Last September, I started paying closer attention to aesthetic experiences, and by the time I was working on my dissertation in December, it had become a daily focus. Not just in obvious ways—like admiring a painting in a museum or listening to music—but in small, everyday moments. The way sunlight hits the kitchen counter, the comfort of the ground supporting my feet, the texture of the ridges on my fingertips. 

 

These details stood out to me, and I began to wonder: What if every moment could be an aesthetic experience? Instead of just practicing mindfulness, what if I could actively shape my surroundings to create more beauty, connection, and meaning in daily life?

 

This idea has started guiding me. I now look for ways to enhance my environment, making my home not just a place to live but a place to experience. A recent study (published just yesterday) reinforced this idea even more.

 

What Happens When We Share Aesthetic Experiences?

 

The study at the Manchester Art Gallery examined how people experience art differently depending on whether they view it alone, in silent synchronisation with others, or through discussion. Participants looked at two paintings while listening to slow-looking prompts. The findings were clear: those who discussed the paintings with others had the richest aesthetic experiences and the biggest boost in well-being. Those who viewed art alone had strong emotional connections but lacked the same social benefits. Meanwhile, those in the synchronised silent viewing group reported the least engagement overall.

 

What does this mean for everyday life? It confirms something we intuitively know: aesthetic experiences are deeper when they are shared and actively explored. Simply looking at something beautiful isn’t enough—we need to reflect, discuss, and engage with it to appreciate its impact fully.

 

The First Aesthetic Experience: Home

 

For me, this study reinforced a key idea: our environments shape our experiences. If discussion enhances art appreciation, then the way we design our spaces should encourage engagement and reflection. A home should be more than just functional, it is important to inspire a sense of wonder.

 

I started asking myself: How can I make my home a space that enhances everyday beauty and encourages deeper engagement?

 

Some simple shifts can make a big difference:

 

• Intentional Lighting: Adjusting light throughout the day to create mood and atmosphere.
• Textures and Materials: Surrounding yourself with objects that feel good to touch—linen bedding, smooth wooden tables, soft woven rugs.
• Curated Soundscapes: Being mindful of background sounds, whether it’s city noise, rustling leaves, or music that enhances the moment.
• Spaces for Connection: Creating areas that invite conversation, like a cozy reading book or a table meant for slow, meaningful meals.
• Bringing Nature Indoors: Incorporating natural elements like plants, wooden textures, or images of nature, which research has shown can promote relaxation and reduce stress.

 

The Science Behind Nature and Aesthetics

 

A systematic review on the physiological benefits of viewing nature found that even indirect exposure—such as indoor plants, wooden materials, or nature imagery—can significantly reduce stress and enhance relaxation. The study analysed various indoor experiments and concluded that visual contact with natural elements positively influences our nervous system and promotes well-being. This aligns with the idea that our aesthetic environment is not just about what we see, it directly affects how we feel.

 

Bringing nature into our homes, whether through actual greenery or design choices that evoke natural elements, can make our surroundings more calming and immersive. This suggests that optimising our aesthetic environment isn’t just about decoration—it’s about creating a space that actively supports mental and emotional well-being.

 

Making Everyday Beauty More Meaningful

 

These studies reminded us that aesthetic experiences aren’t just about personal enjoyment—they also shape how we connect with others. When we share a meal with a friend, light a candle before writing, or place a favorite artwork where we will see it every day, we are not just decorating, we are creating experiences.

 

Instead of seeing mindfulness as passive awareness, we now see ourselves as active participants in shaping beauty around us. The more we optimise our space for feeling well, the more we engage with life in a meaningful way.

 

So, what if we approached our homes like a thoughtfully curated space? Not in a way that feels rigid or untouchable, but as an environment designed to inspire, spark conversation, and invite connection. 

 

What if we intentionally curated our daily moments to be immersive and enriching?

 

It’s a small shift, but it changes everything.