Joy is all around us.

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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.

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Get inspired

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

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The Latest

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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

The Heroine’s Journey Home

The Heroine’s Journey Home

Multi-colored fingernails

16 Multicolor Nail Ideas to Inspire Your Next Manicure

Girl sitting out looking over the sea | Why the secret to happiness might be joy

Why the secret to happiness might be joy

Why Plants Make People Happy

Why Plants Make People Happy

Patterned dominoes game

12 Beautiful Board Games To Play Again and Again

Ingrid Fetell Lee in a pink and orange colorblocked dress standing in front of the red TED letters.

The Secret to Having More Confidence

A yellow bench with blue blankets and throw pillow

What To Do When Your House Doesn’t Feel Like Home

beautiful public housing developments

15 Beautiful Public Housing Developments From Around the World

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.

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