In today’s hyper-connected world, where overstimulation is a constant and quiet is a luxury, the spaces we inhabit play an increasingly vital role in how we feel, emotionally, mentally, and even physiologically. At Studio SB, we believe design should not only serve the body, but also soothe the mind. Led by Ar. Sharmin Wade, our practice approaches each project with a singular intention: to create environments that feel as good as they look.
Mental well-being begins with how a space makes you feel the moment you enter it. In several of our homes, we begin the spatial experience with deliberate restraint, a clean, seamless entrance, often softened with natural materials like oak wood or warmed by a muted palette of beiges and stone textures. Minimal distractions, concealed elements like utility panels, and clever zoning techniques help create a visual calm that sets the tone for the rest of the space. Simplicity reduces cognitive load. Less visual noise leads to a quieter mind.
We also understand that light and flow are among the most powerful mood modulators in interior design. That’s why we prioritise natural light, cross-ventilation, and layout planning that follows intuitive movement. In one of our projects, a mirrored panel was placed strategically in the entryway to amplify space and invite light deeper into the home. In another, we carefully divided the living space into formal, lounge, and dining zones, not with partitions, but with visual cues, rug placement and thoughtful lighting, allowing the space to breathe, shift, and respond to the daily rhythm of life.
Texture, too, becomes therapy. At Studio SB, we often layer materials, a stone sheet backdrop, a hand-tufted rug, cane light fixtures, or leather-upholstered furniture, to create depth without clutter. These tactile choices are made with intent, encouraging touch, grounding the senses, and softening the emotional impact of space.
In private spaces like bedrooms and study corners, the focus moves inward. We’ve designed headboards in calming tones, 3D wall panels in PU finishes, and work zones that double as reading nooks, all aimed at promoting focus and well-being. In a compact bedroom for a child, we introduced an earthy pop of green through the headboard, a simple yet powerful element of biophilia that brings nature’s calming effect into the smallest of spaces
For us, visual clarity is a form of mental clarity. By eliminating visual noise, embracing balance, and allowing space to breathe, we craft interiors that calm rather than clutter the mind. In an overstimulated world, these spaces become quiet sanctuaries — where thoughtful design supports thoughtful living.
Ultimately, our work is shaped by empathy. Before any line is drawn, we listen! These conversations guide us toward what we call emotional minimalism, a design approach that creates harmony, not just symmetry. We believe that interiors are active participants in our emotional well-being. Because when design supports the mind, it does more than look good. It helps us feel at home in the deepest sense of the word.
By Studio SB
