Joyful

Joy is a universal feeling that each of us craves. However, we are often unaware that the environment that surrounds us has a profound effect on how we feel. Ingrid Fetell Lee's book "Joyful" invites us on a journey of discovery into the world of aesthetic detail and design that can awaken joy in everyday life. The author shows that the sources of happiness do not have to be big life changes, but rather small elements - colours, shapes, light, order and playfulness. Through research and inspiring examples, she leads us to discover how ordinary things can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. This concept makes us think about how we perceive our environment and what we can do to bring more joy into our lives. The book provides practical advice to help us create harmonious and inspiring spaces, whether at home, at work or in an urban environment. Each element the author explores reveals a new insight into how we can improve our well-being through simple changes.

Colours are an integral part of our everyday lives and their impact on mood and emotions is often underestimated. In the book, the author reveals that vibrant and colourful colours can instantly brighten not only a room, but also the mind. Psychologists and designers have been researching for years how different shades affect the psyche. For example, studies have shown that yellow, reminiscent of the warmth of the sun's rays, can stimulate feelings of joy and energy, while blue, a symbol of calm and stability, soothes the mind. These findings have a wide range of applications - from architecture to marketing. Imagine historic Venice, where the tradition of carnivals has been preserved for centuries. Masks and costumes filled with bright shades of pink, red or purple create an atmosphere of playfulness and joy that attracts visitors from all over the world. This colourful celebration shows how colours can turn ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Similarly, in ordinary life, colours add energy and emotional depth to the environment. Our homes can be oases of joy thanks to thoughtful colour choices. White walls, while appearing clean and neutral, often do not fulfil the need for emotional warmth. Adding accents of colour - such as a yellow cushion, an orange painting or a turquoise rug - can easily enhance the mood of the whole family. This approach has long been understood by Scandinavian cultures, where bright and vibrant interiors help cope with long dark winters. An interesting insight into colour therapy was offered as early as the 19th century by the German physicist Hermann von Helmholtz, who investigated how different shades affect biological processes. His findings were later used in healthcare, for example in the design of hospitals, where pastel colours help patients recover more quickly. But colours don't just affect our interiors. They are an intrinsic part of the nature that constantly surrounds us. Bright meadow flowers, orange sunsets or deep green forests intuitively attract us and evoke a sense of harmony. When we surround ourselves with similar tones in an urban environment, we are able to carry this feeling into our everyday lives. Simple steps to add more colour to our lives can be surprisingly effective. Small changes, such as a colourful coffee cup or a colourful wall clock, create micro-stories of joy that keep us feeling positive. It's not a luxury, but a way to remind ourselves of the beauty of ordinary things. So when we surround ourselves with colour, we are making more than just an aesthetic decision - we are making a conscious choice for happiness.

The shapes that surround us play a key role in how we feel. In her book, Ingrid Fetell Lee points out that round and soft shapes naturally evoke feelings of safety, playfulness and joy. Even as children, we are instinctively drawn to round things - balloons, balls or roundabouts. These shapes do not contain sharp edges or aggressiveness and evoke in us a feeling of relaxation and carefree. This concept can also be found in the history of art and architecture. Just think of Renaissance cathedrals with domed roofs or modern architectural works such as the Guggenheim Museum in New York, which, with its rounded façade, is almost an invitation to the world of creativity. In a living room dominated by a round coffee table or a circular rug, people feel more relaxed than in a space full of sharp corners and strict lines. Nature is a perfect example of playful shapes that stimulate our minds. Flowers, bubbles in water or the arcs of a rainbow remind us of the cyclical and harmonious nature of the world. Round shapes are ubiquitous in nature because they are efficient - a drop of water, for example, is spherical to minimize surface tension. Our brains associate these shapes with harmony and naturalness, which explains why they fascinate us so much. Psychology supports the idea that round shapes bring joy. In experiments that examined emotional response to different designs, people rated curved shapes as more pleasing than square ones. A simple example: balloons at a children's party not only brighten up the room, but put a smile on everyone's face. Playfulness and roundness also have their place in the design of modern products. Companies like Apple have embraced the curved edges of their devices, combining functionality with visual pleasure. A phone that has rounded corners is not only more practical to use, but also looks less formal and cool. Everyday situations offer us plenty of opportunities to embrace rounder shapes. Whether it's in the choice of furniture, tableware or decorations, adding round elements to our lives promotes a sense of joy and calm. At first glance, these may seem like small things, but ultimately, it's these small choices that can bring more joy into our days. Round shapes remind us that even in simplicity there can be hidden power for positive impact.

Nature is an inexhaustible source of joy and vitality. In her book, Ingrid Fetell Lee emphasises that connecting with nature not only brings us joy, but is also essential for our physical and mental health. Even short walks in the woods, the sight of flowers in bloom or the sound of the sea can awaken in us a deep sense of well-being and harmony. This relationship with nature is rooted deep in our evolutionary history. In urban environments, where people are often isolated from natural elements, a so-called "nature deficit" is created. This phenomenon manifests itself in increased levels of stress, anxiety, and a decline in overall well-being. Examples from around the world show that cities that integrate greenery, such as parks, green roofs or tree plantations, have a positive impact on the health and happiness of their inhabitants. In Tokyo, for example, which is known for its fast pace of life, 'forest therapy' has proved successful, where people visit specially landscaped forest areas to relax and reduce stress. In addition, nature creates aesthetic experiences that stimulate our minds. The sight of mountains illuminated by the setting sun or a waterfall cascading over rocks awakens a sense of wonder. This feeling, known as the "awe" effect, leads to a reduction of ego and a greater sense of connection to the world around us. In many cultures, natural features such as trees or rivers become symbols of life, growth and stability. Modern psychology confirms that bringing nature into our daily lives can have significantly positive effects. For example, placing houseplants in the home or work environment reduces stress, improves concentration and even increases productivity. Similarly, changing the décor - for example, by adding wooden elements or a nature-themed painting - can create a sense of calm and joy. At the same time, nature is dynamic and ever-changing, teaching us to embrace the cyclical nature of life. The changing seasons, the birds singing in spring or the falling leaves in autumn remind us of the beauty of the passage of time and give us the opportunity to pause and appreciate the present moment. Even small steps are enough to bring more nature into our lives. A balcony full of flowers, a mini garden in the kitchen or regular visits to the park can have a profound impact on our emotions. Nature is a perfect example that joy often lies in simplicity - just look out the window. This return to nature reminds us that joy is always at our fingertips if we allow ourselves to perceive it.

Light is one of the most striking elements that shape our environment, mood and overall well-being. Natural light and open spaces bring a sense of freedom, lightness and joy. We feel more relaxed, focused and optimistic in an environment dominated by plenty of daylight. Conversely, dark or cramped spaces can make us feel anxious, isolated or stagnant. Since ancient times, light has been associated with life and energy. Ancient Egyptians worshipped the god Ra, who was a symbol of the sun, and believed that light had healing powers. Even today, modern studies confirm that the sun's rays stimulate the production of serotonin - the happiness hormone that improves our mood. This explains why seasonal depression is more common in the winter months, when there is less sunlight. In architecture and interior design, light is crucial. The famous Swiss architect Le Corbusier once said: "Architecture is the art of the play of light and shadow." His designs were dominated by large windows and open spaces that allowed natural light to flow in. Modern houses with glazed walls, skylights and the layout of rooms facing the sun reflect this philosophy. These solutions are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also promote better sleep, lower stress levels and the overall well-being of the occupants. We also recognise the importance of light in the working environment. Research shows that employees in offices with plenty of daylight are more productive and less tired. Simple adjustments, such as sitting by a window or using light sources that mimic daylight, can have a major impact on motivation and energy throughout the day. In addition to the light itself, the feeling of openness of the space is also important. Rooms with high ceilings or minimalist furnishings give the impression of freedom and help our minds feel free from external pressures. Conversely, cluttered spaces can unconsciously restrict us and make us feel stressed. Examples include traditional Japanese interiors, which favour minimalism, clean lines and maximum use of natural light to create a harmonious environment. Light and openness are accessible to all of us, whether it's simple steps like removing curtains, opening windows or adding mirrors to reflect light and enlarge the space. Even simple things like rearranging furniture to let more daylight into a room can greatly improve the atmosphere of a home. This emphasis on light and openness reminds us that joy is often a matter of perspective. When we allow ourselves to bring more light into our lives, literally and metaphorically, we open ourselves up to a greater sense of well-being, freedom and inner happiness.

Order is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also the basis for peace of mind and a sense of joy. Chaos in our surroundings can negatively affect our emotions and productivity, while an organised space contributes to a sense of harmony and control. A tidy environment is not only visually pleasing, but also creates clarity of thought and promotes a positive mood. Imagine, for example, a library where books are arranged by colour or size. Such an arrangement not only attracts the eye, but also provides a subconscious sense of order that calms the mind. This effect can also be seen in nature - in the symmetry of a spider's web, in the arrangement of leaves on a tree, or in the regular rhythm of the waves of the sea. Nature reminds us that order is a natural part of the harmony of life. Historically, the concept of order has manifested itself in philosophy and architecture. Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of arranging space, emphasizes that harmony between objects and their arrangement leads to better energy and well-being. Similarly, the Bauhaus movement in the 20th century promoted minimalist design that combined functionality with aesthetics to create a balanced and joyful environment. However, order does not have to be synonymous with strict organization. Lee describes that joy comes from a balance between rules and freedom. For example, a children's room where toys are stored in accessible boxes allows children to create chaos when they play, but also provides a system to easily clean up that chaos. This approach eliminates the stress associated with clutter and encourages spontaneous creativity. Minimalism, which has gained popularity in recent years, is an example of striving for environmental harmony. Fewer objects means less visual noise and more space for what's really important. Marie Kondo's method, which urges us to keep only those things that bring us joy, has become a worldwide phenomenon. Her principle that every object has its place reflects the deep connection between order and inner peace. In ordinary life, maintaining order can be simple and effortless. Cleaning your desk regularly, removing unnecessary items from your home, or organizing your kitchen drawers can be small but significant steps. These steps not only improve the functionality of the space, but also remove the mental stress that visual clutter can cause. Order and harmony remind us that the environment that surrounds us has a direct impact on our internal alignment. A tidy and balanced space promotes not only a better mood, but also efficiency, creativity and the ability to handle everyday challenges with ease. It's a way to feel more "at home" in our lives - not just physically, but emotionally as well.

Joy often comes from places and moments where we least expect it. In her book, Ingrid Fetell Lee talks about the importance of playfulness and surprising details that can enliven our everyday environments. These moments may be small, but their impact on our mood and emotional well-being is significant. Playful elements and unexpected details awaken our childlike curiosity, encourage laughter and create moments of lightness that are often missing in our busy lives. Imagine, for example, city streets decorated with colourful paintings on pedestrian crossings or benches in the shape of gigantic crayons. Often found in creative cities like Copenhagen or Barcelona, these design elements turn ordinary places into something extraordinary. Such details bring playfulness even to ordinary tasks, such as waiting for a bus or walking through a park, while creating space for people to interact. Playfulness is also present in the design of everyday objects. For example, cups with funny inscriptions, floors with geometric patterns or lamps in the shape of animals make us smile and forget about stress for a while. One example is Japanese culture, where the kawaii aesthetic - that is, cute and playful designs - permeates all aspects of life, from food to architecture. Such details remind us that things don't just have to be functional, but can also bring joy. The surprise that comes through unexpected details can also be simple and accessible. Consider how even small changes in your environment could create playfulness. For example, magnets on the fridge in the shape of letters that can be moved to form words, or a wall clock with moving figurines. These details encourage a sense of humour while creating a sense of individuality and uniqueness to the space. Another important aspect of playfulness is its ability to bring people together. Playing games together, organising events with fun elements or involving the family in creative projects promotes bonding and creates positive memories. For example, during a family weekend, making your own decorations or painting the walls can be an informal activity that brings joy to everyone involved. Playfulness also has an important place in the work environment. Innovative companies such as Google and LEGO have incorporated playful elements into their offices - from slides and play zones to interesting decorations. These details are not only aesthetic, but they encourage creativity, relieve stress and improve the working atmosphere. Unexpected details and playfulness bring us back to simplicity and joie de vivre. They are a reminder that sometimes it only takes a little to turn an ordinary day into an unforgettable one. When we add playful elements to our surroundings, we open the door to laughter, lightness and spontaneity - all the things that help us enjoy life to the fullest.

The book "Joyful" reminds us that joy is not just an abstract feeling, but also the result of our interaction with our environment. Ingrid Fetell Lee teaches us to notice details we often overlook - colours, light, shapes or the harmony of an arrangement. These elements have a profound effect on our mood, energy and overall quality of life. Through her research and practical examples, we discover that each of us has the opportunity to create a world that will awaken joy and inspiration. The final message of the book is simple yet powerful: joy is all around us, we just need to find it. We don't have to wait for big life events to make us feel happy. We can start by sprucing up our environment, adding more light, colour, playful details and natural elements. This transformation will not only improve our days, but it will also teach us to be grateful for the beauty that is present in the most ordinary things. The book is an invitation to surround ourselves with joy - and, in doing so, to experience life in its fullness. Do you have feedback for us? We'd love it if you let us know your opinion on our content! Just send an email to feedback@rewio.app with the title of this book in the subject line and share your impressions!