In a world where we often design only for the eye, we forget how deeply design can resonate with all five senses. True elegance is not just seen—it’s felt, tasted, heard, and even smelled. When we design spaces, wardrobes, and moments that engage all our senses, we create experiences that linger in our memories and hearts.
Designing with the five senses isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle. Let’s dive into how you can incorporate these sensual elements into your home, your wardrobe, and your everyday moments.
Touch: Texture Is the New Trophy
The way something feels in your hands, against your skin, or under your feet is an emotional experience that impacts how we engage with the world. Think of the crispness of linen, the warmth of wood, the softness of cashmere. These tactile experiences add depth to our surroundings, transforming spaces and garments into much more than just objects.
In your wardrobe, opt for textures that tell a story. A wool sweater with a tactile finish, a leather handbag with a supple touch, or a tactilely woven rug beneath your feet all bring a richness to your life that’s impossible to ignore. In your home, mix materials like raw wood, smooth glass, rough stone, and soft textiles to create a space that feels as inviting as it looks.
Taste: Set the Table for Feeling
Food is often the most sensory experience we have, and when thoughtfully paired with design, it becomes something beyond sustenance—it’s a curated event for all the senses. The right dishware, glassware, and atmosphere can elevate a simple meal into an unforgettable experience.
Imagine serving dinner on hand-thrown ceramic plates, drizzling honey from a gold spoon into a handmade bowl, or sipping your drink from a vintage glass that catches the light in just the right way. Every element of the experience can be designed to reflect the feeling you want to evoke. Set the table as though you are curating an art piece—a canvas for a sensory feast.
Smell: Fragrance Is Your Invisible Signature
Fragrance is perhaps the most powerful sense we have, evoking memories, moods, and emotions long after the scent fades. A fragrance can become your invisible signature, a scent that reminds people of you long after they’ve left the room.
In your home, the right fragrance can set the tone. For a cozy, inviting atmosphere, burn candles that smell like sandalwood or amber. For a fresh and clean vibe, use a scent diffuser with citrus or eucalyptus oils. In your wardrobe, choose perfumes or body oils that reflect your essence and elevate your mood—whether it’s a touch of rosewater for calm or a bold patchouli scent for confidence.
Sight: Visual Stillness Over Visual Noise
Designing with the eye is about more than just filling a space with pretty things. It’s about creating an environment that feels balanced, harmonious, and intentional. The key to visual design is to focus on what you truly value—objects that tell your story, colors that ground your space, and art that sparks joy.
Opt for neutral tones to ground the space and avoid overwhelming your senses. Layer in art, plants, and textures that reflect your personal style. Invest in pieces that have meaning—whether that’s a statement piece of art, a vintage lamp, or a beautifully crafted table.
Sound: Curate the Atmosphere
Sound is the often-forgotten element in design, yet it can have an immediate impact on our mood and energy. Curating the right soundscape in your home or even within your wardrobe can make all the difference in how you feel.
In your home, soft background music—a playlist with light jazz or classical tunes—can create an ambiance of relaxation and elegance. The clink of wine glasses, the rustle of linen curtains, or the gentle hum of the city outside—all these contribute to the sensory richness of your space.
Similarly, sound in fashion can add to your presence—think of the gentle sway of silk as you walk or the satisfying snap of a leather jacket.
Brands That Embody Sensory Luxury
Whether you’re designing your home or curating your wardrobe, these brands offer timeless elegance and thoughtful design that appeals to all five senses.
Global Icons of Sensory Design
- Studio Nicholson – Sculptural simplicity meets everyday wearability.
🔗 Studio Nicholson - Frama Copenhagen – Minimalist interiors crafted with natural materials and timeless design.
🔗 Frama Copenhagen - Santa Maria Novella – Florentine apothecary offering artisanal fragrances and skincare since 1221.
🔗 Santa Maria Novella - Lemaire – Parisian label known for clean lines, poetic tailoring, and muted tones.
🔗 Lemaire - Cire Trudon – Historic French candlemaker producing complex, subtle scents since 1643.
🔗 Cire Trudon - Muji – Japanese brand offering minimalist home goods and apparel emphasizing simplicity and functionality.
🔗 Muji - Aesop – Australian skincare brand known for its aromatic products and minimalist packaging.
🔗 Aesop - Bang & Olufsen – Danish company creating high-end audio products that combine design and sound excellence.
🔗 Bang & Olufsen - Heath Ceramics – California-based ceramics studio producing handcrafted tableware and tiles.
🔗 Heath Ceramics - HAY – Danish design company offering contemporary furniture and accessories with a focus on modern living.
🔗 HAY
South African Labels Redefining Sensory Luxury
- Kat van Duinen – Cape Town-based brand specializing in exotic leather goods and luxury fashion.
🔗 Kat van Duinen - KLûK CGDT – Design duo offering elegant silhouettes and timeless tailoring with South African flair.
🔗 KLûK CGDT - Thebe Magugu – Contemporary fashion brand blending storytelling and structure in its designs.
🔗 Thebe Magugu - ERRE – Pretoria-based label creating confident, sculptural pieces for modern women.
🔗 ERRE - Viviers Studio – Johannesburg atelier producing artisanal, slow-made fashion with an architectural soul.
🔗 Viviers Studio
Living with All Five Senses
True luxury is not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a living experience that engages all the senses. When you design with intention and mindfulness, you create a space and lifestyle that feels as good as it looks.
Start small: curate your wardrobe with pieces that feel good to touch, buy fragrance that reminds you of your best memories, and set your table with intention. You’ll begin to see the difference in how you feel and how you move through the world. After all, elegance isn’t just seen—it’s felt in every moment.
Stay effortless. Stay extra. Stay entirely yourself.
By Alexia Tatiana – The Curated Life
