How to improve your aesthetic sense: 20 practical tips.
By Slavica Zlatar-Banika
Table of contents
How to improve your aesthetic sense.
01. Get to know yourself.
02. Tune into your emotions.
03. Re-design yourself.
04. Movie script your life.
05. Curate your space.
06. Practice mindful consumption.
07. Create a capsule wardrobe.
08. Start a collection.
09. Become a connoisseur.
10. Invest in art.
11. Savour beauty daily.
12. Travel. Explore beauty.
13. Visit upscale spas.
14. Indulge in luxury.
15. Observe nature.
16. Explore the performing arts.
17. Create. Make something.
18. Don’t just look. Touch.
19. Read. Write. Sketch.
20. Learn from those you admire.
Aesthetics is crucial to enriching our lives and well-being (see Unpacking ‘aesthetic sense’: What it is and how it can improve your life.). So, it’s time to level up our aesthetic sense. It could be the key to a more beautiful life. And, the world may become a more beautiful place, too.
I use strategies daily as a designer to build and refine brands. Drawing from these strategies, I’ve curated a list of actionable tips. These tips promise to fuel your inspiration and boost your aesthetic sensibilities. Some items are easy to implement right away. Others may take more time. It’s essential to get started and be consistent. Step by step, you will notice a difference and start reaping the rewards.
So, here they are — 20 tips to enrich your life. Let’s do it!
1. Get to know yourself.
Take a personality test.
A great test to take is Dr. Jordan Peterson’s Big 5 Personality Test at understandmyself.com. It is quick and inexpensive. You can take it online for $9.95. It will give you your ‘aesthetics’ score and show where you are currently on the spectrum.
Create some mood boards.
Pinterest is the best place for this. I use it every day to create vision boards for my design projects. It helps define the creative direction. You can do the same with any aspect of your life that you want to improve.
For example, if you want to enhance your style, create a mood board. Pin outfits you love, accessories, hair and makeup styles. Want a more beautiful home? Inspired by beautiful travel destinations? Create boards for that. And so on. Compile things you love and what you aspire to. You will start to see your specific taste emerge. Edit it often as your sense develops.
Clarify your aesthetic.
Is your aesthetic minimalist, ‘old money’, traditional, bohemian, retro, earthy, or more industrial? There are so many variations on these. Gaining clarity is key. Remember, tastes evolve, so stay open to trends and new experiences.
2. Tune into your emotions.
Pay attention to how you feel. Use your emotions as signals.
This is a valid approach to understanding and refining your aesthetics. Aesthetics are how we emotionally connect to things.
What makes you feel your best? What things, people, places, objects and experiences bring out the best emotions in you? Get in tune with how things make you feel. Hone in on this aspect.
Develop your sensitivity.
Sometimes, you need to bypass logic and ‘feel.’ I’ve had junior designers ask me how I know when a design is ‘right’. I would answer that sometimes you need to sense or feel it. This confused them. Why? Because they hadn’t yet developed a sensitivity — an aesthetic sense.
Beauty resonates with our emotions. So, go and seek out beauty.
Avoid experiences that deflate you. Places that irritate you. Usually, it is because of an underlying design flaw. Flock to places where your mood glows.
3. Re-design yourself.
Critique yourself 360.
You’re a great project to practice on. Give yourself a 360 analysis. Be brutal. Analyze your character, appearance, environment, lifestyle and successes.
Identify areas needing improvement.
Analyze what to improve and how. Focus on that. Drop what can’t. Make a list of actions you will take to improve. Take steps to bring out your best. Baby steps are fine. Keep moving.
Be authentic.
Take inspiration from those you admire. Get inspired, but don’t imitate. Develop a unique style that reflects your genuine self in all aspects of your life. Understand your values and blend them with your aesthetic sense for a genuine mix.
4. Movie script your life.
You’re the star of your movie.
Writing can help clarify your character and your aesthetics. Envision the life you want, the way it looks. Write it down. Be the star. The hero.
Visualize your dream life in detail.
How does that life ‘look’? Write down these details. Refer to the #1 mood boards again. See a pattern? Stick to the vision. Continue to sharpen and refine it.
Reveal your personal brand.
Your aesthetic — your brand — is emerging. The mood board and movie script together make a powerful combination. It’s the recipe, the formula, the blueprint to create your well-designed life.
5. Curate your space.
Time capsule ideation.
Imagine if all your stuff was in a time capsule. What would future generations think of it? Ask if your stuff reflects the real you. Make sure to curate your world with items you love.
Edit. Declutter. Organize.
Embrace minimalism. Less is more. Focus on quality over quantity and select pieces that have a timeless appeal. Declutter. Organize. Find a place for everything. This is an act of design. Think like a designer. Keep it clean. Avoid clutter. Remove ‘noise’ from your environment. Your aesthetic sense will start to reveal itself.
Beautify your space.
Your environment influences your behaviour, mood and creativity. Create an ambiance. Include well-designed furniture and decor. The items need to be beautiful and work well. This is especially true if you work from home. Your workspace, wherever it is, should inspire and elevate you.
6. Practice mindful consumption.
Avoid impulse buys.
Avoid impulsive purchases that don’t align with your overall vision. Refer to your mood boards (#1) and movie scripts (#4) to guide you.
Use your emotions as a guide. If you love it, chances are you find it beautiful. If you find it beautiful, it probably aligns with your aesthetic. Be conscious of the items you use daily. These should be beautiful, and work well. If it’s broken, fix it or toss it. Every moment of energy you give to something is precious.
Use social media with purpose.
Be strategic. Be selective about what you take in. There is so much beauty to take in but don’t scroll aimlessly. Don’t consume visual pollution.
7. Capsule wardrobe.
Clothing can make or break us. It dictates our comfort — and how others see us. A quick fix here can be a capsule wardrobe. Fewer clothes, but more outfit options? Nice!
Mood board it.
Put together a Pinterest board of your future capsule wardrobe. Research some fashion influencers to guide you. Pin only items you love, and that work well together. This will keep you ‘on brand’.
Curate it to suit your lifestyle.
Curate and edit the wardrobe until you get it right. Look at what you own and consider giving most of it away. Keep only what you love. Comfort and beauty.
Invest in custom or luxury brands.
To see how clothes should fit — invest in some bespoke items. Or have your items tailored. Compare a luxe brand with others to see the difference. Expensive isn’t always better, but it usually is. Learn to read quality.
8. Start a collection.
Define your focus.
Decide what you’re passionate about. It could be fashion, art, mid-century modern furniture, graphic posters, books, watches, toys, vintage cars, miniatures etc.
Research.
Learn about the items you plan to collect. Who designed them? How are they made? What makes them special? What do they symbolize? The more you know, the more you’ll appreciate their beauty.
Set a goal.
Envision how you want this collection to grow. What else can you achieve with your collection? Connect with others who share a similar passion and exchange notes.
9. Become a connoisseur.
Dive in.
Get deep into what you’re interested in. Fine wine, art, architecture, music, collectibles, fashion…
Absorb all the knowledge you can.
Tune your senses.
Pay close attention and practice. If it’s about wine, taste different kinds and notice details like aroma, taste, texture, and finish.
Join the club.
Engage with the subject matter and develop your palate or perception. Meet with like-minded individuals and expand your insider knowledge.
10. Invest in art.
How to Collect Art. Magnus Resch, with an introduction by Pamela J. Joyner. Image used with permission by Phaidon Books.
Educate yourself.
Learn about artists, styles and market trends to make informed decisions.
Start small.
Transform your home with art. Posters. Canvases. Sculptures. Begin with affordable art pieces. Buy prints or limited editions. Later, venture into more exclusive work. Always buy only what you love.
Build relationships.
Attend exhibits, visit galleries, and network with artists, collectors, and experts. A whole world will open up to you. You’ll gain insight and expand your enjoyment — while cultivating your aesthetic sense.
11. Savour beauty every day.
Embrace life’s small pleasures.
Life is in the details. Butterflies and rainbows. Take notice.
Coffee or tea ritual.
Elevate simple rituals to another level. Enjoy coffee or tea in environments of beauty — savour with a friend. Forget paper cups on the go.
Presentation counts.
Take pleasure in it. Invest time in the presentation, even if it’s a simple dinner at home or by yourself. Opt for the finest glassware. Add a soundtrack. Make it an occasion. Life isn’t a rehearsal.
12. Travel. Explore beauty.
Immerse yourself in beauty.
Explore breathtaking landscapes and architectural wonders, from ancient to modern. When you are in a beautiful place, take advantage of it and use all your senses to take it all in. Slow it down. See what unfolds.
Discover urban walking.
Cities are best explored on foot. Discover the magic. Every street is a canvas of life.
Take photos.
Capture the beauty you encounter in your travels. Revisit the photos when you feel starved for beauty.
13. Visit upscale spas.
Immersive environment.
Luxury spas offer a sumptuous ambiance, exposing you to high-quality design and decor.
Premium treatments.
Experience top-notch skincare and beauty treatments that enhance your appreciation for finer details.
Sensory exploration.
Engage your senses. Calming scents, soft lighting, and soothing sounds heighten your awareness of aesthetic harmony.
14. indulge in luxury.
Spoil yourself.
Indulge in luxury that resonates with your style and brings you joy. But wait. ‘Luxury’ items must be well-designed. That means they must be well made and offer comfort. They must work. And, of course, they must be beautiful. If not, they don’t qualify, regardless of the marketing pitch.
Blend high and low.
Strive for a balance. Too much luxury (yes, it’s possible) can overwhelm. Mix luxury with affordable finds that inject personality. Contrast is essential for good design.
Personalize. Customize.
Tailor your life with items that evoke pleasure. But always incorporate your aesthetic and point of view.
15. Observe nature.
Soak it in.
Spend time in nature every day. Enjoy the sun. Notice plants, trees, landscapes, colours, shapes, and patterns.
Nature is perfection. It is the ideal. Recognize natural beauty. Appreciate it. Be grateful for it.
Take photos.
When something inspires you, take a photo. These moments are precious and inspire your aesthetic.
Buy fresh flowers.
Arrange them. Fresh flowers indoors are always inspiring. It brings nature inside and reminds you to appreciate the beauty in your life. Details add up.
16. Explore the performing arts.
Avoid Hollywood.
Try international movies for fresh perspectives and diverse cinematic styles.
Enjoy live performances.
Go to the theatre. Try ballet and musicals. A live performance gives you a front-row, sensory-packed experience. This amps up your emotional connection to the art, making you appreciate its beauty even more. Don’t like opera? Go and see one anyway.
Try it on.
If you’re brave, give improv or theatre a shot yourself. Improv hones quick thinking and creativity.
17. Create. Make something.
Use your hands.
Throw paint on an oversized canvas. Try to express how you feel. Get dirty. Build something. Make something.
Make a beautiful cake.
Decorate it using inspiration from professional pastry chefs. Pay attention to the presentation. What makes it look appetizing? What creates a sense of luxury and refinement?
Use emerging technology.
Have fun with artificial intelligence. You can create images you have in mind by using prompts. See what you can come up with.
18. Don’t just look. Touch.
Use touch.
Explore different textures to enhance your sensory experience. ‘See’ with touch. This sense is not used enough in the digital world. We all have a natural craving for touch. It is primal.
What textures cause you to want to touch them? Are they smooth, rough, shiny or fluffy? Texture is an essential element in design.
Focus on tactility.
Ensure things you interact with in your environment are touchable. They should feel good, not only look good. Beauty should go deep.
Tantalize the other senses.
Use textures, sounds, aromas, lighting, and tastes. Your surroundings will be more engaging and enjoyable. It can enhance your aesthetic perception. When your senses ignite, your aesthetic sense isn’t far behind. That’s sensitivity.
19. Read. Write.
Read.
Read fiction, poetry, and literature. Non-fiction: Read about artists, designers, photographers and their unique styles.
Put pen to paper.
Go old school. Write down your ideas — instead of typing. This helps encourage creative thinking. The tactility fosters creative, unstructured expression, encouraging fresh ideas and concept exploration. Articulate your values, philosophy, and aesthetic preferences.
20. Learn from those you admire.
Informational interviews.
Interview people whose aesthetic or lifestyle you admire. Ask about what inspires them. Get tips along the way for improving your aesthetic and personal brand.
Research brands you love.
Explore why they catch your eye. Uncover the aesthetic details that draw you in.
Get a mentor.
Consider seeking mentorship from someone you admire to achieve your aesthetic goals.