LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
CRAFTING
SENSORY-BALANCED
ENVIRONMENTS
Jolie leverages scientific research on sensory experiences to
emotionally engage individuals within hospitality environments, bringing about transformative impacts on their lives.
KATHERINE GANNON
PHOTOGRAPHY: BILLY BOLTON
At Kitten in Deansgate Square, Manchester,
which has triple height ceilings that amplify sound within the space,
Jolie used lots of textured materiality and soft furnishings to dampen noise levels,
and worked with the client to curate an ambient
background playlist for times when the DJ wasn’t present.
Interior Design Studio Jolie stands out in the commercial interior design industry with its unique focus on “sensory-balanced” design. They collaborate with neuroscientists in various sensory fields to carefully select and combine materials and fragrances, crafting each environment from the inside out. This approach ensures the longevity of their work by creating offcially sustainable and adaptable spaces that promote interaction and connection, meeting the needs of clients now and in the future.
“I was keen to understand what it is that makes you as a human being, as a user of the space, decide whether you like it or not, whether you think it’s successful, and how what’s going on around you helps form that decision,” says Founder and CEO Franky Rousell. “I quickly came to the conclusion that it was multi-sensory - and usually subliminal - and realized that this was where the true magic of interior design really took place.”
Franky Rousell,
CEO and Founder, JOLIE
In Deansgate Square’s Pool, cedar wood oil was used to reduce anxiety,
paired with bergamot to uplift and black tea to add a cultured subtle finish.
“Talking about emotions may seem frivolous,” she continues. “Yet understanding your audience and how you want them to feel and behave as they enter, transition through, and leave a space soon leads to concrete choices that influence behaviors where simple function and form don’t. By discussing this in business terms and showing the client how this plays out, developers and business owners see first-hand the genuine scientific and financial benefits of sensory design.”
Sensory design combines materials, colors, fragrances, and sounds to create immersive and multi-sensory experiences in interior spaces. It is inclusive, socially sustainable, and supports the diversity of the human condition. Rousell initially sought scientific grounding for everything incorporated into Jolie’s designs. By consulting with neuroscientists specializing in different senses, she gained insight into color psychology, gastrophysics, gastronomy, aromatherapy, and psychoacoustics. This exploration led her to the realization that the magic of interior design lies in the multi-sensory and often subliminal aspects that influence people’s preferences and experiences in space.
In the Deansgate Square gym, warm
oranges, yellows, and light pinks were
combined to stimulate confidence,
energy, productivity, and happiness,
complemented by sustainable wood
finishes and dark greys for grounding
and balance.
Color plays a significant role in defining the mood and influencing individuals. Different hues and shades can evoke creativity, reduce anxiety, induce calmness, or motivate people. Jolie’s design choices at Deansgate Square Sports Hall and the gym demonstrate the psychological benefits of color for specific activities, utilizing colors that energize, inspire playfulness, and spark confidence.
Fragrance, often overlooked in interior design, is a powerful tool in shaping the atmosphere of a space. Scents can evoke nostalgia, excitement, or comfort by activating the olfactory system. Jolie’s research into natural scents’ cultural origins enabled them to select fragrances that provide spiritual and healing benefits, such as boosting energy, reducing anxiety, uplifting, and creating a
fresh and healthy atmosphere.
The sense of touch can create dynamic connections, and Jolie strives to balance aesthetics, emotional drivers, and sustainability in material choices. They emphasize how textures feel rather than just how they look. By incorporating cocooning furniture and using natural wood flooring in yoga studios, they create comforting and grounding experiences.
Sound is a crucial element in sensory design, as it can make or break the enjoyment of a space. Jolie designs soundscapes that elicit desired emotions and actions, using materials and furnishings to control noise levels and curating ambient background playlists.
Jolie created a Sports Hall at Manchester’s Deansgate Squarewith colors and lighting that evokeenergy, competition, fun, andfreshness, using deep red for powerand competitiveness, bright pink forplayfulness and comfort, and naturalhues to reduce fear.
Jolie transformed Mule in Ancoats, Manchester into a versatile space, featuring a thoughtful day-to-night lighting scheme, gentle architectural curves, sandalwood aromas, and vibrant glassware to elevate the fusion brunch and dinner menus. The blend of blush hues and terracotta shades creates an atmosphere of relaxation, decompression, and excitement, making it a popular destination for brunch dates, afternoon treats, and late-night cocktails.
Taste, closely connected to smell, plays a significant role in designing spaces like restaurants, cafes, hotels, and bars. Jolie considers nutritional offerings and aims to enhance users’ experience by creating opportunities to savor different flavors through lighting, architectural elements, aromas, and colorful glassware.
Jolie’s approach goes beyond sensory design; they also prioritize social sustainability. They uplift and empower people by fostering positive attitudes, encouraging sustainable behaviors, and building communities. Creating spaces that unite people reduces waste, promotes a circular society, and aligns with sustainable design principles.
By focusing on function and feeling, Jolie designs spaces that influence how users feel and act. Their research-driven, neurological approach allows them to create environments
that evoke excitement, curiosity, happiness, and other desired emotions, leading to increased engagement, deeper connections, longer stays, and enhanced enjoyment of experiences.