Joy is all around us.

Looking for the blog?

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Ingrid Fetell Lee. A designer and author, I founded the Aesthetics of Joy to help you create more joy in life and work through design.

I’m so glad you’re here. 

Watch the TED Talk

That has been viewed more than 17 million times.

Yellow shoes on a multicolored background

Get inspired

To create more joy with my free resource 50 Ways to Find Joy Every Day.

As Seen In:

The Latest

A ferris wheel viewed from below looking up toward the sky

Is the Trend Cycle Just Dopamine vs. Cortisol?

Are trend cycles really about nervous system regulation? A deeper look at dopamine dressing, cortisol closets, and the emotional meaning of style.

A picture of a building with staircases on the outside going up and down in many directions.

The Surprising Psychology of Why Work Feels Harder Than It Should

Many writers hate writing. But what if that misery is less about the work itself and more about the story we're telling ourselves? I tried an experiment — and what I learned about the psychology of expectations changed how I approach my work entirely.

Featured Post
A rainbow appears across two white buildings, seeming to jump between the two

7 Key Joy Indicators

Though modern life often relegates joy to the margins, joy is our original success metric, evolved to indicate moments of thriving. Here’s how to measure what really matters at work.

You’re invited

Find your people

The Commons is where thoughtful people come for conversations that matter. It's a new kind of digital space built for deep connection, honest reflection, and real joy
— no noise, no algorithms, just kindred spirits exploring what makes life feel truly alive. We can't wait to meet you!

“This book has the power to change everything! Writing with depth, wit, and insight, Ingrid Fetell Lee shares all you need to know in order to create external environments that give rise to inner joy.”

- Susan Cain, Author of Quiet and Founder of Quiet Revolution

More Stories

A closet painted with yellow and white cabana stripes with colorful jackets hanging

Does Dopamine Decor Really Work?

How to cleanse your home of negative emotions

How to cleanse your home of negative emotions

How to be more intuitive

How to be more intuitive — in design and in life

A cozy nook with pops of red by Studio Peake

The science behind the “unexpected red theory”

How to make a Pinboard for Your Home Office

How to Make a Lightweight, Fabric-Covered Pinboard for Your Home Office

Books for Home Design

14 Essential Books for Home Design Inspiration

A portrait of Ingrid head and shoulders wearing a white dress

Ask Ingrid: Secret Talents, Slow Design, and What To Do When You Have No Idea What Brings You Joy

Color blocks in multiple colors | The Art of Discovery in an Algorithmic Age

The Art of Discovery in an Algorithmic Age

15 Joyful TV shows to watch right now

Work with us

Book Ingrid to speak at your event,
host a joy workshop, or collaborate.

#Joyspotting

Follow us @aestheticsofjoy on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag your photos with #joyspotting when inspiration strikes.

What's killing your joy? Take this 3-minute quiz to find out.
Free Resource

Find more joy every day

Our free workbook has 5 simple strategies that will make life better right now.

You'll also receive periodic updates on new things from The Aesthetics of Joy. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.