Pippa Jameson, interior stylist, author and founder of The Sensory Home, explains how designing for the senses offers a human-centred, personalised approach to design.

Sensory design is a strategy focused on creating spaces that engage the human senses in positive and meaningful ways.

Simply put, it ensures our environments contribute to our comfort, happiness, and mental well-being—a subject increasingly at the forefront of media discussions.

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These conversations highlight the importance of addressing our needs and ensuring the spaces where we live, work, and learn are designed to support us.

Whether it’s a workplace, school, or home, sensory design plays a pivotal role.

While some individuals may be more sensitive to their surroundings, sensory design truly benefits everyone. Speaking from personal experience as a neurodivergent individual, and coming from a family that includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical members, I have lived experience of how thoughtful sensory design can positively impact all.

Unique, personalised kitchens

This human-centred approach to design moves beyond a “one size fits all” solution, focusing instead on creating spaces that cater to the unique needs of each individual.

Imagine sitting in a kitchen where the furniture doesn’t support your body, causing discomfort and strain.

The lighting might be so dim that you can’t read or so harsh that it triggers headaches.

Meanwhile, loud noises from kitchen appliances may clash with strong cooking smells, adding to your stress.

Or perhaps you’re working at the table but are unable to concentrate due to excessive noise from neighbouring flats.

While these factors may seem minor individually, together, they can create sensory overload, leading to heightened stress and anxiety, and in severe cases, can be debilitating, even triggering meltdowns.

This concept becomes especially relevant in kitchens, two of the most function-driven yet sensory-rich spaces in a home.

Kitchens, for example, are often filled with noise from appliances, strong cooking odours, bright or inadequate lighting, and surfaces that can feel cold or harsh.

Without thoughtful design, they can quickly become overwhelming environments.

Sensory design in kitchens focuses on reducing unnecessary noise, controlling odours, and incorporating warm, inviting materials that soften the space.

In addition to this, adjustable lighting ensures the kitchen adapts to different needs.

Kitchens also benefit significantly from thoughtfully designed sensory-nooks or spaces for gathering, as they often serve as the heart of the home.

These areas provide a place for people to come together, fostering connection and communication during meals or with friends and family.

By prioritising these gathering spaces, kitchens can become more than functional zones—they transform into welcoming hubs for shared experiences and belonging, enhancing both practicality and emotional well-being.

Fostering connection

Research highlights the profound benefits of regular human connection, particularly with family mealtimes.

For instance, the simple act of coming together consistently has been shown to reduce the risk of harmful habits and addictions, like disordered eating or dependency, later in life.

It’s easy to understand why: participating in regular gatherings promotes healthy habits, encourages open communication, and nurtures a sense of belonging.

By fostering an environment that supports collaboration and connection, sensory design enhances our physical spaces and helps us develop healthier lifestyles and stronger interpersonal bonds.