Imagine the feel of a soft blanket against your skin, the scent of your favorite meal wafting through your kitchen, or the sound of windchimes and birdsong on a lazy Sunday morning. Though much of interior design is focused on visual aesthetics, an approach that integrates all 5 main senses can open a world of possibilities for enriching and deepening your experience of home.
“For many of us, when we go home at the end of the day, we take note of our environment, but it’s kind of in the background, like the hum of the refrigerator or the smell of laundry detergent,” says Will Joffroy, sales and design expert at Copenhagen Tucson. “Yet you can also curate sensory elements in a way that makes your home feel not just pleasant, but like a genuine sanctuary.”
Indeed, catering to multiple senses can make a space more engaging, immersive, and joyful. This approach can also let us feel more present and mindful of our bodies and surroundings. Below, we’ve put together an introductory guide to multisensory design, featuring tips from both Will Joffroy and Maurice Brantley, a Copenhagen sales and design expert who recently retired after 26 years of service. Covering sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste, we take a dive into the realm of sensory comforts.
For many of us, sight is the sense we rely most on, forming a central part of how we navigate the world. Though a visually beautiful home is in the eye of the beholder, it will often consider elements like color palette, layout, focal points, contrast, and overall cohesion.
“I recommend more vibrant color for areas where people gather and converse – it creates an energizing feel,” says Joffroy. Take, for instance, the rich red leather of the Aldo Chair, the fun pattern of the Namy Chair, or the blue fabric of the Lake Sofa, whose slatted back adds extra visual interest. Artwork and decor are another great way to catch the eye, whether it’s a bold painting like Aqueduct or a minimalist work like Pair of Horses.
Joffroy also emphasizes the importance of balancing different materials, shapes, or styles within a room to create the right mix of similarity and contrast. “I like to pair leather and fabric pieces together – they’re both inviting and play off each other nicely,” he says.
Don’t forget about lighting as well. During the daytime, natural sunlight can make a room more vibrant and welcoming. When the sun goes down, create a cozy mood with layered, adjustable lighting in a warm color temperature. Try the Wanda Floor Lamp, with two dimmable LED strips that provide both ambient light and focused task lighting.
Acoustics and sound can strongly affect how we feel and act. Imagine the excitement of turning up the music at a party, or the annoyance of hearing construction when you’re trying to work. Within your home, there are a few different ways to design with consideration to sound, whether you’re a music lover or simply seeking peace and quiet.
Brantley says, “A lot more sound technology has entered our homes in the modern era, compared to when I started here 25+ years ago. For instance, some people opt for smart speakers or sophisticated audio equipment to deepen their enjoyment of music or movies.” Media furniture with acoustic transparency is also a solid investment if you’re a stickler for sound quality. As an example, the BDI Elements Media Cabinet has a design that allows for acoustic transparency, ventilation, and remote access (not to mention a laser-carved pattern that resembles sound waves).
For areas where you seek quiet and relaxation, like bedrooms or wellness spaces, another approach may be in order. A sound machine or app that plays white noise or soothing sounds like ocean waves can create a good ambiance for winding down. As another note, rugs can help dampen sound, especially by providing a cushioned surface for footfalls. The denser and higher the pile of a rug, the more sound it will absorb – try the plush, neutral-toned Westlake Shade Rug as an example.
Touch is a core part of connection and nurturing between humans. In indoor spaces, tactility can have a deeply grounding effect and make us feel cradled and comforted. Ergonomic furniture in particular is essential for body support, while varied textures on upholstery or decor provide a sense of depth.
For full-body relaxation, Brantley recommends power motion seating like the Stressless® Max Recliner or the Giana Sectional. “Whenever I have a customer sit in a power motion sofa or chair, I advise them to experiment with the buttons and see how different functions make their body feel,” he says. “That can often be the deciding factor.” He emphasizes the importance of support for the back, head, and legs at all angles – something Stressless® seating is particularly known for.
Another way to design with touch is through textured furniture and accessories. Consider placing a cable-knit blanket on an armchair to create a cozy reading spot, or a soft pillow like the Lifestyle Velvet Finger Pillow on your sofa for a touch of fun. You may also enjoy furnishings that employ a mix of textures, such as the Ashby Coffee Table (with wood, glass, and ridged lacquer) or the Bellezza Bed (with eco-leather and Tetris-textured oak).
“For me, smell is one of the most powerful senses,” says Joffroy. “I can smell something, and boom, I’m five years old again at my grandmother’s house, running through the hallway, and it’s Christmas.” Indeed, smell has a strong neurological link to memory and emotion, which means it can have a big impact on the ambiance in your home.
From diffusers to room sprays to potpourri, there are many options for harnessing the power of scent. Scented candles are especially popular for adding coziness and warmth – or try a bouquet of fresh flowers for a biophilic touch. Fragrances can also be tailored to the time of year and the mood you want to evoke in a room. For instance, cinnamon, pumpkin, and apple scents are beloved choices for fall. Try a soothing lavender scent for a bedroom, or an energizing citrus for a family room.
“I enjoy having a scent diffuser in a certain area of my house to help me get into a calm state of mind,” says Brantley. However, he offers this important caveat – “Some people can have allergies or sensitivities to scent, so be mindful of this if you’re having guests over.”
While typically not given as much design consideration compared to the other senses, evoking taste can bring a fun and unique touch to a space – even outside of the kitchen and dining room. Think of displaying candy in a colorful dish like the Folk Small Bowl on a console table or fruit in a whimsical vessel like the Eva Bowl on your coffee table.
Serving snacks during movie or board game nights in your family room is another way to engage the sense of taste. If you like to go this route, we recommend easy-clean materials like protected leather or performance fabric to keep snacking sessions hassle-free.
At Copenhagen, our experienced sales and design associates are ready to help you turn your home into a haven that delights all of your senses. From soothing sounds to playful textures, multisensory design can help our homes become more enjoyable, layered, and restorative. Visit us today to explore your options.