Embracing Emotional Interior Design with Samantha-Jane Agbontaen
What if you started a room with a feeling, not a floorplan? For interior designer and founder of House Designer Samantha-Jane Agbontaen, that’s the difference between a space that simply looks good and one that actually feels good to live in.
“When a home feels effortless to live in, that’s when design truly becomes emotional.”
Samantha-Jane Agbontaen, Founder & Interior Designer, House Designer
In this instalment of Interior Designer Secrets, Samantha unpacks the emotional side of interiors – how the right textures, tones, and lighting can turn everyday spaces into quiet sanctuaries or energising escapes.
How do you approach emotional interior design, and what makes a home feel good, not just look good?
At House Designer, we begin with how you want a space to feel. A calm, balanced home flows naturally and supports your everyday life.
During the consultation, be it online or in person, we have a friendly chat to understand the client’s lifestyle, what makes them feel most at ease and how they use each room.
From there, we create design boards that translate those feelings into a visual language that feels authentic, cohesive, and effortless to live in.
Are there particular colours, textures or materials that tend to evoke certain feelings within a space?
We often use soft creams, warm taupe, gentle greige, mushroom beige, and muted stone tones. These create harmony and allow texture to take the lead.
Natural linen, brushed cotton, and wood bring warmth, while subtle contrast through layering keeps the space interesting. These tones and materials create a calm atmosphere that still feels rich and comfortable.
In your experience, what small design details have the biggest emotional impact on how a room feels?
Lighting, layering, and texture make all the difference. The right lighting scheme changes how a space feels throughout the day, adding depth and atmosphere.
We use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to bring warmth and flexibility to a space. Layered textures, even in neutral tones, add a tactile comfort that feels both inviting and grounding.
Do you have any advice for homeowners navigating a renovation who want to create a home that feels calm and comforting?
How do you balance the emotional aspects of design with practical elements like lighting, layout and functionality?
It always depends on the project, but for many clients, especially families, practicality is essential.
We make sure storage, flow, and functionality work perfectly before layering in the emotional details. When the practical side is thoughtfully planned, it allows the space to feel naturally calm and balanced.
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