Beautiful design doesn’t just look good—it feels good too. At Temple & Webster, we believe great interiors have the power to positively impact our everyday lives. From lowering stress to boosting focus and lifting mood, the right design choices can help turn your home into a true haven. Here, our Director of Insights & Trends, Lucy Sutherland, has shared her expert tips and go-to product picks for creating soothing spaces at home.


   

Why Does Interior Design Impact How We Feel?

Homes have always been a place to rest, retreat, and recharge—but in a world that rarely switches off, we're becoming more intentional about how we design them to support our wellbeing. “At the heart of wellness design is neuroaesthetics, the study of how beauty and design impact our brain,” Lucy explains. “Research has shown that certain shapes, colours, materials, and room layouts can trigger a neurological response that influences our emotions, stress levels, and cognitive function.”
 

 

Design Tips for Creating a Soothing Space

Ready to create a space that feels as good as it looks? Here are a few tips to get you started.
 

1. Choose Shapes that Soothe

Soft, rounded forms make a room feel more welcoming and restful. Lucy notes that organic shapes and curved furniture have become a strong trend, helping to soften harsh lines and create flow. But that doesn’t mean everything needs to be rounded. “It’s about balance,” she says. “Mixing soft edges with clean lines adds both structure and calm.”

Shop: Mellow Oversized Swivel Armchair: With its soft shape and soothing swivel motion, this chair is ideal for a reading nook or bedroom corner.


 

2. Use Colour to Set the Mood

“Colour isn’t just a visual choice—it directly impacts our mood, energy, and wellbeing,” Lucy explains. Nature-inspired tones like soft greens, earthy neutrals, and gentle blues have a calming effect. Cooler tones, in particular, promote relaxation and focus. That said, uplifting tones like mustard or terracotta can also play a role—especially in communal spaces like kitchens or dining rooms, where you want to encourage connection and energy.

Shop: Clementine Wool Rug: This rug adds both colour and comfort underfoot, making it perfect for bedrooms or calm living zones.


 

3. Layer in Natural Textures

Comfort isn’t just visual—it’s tactile too.“Soft, touchable textures immediately signal comfort to the brain,” says Lucy. Think bouclé cushions, linen throws and plush rugs. Incorporating natural materials can also evoke a sense of calm and connect us with the outdoors. Beyond timber, stone finishes like marble and travertine are particularly effective in balancing durability with a grounding, organic quality.

Shop: Iggy Irregular Marble Coffee Table: A great table that brings together organic curves and the grounding textures of stone and wood.


 

4. Style with Symmetry & Simplicity

Our brains respond well to order and balance. “Symmetrical arrangements—like matching bedside tables or a balanced gallery wall—help create visual harmony and calm,” Lucy explains. Clutter, on the other hand, has been linked to elevated cortisol levels, so smart storage is essential. “Even something simple like a lidded ottoman or concealed entertainment unit can make a huge difference to how a space feels.”

Shop: Seraphine Boucle Gas Lift Bed: This beautiful boucle bed provides soothing style while helping you keep your bedroom tidy with built-in storage.


 

Lucy's Quick Wins for a More Relaxing Home

If you’re not planning a full room makeover, there are still plenty of easy ways to bring more calm into your space. 

Start with texture: “Introduce tactile finishes into your room to create a calming comfortable space. Think rugs, textured cushions, or an indoor plant.”
Invest in storage solutions: “Edit your space to remove visual clutter on your surfaces using clever storage ideas like a textured storage ottoman or an entertainment unit.” 
Create a mini calm zone: “Start with a comfortable chair or sofa, then introduce soft lighting with a floor or table lamp to add warmth.” 


 

How Temple & Webster Designs for Wellbeing

We’re passionate about creating spaces that support wellbeing, especially for our charity partners, Women's Community Shelters and Black Dog Institute. When designing spaces for these organisations, the goal is always to create environments that promote calm, safety, and healing. "Every design decision supports the healing, dignity, and empowerment of residents,” Lucy explains.

Our team uses a trauma-informed approach, blending calming colours, soft textures, and thoughtful layouts to ensure both comfort and safety. In communal areas, uplifting tones encourage connection, while soft blues and pinks help foster relaxation in restorative zones. We also make space for smaller nooks where people can retreat for quiet time, and carefully consider the layout of each room to ensure it feels open, intuitive, and non-restrictive. As Lucy puts it, “We aim to create spaces where residents feel safe, relaxed, and valued.”