Check out the visual guide to this episode here.

Every day, we’re inundated with headlines full of “scientifically proven” formulas for happiness—in just five simple steps (how convenient!). While we know from personal experience that a well-designed space can lead to a happier life, how much of the advice out there is fact versus fiction?

In our fifth episode of The Render, we’re going straight to the source and chatting with environmental psychologist Elif Celikors to see where science stands on this issue. Spoiler alert: there’s no simple answer.

We’ll talk about the scientific studies that exist around environmental psychology, what tactics are proven to create an emotional reaction in your space, and we’ll even debunk a few common design happiness misconceptions. 

We hope you enjoyed the show! Share your thoughts on this show and your ideas for future ones at [email protected], don’t hesitate to slide into our Instagram dm’s @modsydesign and tune in next time.

This podcast is sponsored by online interior design service Modsy, the impossibly easy way to design your home.

 

About

Elif holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Environmental Psychology. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Cognitive & Perceptual Psychology at Cornell University. Her work focuses on understanding how visual scenes elicit emotional responses. She also attempts to photograph scenes that elicit beautiful emotions."

Find out more on Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

 

Dr. Alessandra Wood is VP of Style at Modsy as well as a design historian with an eye towards the future. She studied design history & theory and is obsessed with applying that knowledge to understand what makes products beautiful/useful/successful, and what inspires people to love those products.

*The source of your next cocktail party banter.

Find out more on Twitter|LinkedIn|Instagram|Website

 

Madeline Warner is the Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Modsy as well as a one-woman content show. A writer and editor as well as a design enthusiast, she’s been working in the design industry for five years and specializes in bringing the expertise of an interior designer to the good laypeople.

*Resident furniture pun expert.

Find out more on LinkedIn|Instagram

 

The Render is edited and produced by Rachael Tellerman. Rachael is a graphic designer at Modsy and is fascinated by the many ways people tell stories. She is also an artist, avid media consumer, and excited to be entering the world of podcasting.

*Makes a delicious baked ziti.

Find out more on LinkedIn|Website

 

Environmental Psychology and Interior Design

What is Environmental Psychology?

Environmental psychology is a field of study that looks at the relationship between humans and their physical surroundings, whether that’s built or natural environments. It’s a subset of psychology that seeks to understand how and why our environment impacts us and our well-being, and even how our behaviors and experiences change in different environments. 

Ceiling Height – Fact

Ceiling height is one of those scientifically informed areas of study within interior design. When we are in a room with higher ceilings, the part of our brain that’s involved in visual-spatial exploration becomes active. One study even showed that, under high ceilings, people perform better in a setting that requires some measure of creativity.

Clutter – Fact

Too much clutter in a space can cause feelings of stress and anxiety. Too much clutter in a room is like the human brain equivalent to when you have too many tabs open on your computer. If there’s too much to process, we can’t attend to all of them. As a result, we get distracted and maybe even start feeling negatively about our environments.

Lighting – Fact

Good (or bad) lighting can really change the whole vibe of a room. Warm light causes melatonin secretion (what helps us fall asleep). And there are studies that show that people perform better at creative tasks when done under warm light versus cooler light. Meanwhile, people do better on tasks that require concentration when working in an environment with cooler light, which causes our bodies to transition to a state that's more awake.

Color – Fiction

Universal color theory in interior design is actually a myth. Sure, color influences people. But what we don’t know is what specific colors do. Color, and the accompanying emotions and perceptions that go with it, are much more personalized to the individual. So while blue might make me happy, it could remind you of the ocean and the terrible cruise your family took you on when you were seven. To each their own color preference.

Plants – Fiction

Science says that being out in nature is good for us. What we don’t fully understand is how that translates into our built environments. So while some people may enjoy caring for plants, others might find them stressful. So, do plants really make people happy? Maybe. Sometimes. Depends on the person.

Resources

Environmental Psychology

Feng Shui

Gothic Architecture

Optical Illusions

Francis Bacon’s Studio

The Dress

Pink Prison Study

Biophilic Design

Decorating With Natural Texture