The day I became a highly sensitive person was just a normal weekend day at home for me.
In fact I was glamorously multi tasking with the ironing. I had been recommended (through the wonderful interior community I am part of - thank you @InteriorDesignInsiders!) to listen to a podcast hosted by Matt Gibberd and featuring the charmingly eloquent Nigel Slater. It’s so worth a listen - it’s called Homing In. Like a warm hug in a podcast! It of course touched on food at every turn but also discussed his homes over the years and what they mean to him. And as a designer obviously I was hooked! His way with words is so evocative yet so considered as well - it really does draw you in.
But what really got me was one small part of the conversation where both Mat and Nigel discussed their sensitivity to their surroundings and whether they are Highly Sensitive People (as coined by Dr Elaine Aron).
I sat very very still as I listened… as it all resonated… They discussed not liking being in a room without an escape route (both socially and physically), disliking bright lighting and hard edges. Searching for comfort or a comfortable environment. Not liking too much noise all the time. Over stimulation causing anxiety and the need for time on your own to recalibrate. It’s not introversion after all. It’s over processing!
It popped on a light bulb in my head. Connections started to be made and I realised that I feel all of those things and maybe that’s what I have ended up in interior design trying to design the triggering stuff away! For years I have thought I was a mix of introvert and extrovert and could never quite balance the two but now I wonder if it was always the extrovert but I just need to recharge too!
As is always the way when something captures your interest, I then went down a rabbit hole of research and looked at Dr Elaine Aron’s work of nearly 30 years research and others she referenced. Turns out there is a lot of research out there and in other species too that reflect this behaviour.
Now before I go further the other key point in all of this that hit home was one of my favourite points about life and community too. That although there are a group of HSPs there are also a group of non HSPs and both groups bring equal value to the world. So this is not a ‘we are special’ thing but more a ‘this explains a lot and what do I bring to the world’ kind of thing. And I fully appreciate we all lead pretty busy lives and have things coming at us left, right and centre so I actually think some of this applies to everyone.
Photo credit: The Elegant Home
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) are individuals who process sensory information more deeply than others, due to a trait called sensory processing sensitivity (SPS). Research suggests that HSPs make up roughly 15-20% of the population and experience heightened sensitivity to their environment, emotions, and sensory stimuli. This sensitivity can significantly shape how they perceive and interact with their interiors.
So here are some of my insights from that rabbit hole I went down:
Sensory Overload: HSPs are more likely to feel overwhelmed by intense stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or chaotic environments.
Emotional Connection: They often form deeper emotional connections to spaces, colours, and objects, which means their surroundings can profoundly affect their mood and energy.
Need for Calm and Control: HSPs tend to thrive in environments that are soothing, organized, and free from unnecessary distractions. Although you could argue we all would surely?!
Depth of Processing: They’re more attuned to subtleties in their surroundings, noticing small details that others might overlook.
My partner when we first lived together used to move items in our front room before I got home to see how long it would take for me to wander around and put things right! And it was always within the first 10 minutes! Hilarious to him and makes sense now - ha!
So it got me thinking how this applies in design and specifically your home. Although of course this should also apply in certain commercial enterprises where making your client feel safe and comfortable is key too.
Soft and Balanced Lighting: Avoid harsh overhead lights and opt for dimmable, layered lighting with warm tones. Natural light is a bonus, but it should be filtered if it's too strong. For more guidance on choosing lighting you could check out my blog here. But consider your lighting by room and what you need in that room. Is it task lighting for close work or cooking, is it ambient light for relaxing etc. Do you n
Comfortable Textures: Soft, cosy fabrics like linen, cotton, or velvet can help create a sensory-friendly environment. Sensitivity to certain fabrics should be considered as well as the option to layer fabrics to help with building colour, softening acoustics and adding multiple textures for extra depth to the room.
Subdued Colors: Neutral palettes or calming shades like muted blues, greens, and greys tend to feel less overwhelming. HSPs often gravitate toward colours that evoke tranquility. Now as you may know I am a big fan of colour but it has to be done in a way that feels right. Bold colours have a place in my life too but in infrequently used areas (think cloakrooms) or through routes (hallways or framing doors/windows). Muted colours - well go for it in my book! If it’s a soft colour that energises, calms or just brings you joy then that is the colour to use.
Clutter-Free Spaces: Organized spaces with smart storage solutions can help prevent overstimulation.The old mantra if it has a home it can go away is part of how I organise my home. And also the annual declutter helps keep the levels at a bearable amount. Everyone has their own limits but a space that errs on the minimal or lived in minimal (which is more my bag) rather than the maximalist approach tends to work best. Sorry Maximalists - I absolutely love your look but can’t live with it.
Sound Management: Carpets, rugs, curtains, and acoustic panels can reduce echo and unwanted noise. But again all of these points work in a busy family household. By adding layers to your room in tonal colours it will give a sense of warmth, depth and comfort. Which again all reflects back to the need to be soothed from noise.
Personalized Elements: Because HSPs are deeply affected by emotional connections, incorporating meaningful items (like photos, heirlooms, or travel mementos) can make a space feel like a sanctuary. Looking around my home I find that most of my displayed momentos are from trips we have been on around the world, inherited items from my family and the obligatory handmade children’s items. Everything has a story and a meaning to me. I have always championed this with clients when they ask about how they should style their homes. It’s your home, unique to you and your belongings and memories show that.
Biophilic design: which integrates natural elements into interiors, really resonates with HSPs. Research shows that being surrounded by plants, natural textures (like wood and stone), and views of nature reduces stress and helps ground you. It might again explain my obsession with house plants! Plants ALWAYS make a room better.
Retreat space: whether that’s a reading nook, meditation space or just a comfy chair in a quiet corner. Carving out a quiet space can really help you relax without distractions and recharge (even if that means letting the kids have an extra 15 mins on tech!)
I would LOVE to hear if this resonated with you and made you think about how you feel in your home? And of course if you want any help making it all feel much calmer and sanctuary like then I’m your girl!
Message me today: tor@denlife.co.uk
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