Interior design


a setting that feels part of the fabric of their town rather than apart from it. From a social perspective, these


connections combat stigma and isolation. From an operational one, they enhance the home’s visibility and reputation. In either case, design plays the quiet yet decisive role of making openness feel natural.


The science of feeling: why experiential design matters At the heart of all these perspectives lies the principle of experiential design. The understanding that environments shape emotion and behaviour through sensory engagement. Traditional design focuses on how a space looks. Experiential design also asks how it feels, smells, sounds, and behaves over time. This approach is grounded in evidence.


Lighting that follows natural circadian rhythms improves sleep and mood. Subtle scents like lavender or citrus can reduce anxiety. Tactile materials provide reassurance through touch. Soundscapes of nature soften background noise and create calm. Every sensory layer is calibrated to evoke positive psychological responses. In elderly and dementia care, these


cues are not luxuries – they are essential supports. A resident may not recall the name of a room, but they will remember that the dining area smells of baking or that the lounge with red chairs is where music happens. Familiar sensory anchors aid orientation and reduce reliance on staff. Over time, these design strategies translate into measurable outcomes: fewer incidents, reduced medication for agitation, and higher satisfaction among residents and families. Equally, experiential design benefits staff.


Calm environments with balanced acoustics and natural light support focus and emotional regulation. They also encourage micro-moments of joy. A sunlit corner, a comfortable chair, a resident smile – all renew energy in a demanding role.


The emotional economy of design While financial performance matters, the emotional economy of design is its true dividend. Environments that nurture happiness and confidence produce ripple effects that reach every stakeholder. For residents, that might mean the


confidence to walk unaided down a well-lit corridor. For families, it is the reassurance that


their loved one is content and respected. For staff, it is pride in their workplace. For owners and investors, it is a


reputation for excellence that endures beyond marketing. For communities, it is a visible example of


how architecture and empathy can coexist. These emotional outcomes cannot be


measured solely in occupancy rates, yet they underpin every successful care operation. Homes that ‘feel right’ attract people, retain staff, and inspire loyalty. In a market where differentiation increasingly depends on quality of experience, design is the silent differentiator. The challenge now is cultural as much as


technical. To move beyond viewing design as decoration, the sector must integrate it into leadership thinking. That means involving designers early in development, aligning operational policies with environmental intent, and continuously evaluating how spaces perform for their users. Feedback mechanisms including resident


and family surveys, staff workshops, and post-occupancy evaluations all provide valuable insight into how design choices work in practice. When these insights inform future projects, the organisation builds a learning loop between design and care delivery. The result is not just better interiors but a culture of empathy, adaptability, and continuous improvement.


A shared responsibility: designing futures, not just buildings Ultimately, the importance of design in care cannot be pinned to a single stakeholder. It is a shared responsibility that bridges clinical, operational, emotional, and social domains. The resident needs clarity and comfort. The family needs reassurance. The owner needs performance. The builder needs predictability. The staff need efficiency and pride. The community needs inclusion. Thoughtful design meets all these needs simultaneously, not through extravagance but through understanding. A chair positioned for conversation, a


colour contrast that guides a hesitant step, a scent that sparks a memory – these are not minor details. They are acts of care translated into space. When multiplied across an entire building, they form an environment that truly cares back. As the population ages and expectations


of care evolve, the environments we create will increasingly define what ‘good care’ means. The evidence is clear: design influences safety, cognition, emotion,


22 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com March 2026 Mike Davies


Mike is managing director and founder of Catalyst Interiors. With over two decades of experience in the field of healthcare property management & interior design, Mike has dedicated his career to revolutionising spaces to enhance the quality of life for those living with cognitive impairments. His contributions to the field of dementia design have been widely recognised and celebrated and his work has garnered numerous accolades and awards, cementing his reputation as a visionary leader in the industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Mike is a passionate advocate for raising awareness about dementia and promoting inclusive design practices. He frequently speaks at conferences worldwide, participates in workshops, and collaborates with organisations dedicated to advancing dementia care and research.


and trust. It can accelerate recovery, strengthen relationships, and even improve the financial sustainability of care homes by reducing turnover and increasing satisfaction. But most importantly, it determines whether residents live with dignity, purpose, and joy. The next generation of care homes will


be those that design for feeling as well as function. That treat every sensory detail as part of the care plan. In doing so, they will not only meet regulatory and operational goals but also redefine what it means to provide a home. Because, in the end, design is not an


accessory to care. It is care – experienced through every sight, sound, texture, and emotion that shapes the daily life of those who call a care home, home. n


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