sensory design

If you’ve been following my journey for any length of time, you know that nature—and more specifically, how nature affects our well-being—is a significant aspect of my creative work. Years ago, I decided to create work based on how I want to feel rather than express a particular emotion. The act of creating helps me feel relaxed and in the flow, but the subject matter also plays an important role. After completing the 100-day project in 2020, I realized that when I lean into what feels natural for me, landscapes and the earth’s bounty are really where my heart and soul lie. This realization recently led me to explore biophilic design—a movement in interior design that incorporates nature into our indoor spaces to improve our moods and create sanctuaries. This concept resonates with me not just in my work but also in my home, where each room is draws inspiration directly from nature.

Recently, I learned about the five senses grounding technique—a practice used to decrease anxiety and calm our nervous systems—and I couldn’t help but see the connection to biophilic design. For a little fun, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite ways to ground myself in my own spaces through the use of nature.

See

Colors from nature are proven to have a positive impact on our nervous system, so I love bringing them directly into my home. The spectrum within nature is endless, so you can use a wide variety of colors, but for a calming, natural feeling, I lean towards shades that are abundant in nature—dark greens, soft blues, and sea hues. These colors create a serene atmosphere, bringing the feeling of nature indoors. I also enjoy peach, clay, and earthy grays, which feel more energizing and warm, especially when paired with darker green accents. Art inspired by nature is another way to bring the outdoors in, whether it’s large-scale landscape paintings, botanical wall hangings, or even a tablecloth with natural patterns. For instance, I recently refinished an old dresser that housed my children’s infant clothes, using locust knobs, green-painted drawers, and nature-inspired wallpaper along the sides. This practical piece now transforms the space into a beautiful and inspiring indoor sanctuary.

Feel

Plants can enhance both the look and feel of a space. When I water my plants, I love touching the leaves and soil—it’s a small, grounding ritual. For touch, I also enjoy displaying fruits and vegetables, which not only look beautiful but also invite interaction. Linen, derived from the flax plant, is another favorite of mine; using linen wall hangings or table linens adds a natural, tactile element to my home. I’m also drawn to natural wood, whether it’s on floors or in furniture. A few years ago, our bedroom got a major makeover when my husband built our bed using unfinished live wood as the headboard. It completely changed the space, creating a sense of peace and calm. This natural, unfinished look can be incorporated in other ways, like a large wooden table, dressers, or accent pieces. The key is to keep it looking natural.

Hear

Sounds from nature can be incredibly soothing and are an easy way to bring a sense of calm into your home. We use sound machines with nature sounds to encourage sleep for our children, and I’ve found it creates a peaceful atmosphere. The sound of water, rain sticks, wind chimes, or simply opening the windows to let in the sounds outside can have a similar effect. In winter, the crackling of a fire in a wood-burning stove or fireplace is deeply comforting. Whenever possible, we keep the windows open, letting in the natural breeze and the sounds of birds just outside. If nothing else, turning off devices and embracing silence can be a calming experience in our often noisy world. Allowing yourself to enjoy the present moment without distractions is a natural way to ground yourself.

Smell

Citrus is one of my absolute favorite scents—it brings a sense of cheerfulness, cleanliness, and freshness into a room. Different scents can encourage different moods and have medicinal uses as well. For instance, rosemary is great for focus, peppermint can relieve migraines, eucalyptus is good for tension relief, and lavender promotes sleep. I use natural scents in many ways to promote well-being and calm in my home, whether through candles, room sprays, diffusing essential oils, incense, natural soaps, or cleaners. The key is to ensure that these scents are natural and not overpowering, avoiding chemicals and artificial fragrances.

Taste

Taste is a powerful sense, though it’s often the last one we think of for grounding. My favorite pure, raw forms of taste include honey, citrus fruits, tea, coffee, sea salt, dark chocolate, olive oil, and almonds. These can become a whole experience when preparing a meal, like making a salad with fresh, natural ingredients or simply adding a bit of lemon or mint to your water. The idea is to infuse pure nature into everyday life in small ways that can make a big impact. Some of the traditional practices we once enjoyed have been lost due to modern conveniences, and it’s worth reintroducing a bit of slowness into our daily routines. There’s nothing quite like growing something from seed and enjoying the harvest, so if you can start a small vegetable or herb garden, I highly recommend it. You can start small and grow with your garden.

Photos by Tina Crespo

To get an idea of how this might impact you, picture this: Waking up to the soft light of the sun filtering through the curtains, the gentle hues of greens and blues from your walls reflecting nature’s calmness. As you walk across the wooden floors, you feel the coolness of the wood beneath your feet. The scent of citrus and fresh herbs fills the air, a bright and uplifting aroma that gently nudges you into the day. You take a deep breath, letting the fragrances bring you a sense of peace and calm. The sound of birds singing outside your window, or the rustle of leaves in the breeze creates a symphony of nature, a gentle reminder of the world beyond your walls. As you sip your morning tea, the warmth and taste of honey and lemon soothe your senses, connecting you to the earth and the simple pleasures it offers.

By intentionally engaging your senses with the natural world, you create a sanctuary that nurtures your soul and calms your mind. Each moment becomes an opportunity to reconnect with nature, even within the confines of your home. Whether through the colors you choose, the textures you touch, the sounds you listen to, the scents you breathe in, or the flavors you savor, these small, intentional acts of grounding can transform your everyday life into a more mindful and harmonious experience. Embrace this practice, and let the beauty of nature guide you towards a deeper sense of peace and well-being in your daily life.