How to Infuse Joy into Your Space with Intentional Design
When was the last time you intentionally infused joy into a space you designed? Ok, if this question makes you roll your eyes 🙄, hang with me — there’s real science behind the aesthetics of joy!
The Science of Joyful Interior Design
Ingrid Fetell Lee has been studying joy since 2008, uncovering how certain design elements can evoke happiness. Her book, Joyful, explores 10 aesthetics of joy (highly recommend—I've read it multiple times!), and her TED Talk encourages us to see our surroundings with fresh eyes.
A Real-World Example of Joyful Design
This past summer, while on a business trip to Bend, OR, I stepped into a restaurant that made me giddy with joy. Seriously—I even did a little clap of excitement! It wasn’t an opulent or highly curated space, yet it sparked pure delight.
What made it special? The design was intentional yet effortless: a low, open-beamed ceiling adorned with hundreds of dried rose bunches, an eclectic mix of chairs, tables, and linens that harmonized beautifully. This space was a perfect example of how thoughtful flooring and furniture choices can create an emotional impact.
How to Design with Joy in Mind Using Flooring & Furniture
Infusing joy into a space doesn’t have to be complicated. The restaurant I visited surprised and delighted guests with its floral ceiling installation. Another way to bring joy into a design is through flooring and furniture selections.
Flooring & Furniture Ideas to Elevate Your Space:
Patterned Flooring: Playful geometric or organic patterns can add an element of surprise and whimsy.
Vibrant Color Accents: Bright or pastel hues in flooring and furniture uplift moods and energize spaces.
Textured Resilient Flooring: Durable flooring with varied textures can create both a sensory and visual experience.
Statement Furniture Pieces: Unique furniture selections, like bold chairs or artistic tables, can enhance the aesthetic of a space.
By integrating high-quality flooring and stylish furniture, you can design spaces that don’t just look good but feel good too. Whether it’s a bold ceiling installation, an eye-catching floor pattern, or beautifully curated furniture, intentional design can transform everyday environments into joyful experiences.
At Thrive, we specialize in flooring and furniture solutions that bring joy to commercial and residential spaces. Contact us today to explore our collections and elevate your space!
What’s your favorite example of a joyfully designed space? Share in the comments below!
Zero Tiles from UpoFloor by Kahrs
Lonbead from Lonseal
Flex Tiles from Zandur
Sustain Tiles (custom design) from Zandur