Why do we as humans feel the need to surround ourselves with beauty? Pardon me while I venture down a philosophical path for a few moments...
Although I can't imagine that anyone would choose to be surrounded by ugliness or even just mundaneness, there must be an actual reason why we enjoy beauty. From a psychological standpoint, I turn to Maslow for my answer. Maslow theorized a "hierarchy of needs". Once our basic needs are being met, we long for something more.
I think that part of the sense of connection in the "love and belonging" category can be facilitated by good design. I think that well chosen colors can inspire feelings of happiness and contentment. Once we experience all these things, we can achieve self-actualization. Ultimately, I believe that being surrounded by beauty can help us be more creative, give us a richer life experience, and endow us with a sense of purpose.
So...if you want to hear beauty, listen to Imogen Heap's new album. If you want to see beauty, go for a walk in an enchanted forest at dusk - it's the bewitching hour! If you want to read beautiful words, read Yeats. If you want to live enveloped in beauty, hire me as your designer ; )
