Each year, NeoCon showcases thousands of innovative products for commercial interiors—spaces where we live, work, play, and heal—and serves as a barometer for prevailing and emerging movements in design. One of these growing movements is the rise of neuroaesthetics. “Neuroscience-informed design shows us that science can guide us to good choices,” says Sally Augustin, PhD Fellow at the American Psychological Association and Principal at Design With Science. While the notion that sights and sounds impact mood is not new, neuroaesthetic research shows that intentionally incorporating these elements can enhance overall well-being and boost productivity. At NeoCon this past June, exhibitors utilized neuroaesthetic design, blending form and function through bold shapes and vibrant patterns to promote focus and enrichment.
Unlocking the Emotional Language of Color
Color isn’t just about what we see; it plays a critical role in influencing our emotional state. Studies suggest that warm colors––like Pantone’s color of the year, Peach Fuzz––are associated with feelings of joy, while cool colors correlate with feelings of calm and contentment. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)’s 2024 Trends Outlook notes that blue hues are becoming the dominant accent colors, which contribute to a harmonious and comforting atmosphere. Bernhardt’s Ice Collection of tables features a striking cobalt blue and Behr’s 2025 Color Forecast featured electric blue and turquoise accents.
Unexpected pops of color can subconsciously stimulate positive distractions, serving as mental respites during stressful moments. Designtex’s Joy Collection embodies this concept with eight woven and coated textile designs centered on stimulating the brain’s pleasure centers. For Stylex’s new color palette, the brand joined forces with acclaimed European designer and color expert Carole Baijings to create a scheme infused with bold contrasts, unexpected pairings, and refined layering.
Specific colors can also be used for different purposes, like yellow, which promotes the release of serotonin to improve concentration and uplift mood. Violet tones like lilac and mauve have the highest vibration on the visible spectrum, inspiring imagination and creativity. Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering’s award-winning collaboration with British-Nigerian artist and NeoCon 2024 Keynote Speaker Yinka Ilori, exemplifies how the masterful use of color can evoke joy and optimism.
Embracing Biophilic Design: Natural Elements for Enhanced Well-Being
Our relationship with the environment significantly influences our mental and emotional well-being. Research shows that it is easier for the brain to visually process patterns and shapes found in nature, like Shaw Contract’s Arctic Escape––a collection of rugs and broadlooms inspired by the frost-covered and icy landscapes of the polar tundra––or Turf’s Stone Textures, which emulate the dynamic veining and intricate details of stone. Similarly, BuzziSpace’s BuzziShroom acoustic floor lamp, modeled after the natural shape of a mushroom, creatively addresses acoustic issues while elevating the visual appeal of any space.
Studies have also demonstrated that spending time in natural environments can reduce stress, improve mood, and stimulate cognitive function while providing a richer sensory experience. To this end, Nevins’ Stem creates a balanced display of plants that are easy to integrate throughout the workspace, fostering focus and relaxation. The Immersive Biophilic Garden by Garden on the Wall® creates indoor gardens and moss walls that stimulate the mind, while Mayer Fabric's Botanique Collection, with its timeless floral and foliage patterns, promotes a deeper connection with the natural world.
As the field of neuroaesthetics continues to evolve, the potential for creating emotion-tailored environments drives the design industry toward countless possibilities. Looking ahead, the integration of neuroaesthetics in design underscores a growing emphasis on creating spaces that inspire emotional resonance and meaningful connections. NeoCon exhibitors demonstrate that the future of interior design lies in the ability to engage all the senses, crafting spaces that are not only aesthetically appealing but also capable of enhancing well-being.