Designing for the Mind, Not Just the Eye: Why Maati Interiors Exist

Nilakshi Roy, Founder of Maati Interiors

When I launched Maati Interiors, it wasn’t just about beauty; it was about belonging — creating spaces that feel like home. As a mother of two autistic children, married to an autistic man, and recently learning about my own ADHD, I’ve come to understand that the spaces we inhabit shape our ability to thrive, regulate, and find joy.

And for many neurodivergent individuals, traditional design doesn’t always serve us.

So I built Maati Interiors around a simple but radical question: What if design could be a tool for emotional safety, comfort, and joy — especially for those who experience the world differently?

Sonya lee architect

The Soul of Maati

"Maati" means earth — and that’s exactly what I want my work to feel like: grounded, sensory-rich, and deeply human. Our style leans toward natural textures, warm tones, and handcrafted details, but the heart of my work goes beyond looks. I prioritize how a space feels: the sound, the light, the textures, the energy, the flow.

Whether its designing a family home, a child’s sensory-friendly bedroom, or a calm workspace, I ask:

• Is this space overstimulating or under-stimulating?

• Can someone retreat, regulate, and feel safe here?

• Does this layout support both focus and rest?

• How does this space create joy for the individual?

Emily Henderson Design

Why Sensory-Friendly Design Matters

For neurodivergent people, environments can either support our nervous systems — or work against them. Lighting, noise, textures, clutter, unpredictability — they all impact how we feel in a space. But when a space is designed with intention, (with beauty AND function in mind), it becomes more than just functional. It becomes nourishing.

And let’s be clear — sensory-friendly doesn’t mean sterile. It means thoughtful. It means offering choice: dimmable lights, cozy textures, quiet nooks, open zones for play or movement, and visual clarity! By thoughtfully designing for sensory needs we create spaces that feel emotionally safe, predictable, and comforting.

The design world has made great strides in creating inclusive spaces for workplaces and public centres, but there is still a significant gap when it comes to designing inclusive environments within our own homes. Your home is the foundation of your daily life — it’s where you start and end each day, a place where you should feel safe, comfortable, and at ease. So why shouldn’t your home be thoughtfully designed to cater to your sensory needs, supporting your mental and emotional wellbeing in a way that helps you thrive throughout the day?

Design can be healing. It can be empowering. It can be joyful. AND it can absolutely be inclusive. Designing for beauty and belonging can coexist in harmony, creating spaces that are both visually inspiring and deeply supportive.

Thank you for spending time here. My hope is that these words and ideas help you feel more connected — to your space, your needs, and your sense of home. I truly believe that design should rooted in care, safety, and the belief that every mind deserves a place to feel at ease.

Until next time,

Nilakshi

If you'd like to reach out, you can email me at maatiinteriors@gmail.com, or visit my website for services: www.maatiinteriors.com

Follow @maatiinteriors on isntagram for:

• Design tips for sensory-friendly living

• Real-life stories from our clients (and my family)

• Thoughts on accessibility, inclusion, and empathy in design

• Ways to make your home feel more like you