Occasionally, I take on freelance interior design projects from clients worldwide on Upwork. A common theme of these projects is small square footage, on which the clients typically want to optimise for multiple functions with design.

Considering that modern design styles value monumentality and dedicated spaces, these projects might feel like an impossibility.

But what most of us miss about small spaces is that our senses matter more than the square footage. There are cultures around the world who instinctively understand that our spatial experience is defined by sensorial design.

In today's issue, we'll consider the psychology of experiential design in small spaces. We'll examine how different cultures employ intentional design strategies to shape their spatial experiences.

Let's dive in!

While Western design styles emphasise spaciousness and visual dominance to evoke awe and define status, other cultures have developed spatial philosophies that embrace small spaces.

For example, the Japanese concept of "enough" emphasises the quality of experience over the quantity of space.

A traditional Japanese home can have rooms that serve different functions throughout the day. But each functional transition is treated as a mindful ritual rather than a compromise.

Comparatively, the Scandinavian concept of hygge takes a different approach, one of intentional limitation. Rather than fight against long, dark winters in small spaces, Nordic people lean into intimate spaces.

They use layered textures, warm lighting, and seasonal flexibility to make their compact homes feel like protective cocoons.

Mediterranean designs often extend their living spaces beyond the confines of the building. A Greek island home might have a small interior square footage. But life flows seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces.

These layouts create a sense of spaciousness through connection, not isolation.

What these groups understand is that our perception of spatial comfort is tied to our cultural values and psychological needs. When we feel cramped in a room, it's not because it is small.

It's because the space lacks intention, transition, and sensory richness.

A 700-square-foot flat can feel claustrophobic if its design doesn't consider how we move and experience the space. On the other hand, a 400-square-foot studio can feel expansive if it is designed to engage the senses and support our daily rhythms.

For the Japanese, psychological boundaries matter more than physical walls. When you enter a Japanese home, the journey from the outside - inside involves multiple transitions.

You remove your shoes at the entrance, you step onto different materials, and move through spaces with varying ceiling heights. Each transition signals to your brain that you're entering a new spatial experience.

This makes small spaces feel layered and complex.

How to apply it: Create distinct arrival sequences in your space with curated decor choices.

For instance, use a floor mat near your entrance of a different texture, install a pendant that creates a pool of light in your dining area, or use a room divider to create a visual separation between your living and sleeping area.

The idea is to give your brain clear signals about which zone you're entering.

The Nordic people design their spaces to serve multiple psychological functions throughout the day and across seasons. A room might be bright and lively in the daytime, then transform into a cosy, intimate space for evening relaxation.

How to apply it: Design your small space to be easily adaptable for different moods and activities. Use layered lighting with multiple sources you can control independently.

Choose multi-purpose furniture that you can adapt for different functions or fold away easily to create space.

Incorporate textiles that can be added or removed to change the space's warmth and texture.

The cultures around the Mediterranean psychologically expand their spaces through visual and experiential connections to the outdoors. This isn't about having a balcony or patio but about designing their interiors to feel connected to something larger beyond the walls.

How to apply it: Create sight lines that extend beyond your space with large windows or strategic mirror placements that reflect the outdoors. Bring elements of nature indoors with plants, natural materials, or water features.

If you live in an apartment building, create visual connections to hallways or shared spaces. This will make your unit feel part of a larger community.

For example, a strategically placed mirror can reflect both your indoors and outdoors and create the illusion that your unit extends outside.

Experiential design is about creating meaningful experiences that engage your senses and support your lifestyle.

Different cultures around the world show us that small spaces can feel expansive through intentional design choices that prioritise flexibility and sensory engagement.

Simple changes in how you create transitions as you move through space, build flexibility into your space, and infuse sensory experiences can transform a negative spatial perception into a positive one.

When it comes to square footage, psychology is important in how we enjoy and find comfort in our environment.

Here's what we covered:

Choose one cultural principle that resonates with your lifestyle and living situation. Try to implement one idea from what we've covered today and notice how it affects your daily experience of your space.

Pay attention to how these small changes affect your mood, energy, and overall satisfaction with your space.

Next week: We will explore "Ma," the Japanese concept of "Enough," which refers to the intentional space or pauses between elements in various contexts, such as architecture, music, or conversation.

In design, Ma encourages an appreciation for what is absent, allowing small spaces to feel expansive through thoughtful spacing and moments of silence.

Additionally, we will examine how the concepts of Shibui, Wabi-Sabi, and Kodawari contribute to the experiential and emotional depth of small spaces.

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