Why Clutter is More Exhausting Than You Think

Neuroaesthetics is the study of how our brains respond to our surroundings--especially the spaces we live in. Long before we "decide" how we feel in a room, our nervous system has already reacted to things like light, color, order, texture, and nature. In this mini series, I'm sharing a few simple, science-backed ideas that explain why some spaces feel grounding and others feel draining--and how thoughtful design choices can quietly support a calmer, more comfortable home.

Visual Calm: Why Clutter Feels So Mentally Exhausting

One of the clearest ways neuroaesthetics shows up in our homes is through visual calm. Our brains are constantly taking in information from our surroundings, and when there's too much competing for attention, it creates mental fatigue--often without us realizing why. What we tend to label as "clutter" is really the brain responding to visual chaos instead of order.

Why am I telling you this? I want my clients' homes to be restorative, a place where they can relax and be happy. Excess visual information (AKA clutter) increases stresss, so I'm very intentional about what goes into a design, and into your home. Calm does not mean empty--it means intentional clarity. Negative space allows the brain to rest.

What's important to remember: Reducing visual clutter lowers mental fatigue and stress. A visually calm space actually feels easier to live in day to day.

Visual calm isn't about having a perfectly minimal home or getting rid of everything you own. It's about creating clarity--allowing the eye to rest and the brain to feel at ease. When a space feels visually organized and intentional, it reduces the constant background noise our minds are managing all day. Small changes, like editing what's on display, or creating breathing room between objects, can make a meaningful difference in how a space feels to live in.