How the Five Senses Are Shaping Home Design
From color and texture to scent and sound, homeowners are using all five senses to create spaces that feel personal, nostalgic and alive.
NEW YORK — The five physical senses – taste, sight, smell, touch and sound – are deeply tied to how we experience comfort and familiarity, and they’re increasingly guiding home design. The 2025 End of Year Trend Report from Taskrabbit highlights how people are using sensory cues from memory and emotion to shape spaces that feel more personal and alive. From the smell of baked pies to the texture of a favorite chair, the elements that evoke nostalgia and warmth are finding new life in design choices.
Searches for coffee carts, bar setups and outdoor dining areas are increasing as people focus on entertaining at home. Bright colors, textured materials and layered lighting are gaining popularity under the "dopamine décor" trend, which aims to boost mood and creativity.
Scentscaping with diffusers and fresh florals adds another layer of personality. Plush rugs, velvet upholstery and warm finishes appeal to the sense of touch.
"They want a place that feels warm, feels like them, and a place they belong," Heather Mastrangeli, founder and interior designer at Innovatus Design in Illinois, told Forbes.
The report indicated that backsplash installations increased 27%, art hanging projects rose 26% and mirror wall installations were up 28%. Colorful floor tiles and vibrant patterns increased 18% and wallpapering also rose 21%.
Sound is also being designed with intention from acoustic upgrades and record players to the calming rhythm of trees or water outside an open window.
The Taskrabbit report also notes that tactile comforts, including velvet furniture and plush rugs are on the rise, as well as heated towel warmers and floors. By blending sensory elements with personal meaning, homeowners are creating spaces that feel both stylish and emotionally grounded.
Source: Forbes (10/28/25) Williams, Terri
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