The human touch – why emotion still matters in design

As we celebrate World Interiors Day on 31 May, this year’s theme, Emotive Design, Experience & AI, invites us to reflect on the spaces we inhabit every day. From our homes and offices to restaurants and public spaces, our environments profoundly shape how we feel, behave, and connect with others.

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Recent studies support this. Research published in The Journal of Environmental Psychology shows that well-designed interiors can reduce stress, boost productivity, and improve mental health. According to a 2024 global survey by the International Interior Design Association, 87% of people say the layout and aesthetic of a space directly influence their mood.

At the same time, artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the design process, from layout tools and mood board generators to apps that suggest colour palettes based on personality. These technologies offer efficiency and customisation, but also raise compelling questions: Can AI truly understand human emotion? Can it replicate the nuance and narrative that make a space feel like home?

This year’s theme sparks a timely conversation for anyone who values the power of space to uplift and inspire. It encourages us to think critically about how technology is reshaping the way we live and design, and how we can ensure our spaces remain not only smart, but also soulful and personal.

Cheryl Herweg, owner of Changing Spaces Interior Design, shares: “Design is inherently human. While AI can analyse patterns and predict preferences, it lacks the lived experiences that inform emotive design. Our role as designers is to infuse spaces with empathy, context, and narrative, elements machines cannot replicate.”

AI may provide speed and data-driven insights; however, the true power of design lies in its emotional impact, its ability to tell stories, foster connection, and reflect identity.

“A well-designed space resonates with the people who inhabit it,” adds Herweg. “AI can assist, but it’s the human touch that ensures spaces are not only functional, but meaningful too.”

Instead of viewing AI as a replacement for creativity, we’re encouraged to see it as a supportive tool, one that can enhance how we shape our environments. From smart homes that adapt to our routines to virtual tools that help visualise room layouts, technology holds promise. But the opportunity lies in striking the right balance: embracing innovation without losing the warmth, character, and individuality human insight can bring.

World Interiors Day 2025 is an invitation for everyone, whether you design spaces or simply live in them, to pause and consider how your environment makes you feel. As AI becomes more embedded in our lives, how can we use it to enrich our spaces while preserving the emotion and meaning that make them our own? This year’s theme isn’t about the future of design alone, it’s about how we choose to live, connect, and create spaces that support and inspire us.

For bespoke interior design expertise, visit Changing Spaces Interior Design.