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 provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.

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