Inside ‘My Houseplant Studio – “The Sensory Retreat”
If you’d told me a few years ago that I would be exhibiting at RHS Chelsea, I’m not sure I would have believed you. But there I was—bringing The Sensory Home® to one of the most iconic stages in the world, and I couldn’t have been prouder. My studio was called The Sensory Retreat. And like everything I design, it was rooted in the idea that our homes should do more than just look good—they should feel good too. The Sensory Retreat was a calming, immersive garden studio created to show how plants and interiors could work together to support emotional well-being.
Growing up as a dyslexic and (at the time undiagnosed) autistic girl, school had been overwhelming. It wasn’t just the work that felt hard—it was the noise, the brightness, the constant sensory overload. The environment was loud and chaotic, and instead of supporting me, it left me feeling like I had somehow failed at education. Like I couldn’t access the learning or settle into who I was, it made me feel stupid. That experience stayed with me and—although I didn’t realise it at the time—it planted the seed for what became The Sensory Home®. Everything I design now stems from that belief: that our environment shapes how we feel, behave, and connect. When it becomes too much, we shut down or act out. But when it’s right, it supports our functionality in every way.
That journey has now come full circle with the launch of my book, The Sensory Home, where I share these ideas in depth and explore how thoughtful design can transform the way we live, especially for neurodivergent minds.
The space
The Sensory Retreat is my way of bringing that truth to life. It’s a real, lived-in space that shows how multi-sensory design can be warm, comforting, and beautifully practical—not clinical or cold. It’s a celebration of the small things that help us feel safe and calm, and a reminder that design has the power to hold us, especially when the world feels too much.
From the moment you stepped inside the retreat, all five senses were gently activated—and that was completely intentional. We wanted it to feel like a full-body exhale. A space that held you, softly and immediately. The scent of herbs and lemon balm was the first thing to meet you—clean, botanical, and calming. Then came the soundscape: soft, meditative music, layered with the quiet trickle of water features—a rhythm designed to slow you down. Visually, the space was wrapped in deep, grounding greens, chosen for their ability to lower cortisol and encourage stillness. The materials were natural and textural—wood, plants, tactile fabrics—all echoing woodland tones and shapes. Nothing shouty, everything gentle.
And then the plants. There were so many plants. Devil’s Ivy, Boston Fern, Calathea Orbifolia, Stingray Alocasia—each one chosen for its shape, texture, or movement. They surrounded you, softened the edges of the space, and invited touch. You didn’t just look at nature—you were in it. The space itself was imagined as a private retreat—a garden room, therapy hut, or creative hideaway. A place you could escape to and reset. We created five sensory zones—touch, scent, sound, sight, and taste—using plants you can eat, smell, touch, listen to, and see. Each one was layered with soft textures, gentle materials, and calming colours. The result was a fully immersive, sensory-rich space designed to support both the body and mind. That’s what The Sensory Home® is all about. Design that doesn’t just look good, but feels good. Spaces that hold you, move you, and restore you—quietly, gently, and completely.
Scent Zone
Scent was the first zone you encountered as you entered the houseplant studio. We wanted to demonstrate just how powerful scent can be—how it can trigger an instant, physical response in the body. When you find a scent that resonates with you, it can bring immediate calm and deep comfort. We created the scent zone using aromatic herbs and botanicals, each chosen for their natural fragrance and soothing qualities. It was a way to show how you can be creative with scent at home—even in the smallest of spaces. It’s not about overwhelming perfumes, but about using plants, thoughtful design, and scent together to create moments of sensory comfort.
Touch Zone
Touch was the second zone which we brought to life through our calming sensory nook. The intention was to create a space that soothed the nervous system through tactile comfort—where every material invited physical ease and emotional grounding. We partnered with The Wood Veneer Hub, who supported the project with their beautiful Flutto panels. I use these often in my work—they’re natural, tactile, and timeless. For this space, we selected the walnut finish, echoing the deep, grounding tones of trees and forests. It added an organic warmth and reinforced the biophilic mood, layering in subtle, earthy calm. Though the nook measured just 70cm square, it became a cocoon of stillness. The acoustic panels softened sound while adding texture—whether foam-backed for maximum absorption or wood-only for a gentle sensory barrier, they deliver both form and function.
Inside the nook, a soft, low armchair invited you to sink in, complete with a cushion and throw—textures that brought comfort to both body and mind. Surrounding you were lush, touchable plants: Boston Fern, Devil’s Ivy, Calathea Orbifolia, and Stingray Alocasia. These were chosen for their tactile leaves and expressive shapes—foliage that responded to gentle interaction and gave back a quiet kind of joy. Touching nature, even in subtle ways, can ease anxiety and support presence. We kept the lighting low and warm, allowing the nook to wrap all the senses in softness. It was a reminder that sensory design isn’t about overwhelm—it’s about offering gentle, layered support in every possible way.
Sight Zone
Sight was about showing how what we see can deeply influence how we feel. Visual comfort plays a huge role in sensory wellbeing—it’s often the first cue our brain picks up when we enter a space. At The Sensory Home®, we talk a lot about creating comfort through meaningful objects—things that hold emotional weight and spark positive sensory connections. For this zone, we created a gallery wall that brought those ideas to life. It combined personal pieces, like photographs of my ancestors, with visually striking plants chosen for their leaf shape, colour, pattern, and movement. Together, they created a wall that didn’t just look beautiful—it felt layered, intentional, and joyful. The result was a feature wall full of emotion and interest—a reminder that sight isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about connection. When the things you look at hold meaning, they can bring you comfort in the deepest, most human way.
Taste Zone
Taste was our celebration of connection. A reminder that coming together—sharing food, conversation, or just a quiet moment—is one of the most powerful ways we nourish ourselves, emotionally as well as physically. This zone was about showing how, through intentional design, we can create spaces that invite those moments. Spaces that feel open, welcoming, and made for interaction. We often think of sensory design as something private or internal, but taste is deeply social—it connects us to others, to memories, and to culture. We used flavour-rich herbs—like mint, lemon balm, basil, and thyme—to frame the space. Not just for their edible qualities, but for the way they engage the senses: their scent, texture, the simple act of picking a leaf and tasting it. It becomes a gentle ritual, a reminder to slow down and savour.
The idea was to show how easy it can be to bring edible planting into everyday spaces, whether it’s a kitchen corner, a small windowsill, or a shared table outdoors. And more than that, how taste can be a tool for wellbeing—offering comfort, familiarity, and a beautiful excuse to come together. Because when we design with intention, we create more than just functional spaces—we create settings for connection, nourishment, and joy.
Sound Zone
Outside, we created a dedicated sound zone, where gentle music could be heard from inside the studio, blending with a small but effective water feature just beyond the doors. The aim was to make this area feel inspirational but achievable—something that could be adapted to real spaces like balcony gardens or compact patios. The fountain included a subtle built-in light, adding softness at dusk. Two chairs were placed nearby—designed either for quiet moments alone or for shared connection. Tall palms framed the space, their leaves creating a gentle rustling sound when the wind moved through, layering in a natural, sensory rhythm that completed the atmosphere.
Colour for Wellness
The colour palette was drawn from the Paint for Wellness collection I created with Graham & Brown, my principal sponsor. It was a muted, grounding edit—designed to support mood and emotional regulation. These were colours that soothe, not shout. As you stepped into the houseplant studio, your eye was immediately drawn to the deep, forest green on the back wall—a shade called Chimney Sweep. This rich, restful tone extended seamlessly onto the ceiling, creating a continuous band of calm. By eliminating visual breaks, the colour gently guided the gaze upward, encouraging a sense of openness. Chimney’s deep green tones were chosen for their restorative quality—a non-demanding colour that invites the mind to settle, offering support and stillness. It was the perfect backdrop for a retreat. The side walls were painted in Warm Baguette, a soft, neutral shade that complemented Chimney Sweep beautifully. Together, they created a low-stimulation environment—grounded, gentle, and emotionally supportive.
With thanks to Dunelm for some key furniture pieces and Melvin Garden Buildings for the hut structure, the space came together after months of careful planning and intention at every level. The Sensory Retreat is a space that brings together plants and interiors in service of emotional wellbeing. But more than that, it reflects a deeper belief: that inclusive design should be the norm, not the niche. Whether you’re neurodivergent or not, we all benefit from environments that help us feel grounded, safe, and connected.
I was completely blown away by the queue of people from all over the world wanting to see my space. The energy was amazing, and what struck me most was how many people—across so many industries—instantly got it. You could see the realisation from people’s response and body language: that this sensory approach isn’t just something “nice to have,” it’s something we need—in our homes, in our workplaces, in every part of life. The message was clear: we need to adopt a multi-sensory approach to designing our spaces. When we do, we don’t just make things look good—we create environments that actually help us live, work, and feel better.
This project is a reflection of the work we do every day at The Sensory Home — designing spaces that genuinely support how people feel and function. We had everyone from lawyers, artists, Pilates instructors, teachers, SEN specialists, counsellors, interior designers, and even representatives from government bodies coming over to talk. And then there were all the individuals—the people who just wanted to find new ways to make their spaces feel more supportive and calm. It was actually very emotional seeing people visibly moved by the space, which was exactly my aim.. We also work closely with residential clients, helping families create calm, supportive homes that meet the needs of everyone living in them — particularly those who are neurodivergent. If you’re considering how sensory design could work in your setting, we offer sensory design consultations to explore how your space could better support wellbeing — whether it’s a single room or a full project.
Winning silver at Chelsea this year was a proud moment, but what matters most is seeing these design ideas put into practice in everyday spaces, where they can have real impact.
If this resonates with you — get in touch. We’d love to hear about your space.
