The Neurology of Interior Design

While the Chinese have long had the practice of Feng Shui, western scientist only begin to explore a field called Neurasthenics in the 1990s. For example, it is now known that the blurred contours found in impressionistic art triggers an emotional response in our brain’s amygdala. There is also use of biologist E. O. Wilson's idea of the “biophilia hypothesis." This simply means that living things are drawn to other living things. Therefore, the sight of foliage or the sound of birds is inherently comforting. The feel of wood itself has been shown to lower blood pressure. They've also found that humans relax most beneficially when they can see across a vista where potential sources of danger might be coming from. A vista can be created by wallpaper or windows.

 New studies have shown that the brightness of lighting can affect our moods. Very bright light encourages a greater sense of self awareness, which leads to more self-reflective thinking. Dimmer lights tend to make people more freewheeling with problem-solving.

 The UK is trying a new approach to housing which could have applicability in the US. They are designing and building "dementia -ready" housing for the aging population. There has been a lot of studies about the importance of landmarks in the home or neighborhood. Signage would need to be easier to understand. The increased access to natural light can reduce levels of depression, which is common among those with dementia. Floor plans are simplified and made level.