The Science Behind Interior Mojo
Because your brain is in the room.
Interior Mojo brings your personality into the room—from relatable art on your walls to the authenticity of real preserved plants that last, low-maintenance rugs that ground your space, and personalized, expressive details that make it yours. Discover the science of aesthetic experience and how Interior Mojo brings that perspective to charismatic home and office décor, with attention to personal expression and the impression you intend.
What is neuroaesthetics
Neuroaesthetics studies the biological foundations of aesthetic experiences, including our responses to objects, art, and environments. It brings neuroscience into conversation with psychology and the arts to explore perception, emotion, and meaning. [1]
Interior Mojo applies this perspective to décor across the room: Art, Vinyl Mats & Rugs, Preserved Botanicals, Designer Throw Pillows, and Personalized Décor & Gifts.
Your response to a piece involves more than its appearance. Context, knowledge, and associations can also influence the experience. Personal taste belongs in this conversation: biology and individuality work together. [1]
Three ways we experience décor
Researchers Anjan Chatterjee and Oshin Vartanian describe an interacting framework called the aesthetic triad. These broad systems help explain aesthetic experience. [1] Here is how we translate the framework into questions for choosing décor.
What you notice — sensory and motor processing. Aesthetic experiences involve sensory processing. [1] When choosing décor, consider the colors, contrasts, patterns, and textures you notice, and how they relate across the room.
What you feel — emotion and valuation. Aesthetic responses can involve pleasure and emotion. [1] Our shopping prompt: does this décor feel inviting, expressive, intriguing, or right for the atmosphere you want?
What it means — meaning and knowledge. Context and knowledge influence aesthetic interpretation. [1] Our shopping prompt: does the piece connect with your interests, personal story, or brand?
Interior Mojo’s practical translation: notice it, connect with it, make it yours.
What research tells us about interiors
In a study of photographs of architectural interiors, researchers identified three dimensions that captured much of participants’ responses: coherence, or how understandable a scene feels; fascination, or how much interest it generates; and hominess, or how strongly it feels like a personal space. [2]
Our design interpretation is simple: give the room a visual connection, something worth noticing, and something that belongs to you. These are useful prompts for choosing décor—not a formula for a guaranteed emotional result.
How Interior Mojo makes it personal
Mojo is personal. Interior Mojo is environmental.
Our approach brings your interests, preferences, personality, or brand into the room. We consider visual relationships and personal meaning alongside the realities of daily life. A piece needs to belong in your space—and fit how you use it.
At home, begin with what you enjoy living with. In an office, consider what you want the room to communicate as well as your own preferences. Our aim is to help you express yourself with confidence and create the impression you intend.
Explore décor with intention
Art — discover the NeuroArt collections. Start with a subject or visual style that draws you in. Consider what it means to you, where you will see it, and how its scale works on your wall.
Vinyl Mats & Rugs. Bring coordinating color and pattern into your space, or begin with a mat or rug as your focal piece. Washable vinyl gives you a practical option for everyday spaces; check each product’s size, care, and placement guidance.
Preserved Botanicals. Bring real preserved foliage and florals into your décor with low-maintenance appeal. Choose a placement that suits the piece and follow its care instructions. Preserved plants have different needs from living plants.
Designer Throw Pillows. Use color, pattern, and texture to reinforce the room’s visual relationships. Consider comfort and materials alongside appearance.
Personalized Décor & Gifts. Choose an available personalization option that adds a meaningful connection to a person, interest, occasion, or brand. Check the individual product for customization choices.
Start with one meaningful piece
You do not need to choose everything at once.
1. Choose your focus. Begin with décor you love—art, a vinyl mat or rug, preserved botanicals, a pillow, or a personalized piece. Let that choice guide the supporting details.
2. Name your intention. What would you like the room to express, and how would you like it to feel?
3. Connect the details. Look for related colors, patterns, and materials instead of adding competing focal points.
4. Check real-life fit. Review measurements, care requirements, personalization details, and lead times before ordering.
Questions shoppers ask
Is there one color or style that works for everyone
Your own response is an essential part of choosing décor. Context and individual taste influence aesthetic experience, so we encourage you to consider what resonates with you rather than follow a universal decorating prescription. [1]
Does neuroaesthetics apply beyond art
Yes. Neuroaesthetics considers aesthetic experiences involving objects and environments as well as art. [1] Research also explores responses to architectural interiors. [2] Interior Mojo uses that broader perspective to guide décor selection across our five categories, with attention to visual relationships, personal meaning, and everyday use.
Is every product scientifically tested
The research cited here concerns aesthetic experience and interiors. It does not establish clinical benefits for individual Interior Mojo products. Our approach translates research themes into selection guidance; décor is not a medical treatment.
Research Behind Interior Mojo
1. Chatterjee, A., & Vartanian, O. (2014). Neuroaesthetics. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 18(7), 370–375. Read the research.
2. Coburn, A., et al. (2020). Psychological and neural responses to architectural interiors. Cortex, 126, 217–241. Read the study abstract.
3. Magsamen, S., & Ross, I. (2023). Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Random House.
Additional educational influence: Susan Magsamen and the International Arts + Mind Lab. Interior Mojo’s educational perspective also draws on the work of Susan Magsamen, founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She also serves as co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint initiative. Explore her work.
These sources inform Interior Mojo’s approach to décor, personal meaning, and aesthetic experience. Our shopping suggestions are our practical interpretation, not recommendations or endorsements by the authors or their institutions.
Find your Interior Mojo
Choose décor that catches your eye, connects with your interests, and belongs in your daily life. Explore the collections to find pieces that make your space more personal.
…decorate fearlessly!