Aesthetic Brain Waves

Hi y’all 👋

Happy Thursday and welcome back to The Midmod Corner.

I've been tweaking my living space obsessively lately. Blame it on my newfound interest in how our minds interpret aesthetics—and maybe too damn many Andrew Huberman podcasts. But on the bright side, it sparked ideas for today's newsletter. So let's dive in!

In today’s email:

• Neuroscience: The science behind the beauty of interior design 🧠

• Snippets: Ideas to transform your cooking space 👨‍🍳

• On The Market: Another Frank Lloyd Wright listing, but for a steal 🏠

📰 The Story

Neuroaesthetics in interior design

Picture yourself in a super comfy lounge chair in a room with dimmed, soft lighting; a chill sofa for reading, relaxing, or just hanging out with your best friends. How do these spaces make you feel? These feelings, which are totally personal and different for each of us, really show that interior design can go way beyond superficial aesthetics. In fact, there’s a whole scientific field all about how our brains react to art and beauty. Welcome to the exciting world of neuroaesthetics!

Neuro…WHAT?!

Neuroaesthetics, kinda sounds like the name of a TikTok trend, right? Well, it's actually a fascinating new area in neuroscience. It supports the idea that our brains are naturally wired to really appreciate beauty on a deep level. In other words, it's the way lighting, textures, acoustics, colors (which I've already discussed in this post), and room shape may trigger pleasure centers in the brain, inducing happy feelings and a sense of balance. Incorporate these principles into your home's interior design, and you'll craft spaces that not only catch your eye but also engage your brain.

We always respond to the aesthetic of our environment…

…wether we realize it or not. Although the idea of beauty can come off as pretty subjective, research has actually pointed out some common design elements that tend to spark positive vibes in an interior space. Things like lighting, airflow, and the materials used can make a difference. What's crystal clear, though, is that we all don't see things the same way. Our individual aesthetic tastes are shaped by a mix of biology, culture, and personal experiences, which influence whether our brains and bodies react positively or negatively to the spaces we're in.

Neuroaesthetics in practice

If you're more of a 'cut to the chase' kind of person and prefer to skip the academic jargon, here's a quick rundown of the five key aspects of applying neuroaesthetics to your home.

1. Take a closer look at the activities happening in each space and the emotions you want to enhance.

2. Bringing in natural elements is an absolute must – no compromise on this.

3. Strike a balance between symmetry and asymmetry – consider symmetrical arrangements for their structured feel, or go for thoughtfully designed asymmetries to grab attention and spark interest.

4. Play around with textures on surfaces and furniture, from smooth to rugged, focusing on the tactile sensations they offer.

5. Get creative with lighting and shadows to create a dynamic interplay of volumes.

Integrating neuroaesthetics into your home's interior design opens the door to crafting spaces that not only capture your eyes but also stir your emotions and foster a feeling of well-being. By delving into how the brain reacts to beauty and implementing design principles grounded in neuroscience, you have the power to turn your home into a sanctuary that appeals to all your senses and mirrors your unique style.

🗃 Snippets

The Crème de la Crème of web gems. From DIY projects to home inspirations and the latest trends, it's all here!

From newbie to informed collector: Buying vintage can be confusing; this post from The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is packed with professional tips on what to look for—and what to avoid—when collecting vintage modern furniture, accessories, and art.

Turning a humble stool into a piece of art: Artek presents the 'Hackability of the Stool' by Daisuke Motogi, a playful exploration of how everyday furniture can be transformed and customized to fit unique lifestyles.

Knoll’s homage: Nearly 70 years since Knoll's debut in 1954, the renowned furniture design brand is reintroducing two of its iconic chairs. As a tribute to the groundbreaking architect and interior designer Florence Knoll, the Florence Knoll Model 31 Lounge Chair and Model 33 Sofa are back, with a fresh take on textures.

Revive your kitchen in Mid-Century Style: Take a journey through the world of mid-century modern kitchens and discover 9 ideas on how to infuse your culinary space with retro charm and contemporary functionality.

Travel to Serenity: Immerse yourself in a tranquil retreat where design meets nature. Hawaii's Mauna Lani Hotel has perfectly blended luxury, relaxation, and the beauty of the Hawaiian landscape.

Or if you’re into more rustic vibes: Escape to this breathtaking lodging located in a stone quarry in the town of Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador.

🏘️ On The Market

House hunting made easy! Handpicked homes up for grabs, spanning city gems to charming countryside retreats—all for you to explore.

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