Design that Feels

As the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) continues to evolve, so must the environments in which therapy is delivered. At Sensory Interiors, we've had the privilege of designing dozens of ABA clinics across the nation, and our core philosophy is simple: the environment is an extension of the therapy. A successful ABA space is not just a room with toys; it is a carefully curated setting designed to minimize stress on the nervous system so children can focus their energy

At first glance, a beautifully designed room and a sensory-friendly room might look similar. Both can be aesthetically pleasing. Both can be functional. But the philosophy, priorities, and outcomes are fundamentally different.  Traditional interior design asks: "How does this look?"  Sensory interior design asks: "How does this feel to the nervous system?"  The Core Difference: Aesthetics vs. Neurology   Traditional Interior Design  focuses on:  Visual appeal and current tren

You might carefully choose the perfect paint color and lighting for your home, but if the couch feels "wrong," an autistic individual may avoid that entire room. Texture isn't a minor detail; it's a critical sensory element that can support or sabotage comfort.  The Tactile Reality   Many autistic individuals experience tactile hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity, meaning touch sensations are either overwhelming or under-registered. What feels like "soft velvet" to you might

Imagine trying to focus on a conversation while a fire alarm blares in the background. Now imagine that fire alarm is actually just the noise of the HVAC system, the texture of your shirt, or the pattern on your walls; but your nervous system can't tell the difference.  This is the daily reality for many autistic individuals navigating spaces that weren't designed with their sensory needs in mind.  The Hidden Barrier in Every Room   For neurotypical individuals, home is a san

Walk into any paint store and you'll face thousands of color options. For most people, choosing a paint color is about aesthetics or maybe about what matches the furniture. But for autistic individuals, color isn't just about appearance.   The colors surrounding an autistic person can mean the difference between a space that supports calm and focus, and one that triggers anxiety, sensory overload, or physical discomfort.  The Autistic Brain Processes Color Differently   Here'

Design is not just about how a space looks. It is about how it feels. Sensory design is the art and science of shaping environments that...