The Role of Hormones in Design: How Your Space Shapes Your Well-Being

As humans, our surroundings play a critical role in determining our mental well-being and shaping our internal thoughts and feelings. Inside our homes, the color schemes, furniture, art, and lighting we select can influence our brain chemistry and have a more significant impact than we may think, impacting how we feel both mentally and physically. 

Our interiors can directly affect the hormones that regulate our mood, happiness, and health: dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. As such, our design choices can profoundly impact each of these key hormones and completely transform our mental and physical well-being.

The Power of Dopamine 

A welcoming and aesthetically pleasing space can stimulate dopamine release, evoking feelings of contentment and pleasure. Dopamine, often referred to as “the feel-good hormone," acts as a chemical messenger, sending messages to the body that result in feelings of joy. In the design world, a cohesive mix of visually appealing design elements can stimulate this dopamine release, improving mood and increasing happiness. Design-related dopamine triggers include natural light, symmetry, and carefully curated artwork.

In recent years, "dopamine decor," a trend of bold patterns, prints, and nostalgic design elements, has taken over the interior design scene for its mood-boosting abilities. In curating a space that can elevate dopamine levels, consider choosing fun yet practical design elements,  like statement art pieces and fun colors that work cohesively. 

Serenity Through Serotonin

Thoughtful interior design can also elevate serotonin levels, regulating mood and creating a sense of calm. Similar to dopamine, serotonin sends messages from nerve cells throughout the body. Though responsible for several different bodily and mental functions, serotonin is most known for its mood regulation and ability to calm anxiety. 

Incorporating natural design elements is a critical part of creating a serotonin-boosting interior space, as outdoor exposure is one of the primary triggers for the hormone. Sunlight, a natural serotonin booster, is a crucial component of a well-curated space. Integrating other natural elements, like earthy tones and indoor plants, will also help create a calming oasis that promotes serotonin production. 

Oxytocin and the Warmth of Connection

A strategically curated space can also promote the production of oxytocin, or the “love hormone,” which creates positive feelings of trust, bonding, and emotional warmth. 

Though oxytocin release is often associated with labor and breastfeeding, many daily activities and environments can increase oxytocin levels, including music, exercise, physical touch, and social interaction. Therefore, an interior design that fosters socialization and physical connection can boost oxytocin levels and create a nurturing environment. 

Designing a space for socializing and connecting begins with open layouts, communal spaces, and personal touches that make a space feel warm and inviting. When planning, strategically arrange pieces to create an inviting layout that encourages togetherness. 

Transform Your Space, Transform Yourself

Beyond aesthetic appeal, a well-curated space can trigger beneficial hormone release and impact overall health, happiness, and well-being. Through intentional interior design, improving your space can also mean improving yourself by promoting mental and emotional health. Reach out to explore how the power of design can transform your living space into an everyday oasis that nurtures the mind and soul.

Rao, Rashmi  Gopal. “Dopamine Decor Is the Feel-Good Interior Trend We Need.” Architectural Digest, Architectural Digest, 28 July 2023, www.architecturaldigest.com/story/dopamine-decor-is-the-feel-good-interior-trend-we-need. 

Santos-Longhurst, Adrienne. “Why Is Oxytocin Known as the ‘Love Hormone’? .” Edited by Sarah Matysiak, Healthline, 12 July 2023, www.healthline.com/health/love-hormone#takeaway. 

Watson, Stephanie. “Dopamine: The Pathway to Pleasure.” Harvard Health, 18 Apr. 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/dopamine-the-pathway-to-pleasure. 

Watson, Stephanie. “Serotonin: The Natural Mood Booster.” Harvard Health, 20 Nov. 2023, www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/serotonin-the-natural-mood-booster.