My decorating philosophy can be compared to the experience of reading an E-book on a tablet or phone versus reading a hardcover bound book.

Some people have no interest in E-books because they would rather have the full sensory experience that only a book with actual printed pages can provide—the crisp smell of the new paper, the texture of the cloth binding, the turning of the pages back and forth, and the fresh snap of the spine bending and stretching.

A book can be like a comforting companion with whom we can make physical contact. A cup of coffee and something in hand to read. What could be better?

Correspondingly, when I decorate a space, I want my clients to have a full-blown sensory experience that includes:

• The rich feel of various textures

• Different tactile surfaces

• Pleasing color combinations

• Light sources

• Even fragrances (Yes!)

Why? Our interior environments should reflect our lifestyles, comfort our physical bodies, entertain our minds, provide us with a sense of security, quiet our tensions, and give us an overall haven of beauty to which we can escape from the pressures of life.

First, however, we “feel” these interiors with our eyesight. Studies show that our eyes constantly seek something of interest on which to focus so that the brain can remain engaged and satisfied. This is why interior decorating for the senses is so important.

Similar to interiors, we may be particularly drawn to opening and reading a particular book in a store. Why? Partly because the cover design is carefully laid out to beckon our eyes through color, texture, contrast, alignment, consistency, grouping, and balance.

It is the same with home or commercial interiors. When the floor layout and décor stimulate our eyesight using these principles, we want to “go inside” to get the full sensory experience that the decorative elements promise.

A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of redecorating an outdated-looking hair salon. While the salon offered an effective beauty service, the facility, itself, had a boring, bland-looking design without a central theme, color scheme, or main focal point. My task was to bring this space back to life and provide the clients with a fun, almost celebratory experience while having their hair styled.

I wanted to revive the salon’s ambiance by considering the clients’ expectations and appealing to their senses. Salon clients are primarily concerned with style and glamour, but the overall experience should be relaxing and therapeutic as well. Utilizing a cheerful French theme would be the ideal way to address these factors.

To accomplish the new feel, I first refreshed the space by applying a soft, sophisticated gray theme color, a look appreciated by clients of both sexes. Next, I added interesting French-themed wall art, baroque-style salon furnishings in coordinating hues, and even a large painted mustache on one side of the wall. The addition of a vintage free-standing mirror provided an element of classic, French décor while quaint white-washed side tables helped create a classic, old European mystique.

Finally, I added an inviting bistro table with a tea and coffee bar for a total French ambiance, a feature that quickly resulted in the salon receiving five-star customer ratings. This, again, is an example of how the senses are important. The fragrance and taste of fresh coffee and tea delighted the clients’ taste and smell while a hair stylist applied the human touch to make them look fabulous.

And the payoff? Now, with its savvy, new Parisian flair, centered on sensory-based decor, the salon finally had a warm, welcoming vibe that attracted more business. The clients were invited to come in for some fragrant coffee and social chat while simultaneously getting their hair done. Almost a spa-type experience!

Fortunately, the salon featured the same stylist as before and maintained its original pricing, so it was a win-win for everyone!

Clients respond positively to a full experience of the senses in both their businesses and at home, and this is what I try to incorporate into all of my decorating and home staging projects.

Vive la France!