Aesthetics. Does it really matter?

I’m a designer, and aesthetics play a big role in my life. For the most part, it has been an intuitive and ambiguous part of my personality—quietly present in the background. While I’ve recently been giving it more thought, I’ve always known on an intuitive level that staying aligned with it affects my well-being. I started noticing that certain types of spaces make me feel anxious, while others bring me calm. I feel quiet joy when I flip through a beautifully designed book or magazine, hold a well-crafted piece of ceramic, or take in a beautiful scene.

I don’t fully understand why I’m drawn to certain spaces, colors, textures and not others—why some objects and aesthetics resonate with me on a deeper level while others don’t. But I know that they do.

As a designer, I’m used to thinking about the business value of design alongside its human value. I’ve been trying to define and rationalize aesthetics, but, as with anything that can’t be measured in numbers or statistics, it’s challenging to evaluate the impact of something so visceral—something that exists in the space of feelings.

Lately, though, I’ve been observing my son—watching how he engages with the world and the objects around him—and reflecting on the choices I make for him. This has deepened my thoughts about aesthetics and its role in our lives.

Whenever I consider buying something for him, I face a dilemma: Should I choose something bright and colorful or more muted and natural-looking? Plastic or natural materials? Does it make sense to pay a premium for heirloom-quality items when children grow so fast and the lifespan of some objects is so short?

Children are traditionally associated with bright colors. The majority of children’s toys are flashy and vibrant. Many are not designed for longevity.

This made me wonder—do children actually prefer bright colors over neutral ones? Do they recognize the difference between poor and high-quality materials? Why do we so strongly associate childhood with bright colors?

I even started questioning myself: Do I place too much importance on aesthetics? Is it really that significant? Should I just ignore it?

But the most thought-provoking question of all was—do I deprive my child of a joyful childhood by surrounding him with simple, neutral objects and spaces? Will a beautifully crafted, high-quality toy truly make him happier than a cheap plastic one? Do children even think and feel this way?

While I don’t have all the answers, I believe aesthetics go much deeper than appearances. They reflect our beliefs and values. Aesthetics tell a story—about an object, a person, a brand. It could be a story of patience, focus, and craftsmanship, where someone has dedicated time and skill to create something. Or a story of valuing natural resources and using them mindfully.

Developing an appreciation for quality and good design isn’t just important for children—it matters for all of us. We are a product of what we take in. What we create resonates with others—whether they are users, customers, or the people around us. We attract those who resonate with the aesthetics we project.

So, what values do we want to communicate and attract?

Cover Photo Cred: Chantelle Grady