Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:May 20, 2025, 17:31 IST
Mood-led design prioritizes how a space feels, not just how it looks.
News18
In 2025, the design world is undergoing a quiet but meaningful revolution. Gone are the days when static moodboards dictated the aesthetic of a space. Instead, designers are embracing mood-led design—an intuitive, emotion-forward approach that puts how a space makes you feel at the heart of its function.
“In 2025, we’re witnessing a shift from the static, often aesthetic-first world of mood boards to a more nuanced, responsive approach: mood-led design,” says Sanaa Ruia, Creative Director, MAIA Estates. “While mood boards once served as visual blueprints, they’re increasingly being replaced by design that actively responds to how people live—and how they want to feel.”
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This evolution is more than a passing trend. It’s a reflection of deeper psychological needs that have become central to how we inhabit spaces. Today’s homes and workplaces must support flexible routines, hybrid lifestyles, and a growing desire for balance. “This isn’t about being overly sentimental. It’s about relevance,” explains Ruia. “Mood-led design taps into the psychological and emotional needs that define how we use space—calm, clarity, energy, focus—and translates them into functional environments.”
From earthy tones and tactile textures to biophilic elements and soft technology, mood-led design is redefining the relationship between environment and emotion. “Biophilic design isn’t just about plants; it’s about creating a sense of rootedness and rhythm,” adds Ruia. “Soft tech integration means homes are intuitive, not intrusive. Earthy palettes, tactile materials, and natural light aren’t just beautiful—they regulate mood, boost productivity, and encourage pause.”
The same thinking is shaping our workplaces. Sammeer Pakvasa, Managing Director at Eleganz Interiors, points out how this approach is transforming office design into a more empathetic and results-driven practice. “The shift from traditional mood boards to mood-led design marks a more intentional and human-centric approach to creating workspaces,” he says. “It’s no longer just about how an office looks but about how it makes people feel—and how those feelings influence performance.”
At Eleganz Interiors, this philosophy is deeply embedded in the way spaces are conceptualised and executed. “Today’s employees seek environments that are energizing, calming, or conducive to collaboration, depending on the nature of their tasks,” says Pakvasa. “We craft office spaces that respond to these emotional and psychological needs, seamlessly blending functionality with atmosphere. Our approach is rooted in empathy, ensuring that every space speaks to the real needs of its users.”
One of the greatest strengths of mood-led design is its focus on intention and adaptability. No longer tied to a single aesthetic or function, spaces are being designed to serve multiple moods and purposes throughout the day. As Ruia notes, “Instead of designing to a generic ‘aesthetic,’ we’re designing for intention. For example, a dining area that becomes a co-working nook with ambient lighting and acoustics designed for both connection and concentration.”
Ultimately, mood-led design goes beyond style. It’s a philosophy grounded in the belief that design should not just look good—it should feel right. It should evolve with the people who inhabit it, supporting their shifting routines, mindsets, and emotions.
“Mood-led design is not just a new buzzword,” Ruia concludes. “It reflects a deeper understanding: that great design doesn’t just look good—it feels right, adapts with you, and elevates the everyday. In this new era, a little emotion, thoughtfully applied, goes a long way.”
In a world craving meaning and connection, design that prioritises emotional resonance isn’t just refreshing—it’s necessary.
- First Published:
May 20, 2025, 17:31 IST
SOURCE : NEWS 18
