Designing for the Senses: Why Your Space Should Feel as Good as It Looks
Biophilic therapy office interior by Lemieux Interiors in Portland, Oregon, featuring natural wood elements, lush indoor plants, and warm neutral tones that create a calming environment for clients and therapists.
Many spaces are designed to look beautiful—but what if we began with how a space makes you feel, and let everything else follow?
At Lemieux Interiors, we’re big believers in sensory design - especially for commercial environments like therapy offices, coworking spaces, and vacation rentals. When your space feels intuitive and welcoming on a sensory level, it supports the people using it in ways that go beyond aesthetics.
We’re not just designing for sight - we’re designing for nervous systems.
Portland therapy office designed by Lemieux Interiors, featuring a nature-inspired mural, biophilic greenery, modern ergonomic desk setup, and calming color palette for a serene client experience.
What Is Sensory Interior Design?
Sensory design is about creating interiors that support a full range of human experiences - not just the visual ones. That includes:
Touch (soft vs. hard surfaces)
Sound (how echoey is the room?)
Scent (hello, subtle lavender diffuser)
Temperature (warm light > cold blue light)
Movement (do people feel grounded or restless?)
This kind of design benefits everyone, but it’s especially powerful for:
Neurodivergent individuals (who may be more sensitive to overstimulation)
Therapy clients or patients
Guests with sensory sensitivities
Teams working in high-stress environments
A cozy, modern seating area features warm caramel leather chairs, a black round coffee table with decor books, a tall indoor plant, and textured geometric wall art, creating a calming and professional ambiance.
Real-World Examples: Designing for the Senses
Therapy Offices
Imagine walking into a therapy room with buzzing fluorescent lights, scratchy seating, and echoey walls. Not exactly a sanctuary. Now imagine:
Earth-tone walls that calm the nervous system
A plush rug underfoot
Acoustic panels or other wall treatmentssound absorbing w that absorb sound and create privacy
A diffuser with grounding essential oils
These aren’t luxuries - they’re tools that help people feel safe and regulated.
A stylish office nook features a built-in banquette with a sleek white tabletop, a laptop and iced water on a coaster, set beneath a sculptural black-and-brass chandelier. The space is anchored by a bold black-and-cream geometric accent wall and a mounted TV, creating a modern, functional spot for work or casual meetings.
Vacation Rentals
If your rental is meant to be a retreat, sensory comfort should be part of your checklist. Soft bedding, warm lighting, a cozy nook with textural layers - it’s the difference between “cute listing” and “five-star experience.”
Offices & Studios
We help Portland businesses design spaces that reduce sensory fatigue. That means ergonomic furniture, visual quiet (a.k.a. less clutter), and biophilic elements to create flow and focus.
Modern office break area designed by Lemieux Interiors, featuring a round marble café table, green velvet bar stools, and a minimalist biophilic touch with a potted plant for a refined yet inviting workspace.
Quick Wins: 5 Sensory-Friendly Design Moves
Swap Harsh Lights for Dimmers or Lamps
Harsh overheads can feel clinical. Layer warm-toned lighting to soften the vibe.Think in Textures
Mix materials - velvet, wool, natural wood - to engage touch and create comfort.Add Acoustic Support
Rugs, curtains, and sound panels go a long way in making spaces feel peaceful.Declutter Visually
Our brains crave order. Design with “visual quiet” in mind - simple color palettes and storage solutions make a huge difference.Use Natural Scents Intentionally
A diffuser with vetiver or eucalyptus can signal calm without overwhelming the space.
Contemporary office kitchenette by Lemieux Interiors featuring woodgrain cabinetry, sage green linear tile backsplash, and white quartz countertops for a clean, biophilic-inspired break space.
Final Thought: Design Is Emotional
It’s easy to treat interiors like a checklist - paint, furniture, done. But if your space feels overstimulating, uncomfortable, or hard to navigate, it’s not working. Sensory design invites us to think deeper: How do I want people to feel here?
If you’re ready to create an inclusive, supportive space for your clients, guests, or team, we’re here to help.
Lemieux Interiors specializes in commercial and wellness-focused design that’s grounded, intentional, and rooted in how humans actually experience space.
Let’s create a space that feels as good as it looks. Book a free consultation.
