Why Designing for Emotion is the New Luxury (and How I can Help you Create it)

by Kristina Browning, Experiential Interior Designer in Oregon

Let’s be honest: these days, you can scroll through thousands of beautifully curated spaces with the flick of your thumb. You can tour a Parisian loft from your kitchen table or order artisan-made pendant lights without ever stepping foot in a showroom.

Inspiration is everywhere, but real experiences? They’re becoming rare—and that’s exactly why they’re more valuable than ever.

In this hyper-digital, always-on world, people aren’t just looking for pretty—they’re craving presence. They want to walk into a boutique hotel or Airbnb and feel that head-to-toe tingle, that little gasp moment when the lighting hits just right and the scent in the air feels intentional, layered, alive. They want design that makes them feel something. And that’s where I come in.

I Turn Spaces into Destinations

I’m an experiential interior designer based in the Pacific Northwest, and I specialize in something that goes far beyond traditional design. I practice placemaking—transforming unremarkable locations into unforgettable destinations that tell a story, evoke emotion, and create memorable, lasting impressions.

Because when it comes down to it, the real luxury isn’t the thread count or marble countertops — it’s how a space feels. It’s the ambiance that wraps around your guests like a cashmere throw. It’s the moment they pause to take a photo—not just because it’s beautiful (though it absolutely is), but because they want to remember how it made them feel. They want to tell their friends. They want to show their mom AND their neighbor. Their first impression lets them know... THIS is going to be something fantastical.

Craving Connection in a Digital World

With everyone tethered to their phones enjoying same-day deliveries, we’ve lost a lot of the magic that comes from being fully present. I believe design can bring that magic back. Whether it's a surprise tasting menu at a local wine bar or a secret garden courtyard to be discovered behind your coastal bungalow Airbnb, I create immersive, Instagrammable spaces that spark curiosity and elevate everyday moments into memory-making ones.

Affluent travelers and high-end guests aren’t just looking for places to stay—they’re looking for curated experiences. They want to be wowed. They want the story, the photos, the vibes, the shareable moment, and yes—the bragging rights. I help my clients deliver all of that.

A hammock cabana featuring a drink holder for two, blanket shelf, wood wind chimes and stargazing opportunities. This hammock holds up to 500 lbs for couples or small families.

My Clients want more than Good Design—They want Transformation

If you’re investing in a boutique motel, luxury vacation rental, or spa retreat, you already know you need something more than a pretty paint color or trendy tile. You need a designer who sees the big picture that includes knowledge on how optics, service and marketing are all intertwined with the creation of the space. Together, we can understand what your guests want before they do. I can take a dated or underwhelming space and give it a soul. Personality. The Wow factor.

My designs are modern, colorful, and cinematic. I blend imagery, furniture and color

with thoughtful lighting and emotionally intelligent design to create spaces people don’t just walk through—they remember, revisit, and rave about. They are easy to be in.

Let’s Design the Next “I Have to Tell You About This Place” Spot

If you’re dreaming of creating a one-of-a-kind destination that resonates with affluent guests and delivers a real return on your investment, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

Let’s transform your space into a sensory escape—where every surface, scent, and sound is designed to delight. Where word-of-mouth becomes your best marketing tool. Where people book not just because of photos, but because of how it makes them feel.

👉 Ready to elevate your space? [Schedule a consultation] and let’s make something extraordinary.