EP 462 | Neuro-Aesthetics: How the Brain Shapes Client Decisions in Interior Design with Martha Lowry

January 6, 2026

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Interior designers often find themselves defending beautiful, well-considered ideas to hesitant clients. But what if that hesitation isn’t resistance—it’s biology? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with designer and BOD™ Member, Martha Lowry about neuro-aesthetics and how the brain responds to space long before logic or language catch up.

This conversation reframes how designers understand client reactions, decision-making, and emotional buy-in. You’ll learn why a room can be technically perfect and still feel “wrong,” how colour and materials trigger powerful subconscious responses, and why deeper, more thoughtful client questioning leads to smoother projects and fewer revisions.

By understanding how memory, emotion, and lived experience influence perception, designers can reduce friction, build trust faster, and create interiors that feel as good as they look.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

  • Why clients respond emotionally to space before they can articulate preferences
  • How neuro-aesthetics explains hesitation, resistance, and indecision
  • Why “good design” doesn’t always equal emotional comfort
  • How memory and lived experience shape reactions to colour and materials
  • The role of biophilia in creating calm, restorative interiors
  • How deeper client questioning builds trust and reduces revisions

 

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About Martha Lowry

Martha Lowry is a residential interior designer based in North Carolina with more than three decades of experience in the industry. Known for her thoughtful, client-driven approach, Martha has long believed that great design is not about imposing a signature style, but about creating homes that genuinely reflect the people who live in them. In recent years, her work has been informed by the study of neuro-aesthetics and biophilia—exploring how the brain and nervous system respond to beauty, colour, and natural elements in the built environment.

www.designofthetimesinc.com

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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used for any legal decisions. Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc., Kimberley Seldon Design and Media, Inc., Business of Design™, or any of its affiliated companies or staff is not responsible for any errors or omissions effecting accuracy in any content, and they will not be held liable for the use or misuse of information, facts, details or any other aspects should there arise any defects, errors, omissions or perhaps inaccuracies. Extensive research has been conducted to put this podcast together for the purpose of educating our industry in order to better serve the public. Care has been taken to acknowledge ownership of copyrighted material. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is offered with the understanding that we do not render any legal, accounting or other professional advice. Seek the advice of a lawyer and/or other competent professional person in all matters of law. Further, listeners should be aware that internet websites mentioned may change or disappear between when this was recorded and when it was listened to.

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