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A kitchen with marble countertops and backsplash and a table with stools in the middle.

GINGER CURTIS ON GOING BEYOND TRADITIONAL DESIGN

June 5, 2024 | 6 min read

In Dallas, Texas, where traditional design in both new construction and renovation projects reigns supreme, Ginger Curtis, Founder and CEO of Urbanology Designs, is flipping it on its head. She goes against the status quo, bringing unexpected concepts and materials to create a unique yet cohesive home. And that couldn't be more evident than in her newest project—a single-family home in Southlake. 

Designing with Purpose
Neuroaesthetics in the Home
Sophistication and Function
Unexpected Elements

We sat down with Curtis to discuss the renovation, her approach to taking on a project this extensive, and how she designs a home that serves her client's needs. She also shared her passion surrounding an emerging design principle: neuroaesthetics.

DESIGNING WITH PURPOSE

Curtis initially got in touch with her clients—a family of two doctors, four children and their dog—through a referral. The family purchased their home years ago and were still in love with it, opting for a total renovation to make it better fit their family rather than moving to a new home.

Curtis said this of the family: "They live and thrive in community, and this house was meant to be an abode and a restorative place for their kids, their pets, and a central grand station for them being so involved."

A person placing a glass into a blue cabinet. A bright room with prints on the wall and a record player at the foot of the bed. A person placing a glass into a blue cabinet. A bright room with prints on the wall and a record player at the foot of the bed.

"They live and thrive in community, and this house was meant to be an abode and a restorative place for their kids, their pets, and a central grand station for them being so involved."

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica (Left) & Matti Gresham (Right)

She met with each of the clients—yes, she treated the children as clients too—to get their input and ensure they got to be a part of seeing the vision come to life. As she reflected on meeting with them in the lead-up to the remodel, Curtis noted, "The whole process involving the children [in the design] ended up being very personal, and it should be."

TBD

NEUROAESTHETICS IN THE HOME

It's no secret that Curtis is wildly passionate about neuroaesthetics in the home, a different and emerging design concept. "It's never just design; it's so much more," Curtis shared when discussing neuroaesthetics. As she met with her clients and understood their needs, she gained clarity about what they wanted in a home. In this ongoing renovation and with her other projects, Curtis aims to recognize the patterns her clients were gravitating towards, which helps her build a narrative around the project. 

When creating her designs, Curtis takes the compounding effects a room can have on someone physiologically, mentally and emotionally into consideration. But rather than finding the complexity of this emerging concept daunting, she finds it invigorating. Especially when there are countless studies on the incredible effects environments have on the human psyche. She shares, "Design is a vehicle for wellness. And we now know that."

A bright bedroom with a plush panda and other pillows on the bed. A bright bedroom with a plush panda and other pillows on the bed.

"95% of the brain [activity] is in the subconscious. So, as a designer, it tells me I need to design to my client's subconscious."

Photo Credit: Matti Gresham

Key Pillars of Neuroaesthetics

Neuroaesthetics, or the practice of understanding how our aesthetic environment impacts someone, is gaining traction in the world of interior design. Many designers are no longer prioritizing just the overall look and feel of a home but how their design selections affect a person on a deeper level. For her personal connection to neuroaesthetics, Curtis connected to three main design practices:

A room with blue curtains and two chairs placed in front of a chess set. A room with blue curtains and two chairs placed in front of a chess set.

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

Biophilia

Incorporating elements like lush plants, natural light and views of nature is a consistent practice in interior design. However, designers are taking note of the impact it has on their clients. Research has suggested that environments incorporating natural elements can reduce stress and improve well-being. Curtis especially resonates with biophilic design, spending much of her childhood in nature. Today, she continues to find it a constant source of inspiration.

A blue built-in bookcase with brown accents in an office. A blue built-in bookcase with brown accents in an office.

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

HISTORY

Many designers and architects connect to the home's history and area to bring the details of the home to life. Bringing in books, artifacts, vintage pieces and nods to historical details can inform us and allow people to be intuitive and more thoughtful about their day-to-day lives.

Two benches placed by a table with a chess set. Two benches placed by a table with a chess set.

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

SENTIMENT

During a renovation, it may be tempting to start completely fresh and bring new items to a home to give it that fully curated look and feel. However, designing around pieces and treasures that carry memories can bring meaning to a home. It connects the clients to the new space and turns the project into a deeply personal experience. 

A bathroom with whimsical pink tile A bathroom with whimsical pink tile

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

Other elements of neuroaesthetics that Curtis employs in her practice include considering color’s influence on mood and emotion, bringing in architectural fractals (reoccurring patterns in natural elements), enhancing cognitive function with natural light, and thoughtfulness about spatial design to increase social connection.

 

 

BIOPHILIC DESIGN AND STRESS REDUCTION

Environments incorporating natural elements can reduce stress and improve well-being. Exposure to natural elements, like greenery or natural views, can make you feel more relaxed. Other benefits may include improved mood and productivity, even in the workplace.
 

COLOR'S INFLUENCE ON EMOTIONS AND PRODUCTIVITY

Colors can also have measurable effects on the spaces in our homes and on our emotions. Warm tones like reds and oranges can increase energy and excitement, while blues and greens are associated with calmness and focus.

A bathroom with whimsical pink tile A bathroom with whimsical pink tile

Other elements of neuroaesthetics that Curtis employs in her practice include considering color’s influence on mood and emotion, bringing in architectural fractals (reoccurring patterns in natural elements), enhancing cognitive function with natural light, and thoughtfulness about spatial design to increase social connection.

 

BIOPHILIC DESIGN AND STRESS REDUCTION

Environments incorporating natural elements can reduce stress and improve well-being. Exposure to natural elements, like greenery or natural views, can make you feel more relaxed. Other benefits may include improved mood and productivity, even in the workplace.

COLOR'S INFLUENCE ON EMOTIONS AND PRODUCTIVITY

colors can also have measurable effects on the spaces in our homes and on our emotions. Warm tones like reds and oranges can increase energy and excitement, while blues and greens are associated with calmness and focus.

A teen lounge room in blue A teen lounge room in blue

ARCHITECTURAL FRACTALS AND MENTAL RESTORATION

Certain shapes and patterns, particularly fractals (the branching of trees or waves), help create a sense of comfort in people. These particular patterns are commonly found throughout nature, which is why elements like fireplaces or wooden textures can resonate so well with people. 

 

NATURAL LIGHT AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION

Natural light exposure can enhance mood and cognitive function. Whether in a common area or in a home office, ample access to natural light can increase mental performance. 

 

SPATIAL LAYOUT AND SOCIAL CONNECTION

Open and inviting spaces can encourage social interaction, which can be essential in home design or for people keen on having guests over. Being thoughtful about design in communal areas may increase connection with others and happiness. 

Once this renovation is complete, Curtis is excited to see what moments emerge for her clients through her practice of neuroaesthetics in the home. For more information about her connection to neuroaesthetics, Curtis has written various articles surrounding the topic on her blog. 

ARCHITECTURAL FRACTALS AND MENTAL RESTORATION

Certain shapes and patterns, particularly fractals (the branching of trees or waves), help create a sense of comfort in people. These particular patterns are commonly found throughout nature, which is why elements like fireplaces or wooden textures can resonate so well with people. 

 

NATURAL LIGHT AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION

Natural light exposure can enhance mood and cognitive function. Whether in a common area or in a home office, ample access to natural light can increase mental performance. 

 

SPATIAL LAYOUT AND SOCIAL CONNECTION

Open and inviting spaces can encourage social interaction, which can be essential in home design or for people keen on having guests over. Being thoughtful about design in communal areas may increase connection with others and happiness. 
 

Once this renovation is complete, Curtis is excited to see what moments emerge for her clients through her practice of neuroaesthetics in the home. For more information about her connection to neuroaesthetics, Curtis has written various articles surrounding the topic on her blog. 

A teen lounge room in blue A teen lounge room in blue

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

WHERE SOPHISTICATION AND FUNCTION MEET

Curtis was incredibly intentional regarding this home renovation, and her approach to the kitchen—her favorite part of the home—was no different. With an open-concept layout that leads to the informal dining and living areas, she leaned into the architectural foundation to guide her approach to the kitchen. 

Elements like vaulted oak beams and a ceiling clad in tile are just some of the stand-out features in her kitchen redesign. She let these material choices lead the design in the kitchen, as it resulted in a very striking design that is unexpected yet tailored. It also allowed her to ensure that the home was beautiful, yet approachable for entertaining and functional for living.

A living room with a blue couch, a fireplace and a brown credenza. A living room with a blue couch, a fireplace and a brown credenza.

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

In another area off the kitchen, Curtis reimagined the fireplace to have curves that blend seamlessly into the wall and a floating ledge. These non-traditional choices elevate the overall look of the room, giving both the homeowners and their guests a statement-making focal point of the room that feels sophisticated.

“We're not putting objects and things into a place; we're trying to tell a story.”

And in that story, the appliances played a huge role. Curtis looked at how this family would function and wanted to ensure that she chose appliances that would not be intrusive. She didn't want to miss an opportunity to bring even more beauty into the project. "Why would you not?" Curtis shared how she looked at every element, like texture and detail, which led her directly to a suite of JennAir® appliances, which feature alluring details like etched lacing on the handle and discoverable reflections. Curtis chose several products with these details, including an undercounter wine refrigerator and a drawer microwave.

A dark kitchen with blue and brown cabinets. A JennAir® wine cellar filled with drinks. A dark kitchen with blue and brown cabinets. A JennAir® wine cellar filled with drinks.

"When you open the appliance and [see] the thoughtfulness inside, these [are the] things that really set it apart. These things are even being experienced on a subconscious level."

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica (Both)

The selection of the appliances began with the JennAir® undercounter wine refrigerators, as she was creating a statement-making wine bar off the living room that ended up being front and center for guests. Her selection of the NOIR™ Design Expression fit with the overall narrative and story of the wine bar and the kitchen renovation, as the sleek design fit in the home and the quality set it apart. 

Hidden elsewhere in the kitchen, disguised in panels that match the cabinetry, are a side-by-side built-in refrigerator, and the quietest dishwasher the luxury industry has on offer.

UNEXPECTED ELEMENTS TO ELEVATE A SPACE

As the vision continued to come to life, it wasn't limited to any single area in the home. Curtis ensured that the high-end touches and elements extended to every area, even the ones designated for the family's younger ones.

A close up of the handles of the paneled refrigerator. A kitchen and dining room with blue accents and multiple seating areas. A close up of the handles of the paneled refrigerator. A kitchen and dining room with blue accents and multiple seating areas.

"That's something that is very different about the project…We got to do designer finishes in some of the kid's spaces." 

Photo Credit: Matti Gresham (Left) & Frank Garnica (Right)

This led to a bathroom drawing inspiration from modern hotel design, with arched tile leading to the shower and bathtub. Something, she shares, is unexpected in a kids bathroom, where it is typically designed with just function in mind. When Curtis discussed her approach to this particular room, she proclaimed, "Just because it's a kid's space, doesn't mean we're going to save on resources."

A room with a TV and a chess set next to a bench. A checkered bathroom with a brown bathroom cabinet. A room with a TV and a chess set next to a bench. A checkered bathroom with a brown bathroom cabinet.

"When you open the appliance and [see] the thoughtfulness inside, these [are the] things that really set it apart. These things are even being experienced on a subconscious level."

Photo Credit: Matti Gresham (Both)

The kid's lounge was also finished with dynamic built-ins, decorative throw pillows and an arched wall feature where the media center will be. The family was passionate about living in a well-designed space throughout the home, and Curtis delivered wholeheartedly. 

"We know where our design is at, we know where it's been, and we know where it's going."

Her vision for the home was to ensure it served the family even as their children continued to grow. By choosing foundational elements and interiors that are meant to last well into the future, the home will continue to serve the family's needs.

GALLERY

A wine cellar in a bar
A dining room
A dining room
A living room fireplace
A marble sink in a kitchen
A paneled refrigerator in the kitchen
A glass case in a kitchen
A freestanding bathtub in a blue bathroom
A bedroom with a partially wallpapered wall
A whimsical teenager’s lounge
VIEW FULL GALLERY
Ginger Curtis.

GINGER CURTIS

DESIGNER

Ginger Curtis is the Founder and CEO of Urbanology Design, author of Beauty by Design and an expert in design and lifestyle. Her homes have been featured extensively in publications, including Architectural Digest, Wall Street Journal, Forbes and more..

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A wine cellar in a bar

Photo Credit: Matti Gresham

A sitting area

Photo Credit: Matti Gresham

A dining room

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

A living room fireplace

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

A marble sink in a kitchen

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

A paneled refrigerator in the kitchen

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

A glass case in a kitchen

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

A freestanding bathtub in a blue bathroom

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

A bedroom with a partially wallpapered wall

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

A whimsical teenager’s lounge

Photo Credit: Frank Garnica

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