Pippa Jameson: ‘I create spaces that don’t overwhelm the senses’

Driven by her personal experience as a parent, Pippa developed “a profound understanding of sensory needs” and penned her book The Sensory Home as a guide to mindful decorating. “My daughter has autism, and it’s because of her that I became more aware of my home environment, the colours, smells, touch and sensory connections. I soon realised that my sensory approach to design was beneficial to each family member,” she says.

It also inspired her consultancy of the same name devoted to “crafting spaces that foster well-being and comfort”, she says.

The idea for The Sensory Home arose in 2017 but Pippa believes its roots run deeper. “It really began when I struggled at school and I understand now that the environment of my school failed me — it was loud, it was noisy,” she says. “My daughter suffered the same fate. Overwhelm kicked in. It wasn’t us, it was the environments that affected our behaviour and moods.” 

By now Pippa, armed with a quarter-century experience in interior design, could appreciate that “the importance of how we set up our home affects our mood and our mental health”, she adds.

On a practical level, how does this look, sound and feel in Pippa’s own home, located in a market village in Hertfordshire in England? “Coming from a neurodivergent family, it was important for our home to be kind to the senses,” she says.

“I was drawn to certain textures, colours, lighting, and sounds that calmed me. By creating spaces that were mindful of these factors, I realised how much more restful and nurturing my home felt, for not just me but my whole family, which made me want to bring this approach into my design work — and it was the initial concept of my book.”

Sensory design for all

Does she regard sensory spaces to be important for everyone, whether we are neurodivergent or experience sensory difficulties or not? “Yes, sensory-friendly spaces benefit everyone, not just those with specific sensitivities,” says Pippa. “A well-designed sensory space promotes calm, helping the whole family relax and feel at ease. Since we all respond to our environment, making it sensory-friendly can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and positively influence behaviour.

“Sensory design goes beyond aesthetics to create spaces that are both functional and comforting, supporting well-being on a deeper, physiological level.”

Pippa has worked with homeowners as well as retailers and other interior design and furniture companies over the years including the DFS Feel Good Home initiative, showing how our living spaces can impact moods. “Sensory design is such an important topic because it touches every aspect of how we live and feel in our homes,” she says. “By paying attention to the way spaces engage our senses, we can create environments that not only look beautiful but also support our mood, happiness, and overall wellbeing.”

Comfort on the move

As the stylist’s work frequently takes her on the road, I’m curious as to whether Pippa has any secrets to creating a sensory space for herself in transit. “When I travel, I like to create a comforting, familiar sensory space,” she says.

“I always bring my noise-cancelling headphones for tuning out distractions with music or podcasts. A large, cosy scarf is another essential, doubling as a blanket or neck support on long journeys.

“For overnight flights, I pack an eye mask to help me sleep and a lavender spray for pillows. I also keep a book on hand, offering a sense of escape into another story. True comfort, for me, is about creating a sense of ease that goes beyond just the physical.”

Last month, her travels took Pippa to Dublin where she addressed a packed DFS Interiors Theatre at the PTSB Ideal Home Show. Pippa’s Irish fans were quick to field thought-provoking questions. “An attendee shared a heartfelt story about her granddaughter’s recent ADHD diagnosis,” says Pippa. “She felt emotional after my talk, as she was looking for ways to support her at home but didn’t know where to start. It was a reminder of how many families seek guidance in creating safe, comforting spaces.”

This isn’t the first time Pippa has encountered such a scenario. “When families receive a diagnosis, they often feel lost and sometimes guilty for not spotting signs earlier, especially with a late diagnosis,” she says. “They want to know how to create a home environment that best supports their needs. That’s where I come in.”

Pippa’s consultancy centres on designing such tailormade environments. “I work directly with families to create sensory-friendly spaces tailored to their unique needs, focusing on elements like acoustics, lighting, and colour,” she says. “These customised design plans aren’t just for neurodiverse needs — they’re for anyone looking to make their home calm using sensory design principles.”

Pippa is currently working on several projects to expand the reach of sensory design in both homes and community spaces. “Throughout 2025, I’ll collaborate with retailers who share my commitment to sensory-friendly principles and partner with local schools and charities to show families how thoughtful design can support mental wellbeing and promote calm at home,” she says.

“Looking ahead, I plan to make The Sensory Home.com a sensory-focused hub of information for all things sensory design. “We are also excited to be working on introducing a charity branch, allowing us to directly support neurodivergent families in creating safe and comforting environments. My vision is to make sensory design principles accessible and impactful, helping more people experience the profound benefits of sensory-friendly spaces.”

• Instagram: @thesensoryhome, info@thesensoryhome.com, thesensoryhome.com, dfs

Q&A

Where is your happy space at home/favourite room at home and why?

My favourite space at home is the living room, where the family gathers. This area was part of an extension, allowing me full creative freedom over its design. 

The room features a 10-metre-high chimney with an inset fire framed by windows on either side, offering a view of the sky from our cosy DFS sofa. The walls have a natural, plastered look that adds a calming, textured effect, while the flexible lighting can adapt to

our moods and time of day, adding a sense of calm. There are lots of layered throws and cushions on the sofa, which creates an inviting feel. The room’s earthy tones, tactile elements, and natural materials make it my happy spot at the end of a busy day.

How would you describe your home/interiors?

My home is all about calm and comfort. It’s a mix of soft neutral tones and lots of green, with wall colour and plants.

We have flexible lighting to suit tasks and room functions and have lots of natural materials to dampen sound and add to a natural feel.

There is nothing too bright or bold — you won’t find any purple, orange or pink in this house, as they don’t suit our sensory profiles. 

Everything has been added to encourage relaxation. I focus on creating spaces that don’t overwhelm the senses but instead invite you to sink into them. There’s a balance of style and practicality.

What’s your favourite household chore?

I love lighting the fire during the winter months as it adds a cosy feel.

Least favourite task?

Putting my clothes away — I’ve always struggled with this!

Are you a DIY whizz?

Yes — I love my toolkit. My husband and I always joke that he prefers to cook, and I’d rather be up the ladder doing the DIY.

Your signature dish?

I adore cooking! My signature dish is teriyaki salmon.

Who would be your ideal dinner-party guests?

I’d love to have Romesh Ranganathan for his humour, David Attenborough for his knowledge of the natural world and Terence Conran for incredible design insight.

What would you save from your house in a fire?

Obviously, my family but if it’s possessions we are talking about, it would be my sister’s painting and a special photo I have of my girls.

What is the best advice you received growing up?

I was always raised to believe I could be or do anything I set my mind to. That foundation, coupled with a neurodivergent mindset that’s perhaps a bit less risk-averse, has given me resilience in facing both personal and professional challenges.

What would your superpower be?

The ability to slow down time! It would be wonderful to have a little more of it to soak in all the special moments.