How emotional design shapes the way we live — decor8

Maria is a lifestyle editor who lives by the sea in North Devon, England, with her husband and five children. She also participates in the work WoodEdita design studio that creates timeless handmade wooden furniture for simple, everyday living.

From the moment we started talking, I felt an instant connection. Her calm, grounded energy and deep curiosity allowed me to easily open up about what I truly believe: that interior design is not only about what looks beautiful, but also about how we feel in our homes. I also realized that, basically, I like simple, easy solutions – I’m not a complicated person who needs a lot to be happy. But I need certain things, and I’m sure you do too, and I reveal mine in this podcast episode #69.

I don’t know about you, but usually when we talk about design, we often start from the outside – floor plans, wall colors, furniture, trends. But the most meaningful spaces are the ones that begin you: your emotions, habits and what you need more in your daily life. That’s what I think about design from the outside in. Touch yourself and then you can create a home that resonates with you on a deeply emotional and personal level. Then you can create something original and special.

This is the heart of emotional design – the belief that our environment quietly shapes who we are. When our homes support our inner world, they become places of renewal, inspiration and calm.