves far more attention than it is given in many designs. Ideally, the bathroom is not just a functional wet room, but a place of self-care and regeneration. Light plays a central role in this: functional and clear around the mirror, yet soft and atmospheric for moments of relaxation.
The choice of materials also requires particular care. Surfaces must withstand the demands of moisture and splashes, yet at the same time convey warmth, tranquillity and quality.
You can read about what else is needed for a caring bathroom here..
The living room: connection or isolation?
The living room is often the emotional heart of a home. It is the place where we relax in the evenings and nurture our relationships. Its design therefore has a significant influence on our social well-being.
The arrangement of furniture – whether it encourages conversation or is oriented towards a shared screen – shapes how people interact with one another in this space. Sightlines, lighting zones and the division between active and quiet areas determine whether a room fosters connection or has a more isolating effect.
Why interior design trends don’t work
Interior design trends change quickly. What's considered stylish today can seem outdated just a few years later. Nevertheless, many people base their home decor on aesthetic examples from Pinterest, Instagram, or design magazines and later wonder why, despite perfect execution, the room doesn't quite feel right.
The problem often lies not in the fact that trends are fleeting, but in the fact that they are rarely tailored to the individual needs, routines, and realities of life of the people who use the space daily.
Good interior design doesn’t start with trends, images or plans, but with people:
- What does everyday life look like? Are there children, pets, a home office?
- Which activities should take place where?
- When does who need some peace and quiet, and when do they need company?
- What causes stress, what brings relaxation?
- What stage of life is currently the focus?
A home doesn’t have to impress. It should support you. And it should be able to evolve as life changes.
What works: Practical approaches for spaces that do you good
You don’t always need a full-scale renovation to improve your well-being. Even targeted changes can have a noticeable effect. The following approaches are wellsupported by science:
1. Maximise natural light
Opt for light curtains, place mirrors strategically, and move workspaces closer to the window. Where natural light is lacking, a dynamic artificial lighting system that mimics the course of the day can help.
2. Create visual order
The aim is clarity, not perfection. Things need fixed places. Open shelving can easily lead to visual chaos; closed cupboards or baskets noticeably reduce visual clutter. Drawers provide a clear overview and are less stressful than open shelves. For parents with children, a dumping space in the living room, such as this storage chest by La Redoute.
3. Use natural materials
Wood, stone, linen, cotton. Natural materials appeal to several senses at once and foster a feeling of warmth and authenticity.
4. Design for acoustics
Carpets, curtains, upholstered furniture and bookshelves absorb sound. In open-plan layouts, room-dividing elements help to create sound zones. Plants can also help to reduce reverberation. Instead of pictures on the walls, you could opt for a great acoustic element, such as Sahara by Abstracta
5. Clear zones for different needs
People do not function within rigid spatial categories such as kitchen, living room and bathroom. The more a space supports different needs and states, the less that same area has to do everything at once. Therefore, you should allocate areas to different zones, such as a retreat, a focus zone, an activity zone and a social zone. For families, I also recommend dividing the space into me and us areas for all members.
6. Incorporate biophilic elements
Plants, wooden surfaces, natural materials and views of greenery – even small biophilic touches have a measurable impact on stress levels and well-being and should be present in every room.
Conclusion: Architecture as a tool for quality of life
Our spaces influence us every day, usually quietly and unnoticed. They can increase stress or promote regeneration. They can exhaust us or strengthen us. They can hinder or encourage habits, create connection or foster isolation.
Science now also shows that interior design is far more than mere aesthetics. It is a tool for promoting mental health, sleep quality, concentration, social connections and long-term life satisfaction. The question is not whether our spaces influence us, but whether we wish to consciously shape this influence.
The fields of research in neuroarchitecture and environmental psychology are providing increasingly precise answers to this. What was long considered merely a gut feeling, such as ‘This room does me good’, can now be better explained and specifically designed.
Because ultimately, it’s not just about how your home looks. It’s about how it feels and what it enables you to do every day.
If your office or home doesn’t quite feel right, then lisannco can help you change that.
FAQ
Why don't I feel comfortable in my home?
Feeling uncomfortable in one's own home often arises when the space fails to meet basic psychological needs for security and stability. The nervous system reacts unconsciously to disruptive architectural elements. The four most common causes are:
- Incorrect lighting: Too little light or the wrong color temperature disrupts the circadian rhythm.
- Visual overstimulation: Overly cluttered spaces create mental stress.
- Poor acoustics: Reverberation in a room prevents relaxation.
- Unfavorable layout: Room structures that unconsciously encourage bad habits in everyday life.
How can I improve room acoustics to reduce stress caused by noise?
Poor room acoustics result from excessive reverberation, when sound is reflected unimpeded by hard surfaces. The golden rule for better soundproofing: At least one side of any two opposing surfaces (wall to wall or floor to ceiling) should always be sound-absorbing. This can be achieved through:
- Textiles & Carpets: Porous materials with air pockets absorb sound.
- Acoustic Panels: Special elements for walls or ceilings that specifically reduce reverberation.
- Houseplants: Large plants break up and redirect sound within the room.
How can you create lasting order in your home for more mental peace?
Lasting order isn't achieved by adding more storage boxes or simply hiding things. Even a superficially tidy home creates mental stress if the chaos is hidden behind closed cupboard doors. True mental peace only comes from a clear system where every object has its designated place. For a permanently tidy home, you need:
- Well-organized closet systems: Designated places both in front of and behind the scenes, so that chaos is not only invisible but truly eliminated.
- Regular review: A system that allows you to immediately see what you really need and what you can let go of.
- A few weeks of habit training: Routines to firmly establish the new organizational system in your mind over several weeks and permanently reduce cognitive load. dauerhaft zu senken.