Art That (Literally) Makes You Happy
Years ago, I read an article about the psychology of color and shape in design—how certain hues and smooth edges can actually boost serotonin levels in the brain, making us feel happier. That concept stuck with me, and ever since, it has been the underlying basis of my work. Every mural I paint, every design I create, is rooted in the idea that art isn’t just something to look at—it’s something to feel. It has the power to influence our emotions, shift our moods, and re-adjust our nervous system.
I remember once coming across a house designed by an architect who intentionally avoided using a single 90-degree angle. Every wall, every transition, and every space was crafted with soft curves and organic forms to align with how our brains process comfort and movement—an approach rooted in neuroarchitecture. Wouldn't that be incredible? A home designed to support mental well-being, where every element enhances relaxation and joy.
Of course, most of us aren’t in a position to commission a custom-built, neuroscience-backed dream home. But we can bring that same principle into our lives in smaller ways. Through intentional choices in holistic interior design and sensory design, we can create spaces that naturally boost serotonin and promote emotional well-being. One of the most accessible ways to do this? Surrounding ourselves with art that sparks joy, calms the mind, and subtly supports our mental health.
Relief print by Anna Bryant.
The Science of Color and Happiness
Color has a profound effect on our emotions—something explored in the field of neuroaesthetics, which studies how visual elements influence brain function and mood. Warm tones like reds, oranges, and yellows are known to energize and uplift, while cooler shades like blues and greens can create a sense of peace and relaxation.
Research suggests that exposure to certain colors can even help regulate mood and encourage the production of serotonin—the neurotransmitter that contributes to happiness and overall mental health. This is why hospitals incorporate soft blues and greens into their design, why fast-food chains lean heavily on reds and yellows to stimulate appetite, and why so many of us instinctively feel calmer in nature, surrounded by the earthy greens and deep blues of the landscape.
By intentionally incorporating these principles into sensory design, we can create spaces that don’t just look beautiful but feel better too.
Silkscreen print by Anna Bryant. Available at annabryantart.com.
The Power of Shape and Form
It’s not just color that affects us—shapes play a crucial role in how we experience a space. Neuroarchitecture research has shown that our brains are wired to find curved, organic forms more soothing than sharp, rigid angles. Studies reveal that people tend to perceive rounded objects as more inviting and comforting, whereas sharp edges can subconsciously trigger a sense of caution or unease.
This preference for curves is thought to be evolutionary—harsh angles can remind us of danger, while smooth, flowing shapes feel safe and natural. Architects, interior designers, and artists alike use this knowledge to create environments that promote relaxation and joy. In public art, for example, murals with sweeping, fluid lines can have the same calming effect as stepping into a softly curved space—it’s something we feel on a subconscious level.
Mural by Anna Bryant at French Broad River Academy in Asheville, NC. Click here to learn more about the mural project.
Bringing Joy Into Your Space
While we might not all be able to redesign our homes from the ground up with neuroarchitecture principles in mind, we can bring intentional art and design into our spaces. A single piece of art—whether a mural, a painting, or a sculpture—can shift the entire energy of a room. A well-placed splash of color, a composition that favors curves over harsh lines, or a design that mimics nature’s effortless flow can subtly boost your mood every time you pass by it.
This is why I design my work the way I do. Every mark, every choice of color and shape, is made with the intention of creating art that does more than decorate a wall—it transforms the space and, hopefully, the way you feel within it.
So the next time you’re considering adding art to your home or workspace, think beyond aesthetics. Ask yourself how it makes you feel. Does it spark a little joy? Does it bring you a sense of calm?
Click here to shop my portfolio of available work.
Further reading:
https://cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41235-020-00243-4
https://sciencepublishinggroup.com/article/10.11648/j.ijaaa.20251101.14
