Sensory Spaces
Our environment plays a crucial role in shaping our comfort, well-being, and sense of belonging. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, thoughtful consideration is essential in creating spaces that promote comfort, safety, and inclusivity. Many people are unaware of how transformative sensory design can be, especially when used in our home environment. When tailored to individuals’ unique needs, it can change behaviour, lift moods, and improve day-to-day living. However, if the senses aren’t considered, life at home, in the workspace or even at school can quickly become overwhelming and make day-to-day functioning nearly impossible.
Understanding Sensory Sensitivities
Anyone can experience sensory sensitivities, regardless of age or background, but some people are particularly susceptible. These individuals are often associated with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing disorder (SPD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which can manifest in heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, some of which include touch, texture, lighting, sounds, scent and temperature. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, certain environments can lead to discomfort, anxiety, or even pain. This is why making intentional design choices is essential for creating supportive and calming spaces.
Choosing Sensory-Friendly Materials
Textures play an essential role in sensory design, especially for those with heightened sensitivity; it’s essential to prioritise materials that are gentle, non-abrasive, and soothing to the touch. The tactile experience of a space can greatly influence how comfortable and safe it feels. Different textures, whether rough or smooth, warm or cool, can shape our perception and emotional response to an environment.
- Rough vs. Smooth: Rough surfaces, like exposed brick or textured fabrics, can add interest and heighten alertness in a space, though they may also introduce excessive visual and tactile stimuli for some. Smooth surfaces, like painted walls or soft, soothing fabrics, provide a calming influence, contributing to a more peaceful and balanced environment.
- Warm vs. Cool Materials: Warm materials like oak or walnut wood, being natural elements, bring a sense of groundedness and connection to nature, which can naturally make a space feel more grounded, cosy, and comforting. This familiarity and warmth contribute to an inviting atmosphere that feels secure and soothing. In contrast, cooler materials such as stone or metal offer a sleek, modern look but can sometimes feel too raw and uninviting for those who seek comfort. Balancing these materials is key to crafting an environment that caters to individual sensory needs.
Sensory-Friendly lighting
Creating a sensory-friendly lighting environment involves several thoughtful strategies that will vary from person to person. Layered lighting is a good starting place; by combining soft, task, and accent lighting, you can achieve a flexible space that can be adjusted based on activities and individual needs. Maximising natural light—especially when it’s diffused—is important. Layered curtains provide an excellent solution as not only do they assist with privacy and reduce noise pollution, but they also allow you to control the amount of natural light entering the room. This ability to regulate light levels contributes to a calming atmosphere and can significantly help to regulate mood. They also look super stylish.
Smart sensory lighting is a valuable investment. It allows you to change brightness and colour temperature according to the time of day or specific preferences. Warmer tones promote relaxation, while cooler tones enhance focus. This can be a bigger investment financially, but the trade-off is that it offers more flexibility and control.
Colour therapy For a quick and affordable solution, consider using coloured LED light bulbs that can shift through various hues, depending on the room’s needs and function. For children, light blocks or fibre optic lights that emit a gentle, colourful glow can serve as both a sensory tool and a fun decorative light for their room.
Selecting soft lighting fixtures is essential for a sensory-friendly environment. Choose lamps with fabric shades or frosted glass, as these help diffuse light, reducing harsh glare and creating a softer, more inviting glow than an exposed bright bulb. Additionally, lights that can be angled and adjusted provide extra flexibility, allowing you to tailor the lighting for maximum comfort.
In bedrooms or hallways, gentle night lights can offer comfort at night. Be sure to choose lights that are dim enough to avoid overstimulation, providing just the right amount of glow. Look for options with adjustable brightness settings to suit different preferences and needs. Additionally, be mindful of reflections and shadows; incorporating elements like rugs, curtains, and wall art can help absorb excess light, creating a softer and more balanced atmosphere. We like Heal’s Pebble Light as it has a warm light with variable brightness settings.
Scent is one of the most powerful triggers of memory and emotion, and can offer a sense of comfort and familiarity in a space. The right fragrance can instantly change a room’s atmosphere by triggering a positive emotion. For me, it’s Lavender and Bergamot by Imogens Luxeries—whether it’s a warm vanilla scent that feels nostalgic, a fresh citrus aroma that energizes, or the calming presence of lavender that soothes the mind. Diffusing essential oils, lighting scented candles, or using linen sprays infused with soft florals or woody undertones can create a personalized sensory experience. By thoughtfully incorporating scent into your home, you can evoke positive feelings, reduce stress, and craft an inviting environment that feels uniquely yours.
Balancing Sound and colour
In sensory-friendly design, managing sound and visual elements is as crucial as lighting. Reducing noise levels and controlling acoustics can greatly enhance comfort and focus, especially for those with sound sensitivities. Soft materials like carpets, layered rugs, and upholstered furniture help absorb sound, reduce echoes, and create a quieter atmosphere. Placing these materials in key areas such as living rooms and bedrooms can make a noticeable difference.
For larger spaces like hallways or open areas, acoustic panels or wall coverings can further dampen noise. Even small design choices, like thicker curtains or padded furniture, can help block outside noise to create a more peaceful environment. Additionally, placing the rooms of individuals with sensory sensitivities in the quietest part of the house can make a big impact on their comfort and well-being. In the kitchen, consider quiet-mode appliances to minimise background noise, and noise-cancelling headphones can be a useful tool for immediately blocking unwanted sounds in shared spaces. It’s best to avoid multiple noise sources simultaneously (TV, radio, conversations), as overlapping sounds can be overwhelming. Finally, white noise machines or soft background music can help mask disruptive sounds.
Visual clutter can be just as overstimulating as noise. Muted and cooler greens and blues will provide an atmosphere that is kind to the senses. It’s no surprise that the colours of nature offer comfort and bring an element of the outdoors inside. Soft neutrals are also a good choice; they help reduce visual “noise,” transforming a room into a relaxing, sensory-friendly space that’s kind to the senses. Stanely Street by Graham and Brown is a grounding green, and Dorian Grey is a beautifully cosy neutral.
Temperature Comfort and Regulation in the Home
Individuals with sensory sensitivities may show irritability and discomfort with temperature changes, leading to challenges in a home environment. Some may be hypersensitive to hot or cold weather, resulting in discomfort during seasonal changes. They may also have completely different temperature requirements to other household members. To address these temperature regulation issues, it’s important to create a comfortable living space that can flex and adapt. Consider fans in their room (as long as they are safe and age-appropriate) to cool down areas during hot weather and provide extra blankets or warm clothing during colder months. Designate specific areas in the home where your child can go if they feel too hot or too cold, such as a cosy nook with soft blankets and pillows. Recognising behavioural changes can also help; if your child appears restless or irritable, it might indicate they are experiencing temperature discomfort.
If you would like to read more about sensory design, you can purchase a copy of our book, The Sensory Home or read some more on How to Create a Sensory Kitchen
