Emotional Architecture
I have spent a huge part of my life obsessing over millimeters.
In my previous life working in fashion and eyewear design, entire meetings would be dedicated to the curve of a temple tip, the weight of an acetate frame, or the tint of a lens. It wasn’t just about making something beautiful. It was about calibration, finding the exact balance between form and feeling.
I knew that when a woman put on a specific pair of frames or piece of jewellery, one that fit her just right and made her glow, her posture changed. She didn’t just look different; she walked differently. She spoke differently. She wasn’t just buying an accessory; she was buying a feeling.
Now, as I build ELEVATE, I’m diving into the research that explains why. And it turns out, caring about external aesthetics isn’t about visuals. It’s about how we prime our internal state.
The Science of “Enclothed Cognition”
There is a fascinating field of study called Enclothed Cognition.
In a famous study, researchers found that when people put on a white coat that they believed belonged to a doctor, their ability to pay attention increased sharply. When they wore the exact same coat but were told it belonged to a painter, that boost in attention didn’t happen.
The takeaway? We don’t just think with our brains; we think with our bodies. The things we touch, wear, and surround ourselves with send constant signals to our nervous system about who we are and how we feel.
Neuroaesthetics: Your Brain on Beauty
Then there is Neuroaesthetics, the study of how the brain responds to beauty.
Evolutionarily, we are wired to seek out environments that feel safe and abundant. When we are in a space with soft textures, balanced lighting, or natural curves (biophilic design), our brains release different chemicals than when we are in a harsh, chaotic, or sterile environment.
This is why “design” is actually a pillar of emotional fitness.
If we are trying to build resilience and calm, but we are sitting in a cluttered room wearing clothes that make us feel restricted or small, we are fighting an uphill battle. We are trying to think “calm” while our environment is screaming “chaos.”
Curating for Resilience
This isn’t about spending a fortune on designer goods. It’s about being intentional with the signals you are sending yourself.
It’s realising that the ceramic cup you drink your coffee from matters, not because it looks good on Instagram, but because the weight and heat of it grounds you in the moment. It’s acknowledging that wearing that soft, oversized jumper when you’re overstimulated isn’t hiding, it’s using texture to self-soothe.
Ultimately, we are the architects of our own emotional landscape. When we choose beauty, softness, or comfort, we aren't just decorating. We are sending a powerful signal to our bodies that we are safe, we are held, and we are ready to rest
More soon,
Jacqueline x
A Note on ELEVATE: As we design our ELEVATE retreats, design is going to be a huge part of the experience. Not just so it looks beautiful, but so that from the moment you walk in, your nervous system can exhale. It a bonus that I LOVE creating beautiful spaces!
