What a Moroccan Sunset Taught Me About Sanctuary
I recently took a trip to Marrakesh in search of design inspiration and fresh perspectives for my work. While I was completely captivated by the handwoven textiles, intricately painted tiles, rich culture, and incredible food (more on all of this in an upcoming post!) I also stumbled upon something familiar- yet somehow brand new again: the sunset.
One evening, after a long day of exploring the souks and the city, my group traveled high into the Atlas Mountains for dinner and to observe the sunset. To be honest, I was tired and more than a little ready to head back to our Airbnb. But as I stood there, gazing out over the vast mountain range, something shifted.
A sense of calm washed over me.
My body relaxed.
The rush I’d felt just moments before faded away. Sitting there, sipping wine and listening to music performed by local musicians, the sun disappeared behind the peaks and I could feel myself recharging.
Later, as I reflected on that feeling, I realized it was the same sensation I get when I stand on the beach at home, looking out over the Gulf of Mexico. Or when I’m at the cottage in North Carolina, peering across the tree tops at the mountain range in the distance.
There’s actually a name for this: soft fascination.
It’s part of Attention Restoration Theory (ART), which explains how certain types of beauty- especially those found in nature- allow the brain to disengage from the demands of daily life and slip into a more relaxed, restorative state.
Unlike the overstimulation of urban environments, which demand constant focus, soft fascination comes from gently engaging scenes: waves rolling to shore, sunlight filtering through trees, distant landscapes fading into mist. These views don’t require effort to process; instead, they invite effortless attention, creating space for mental clarity and calm. Our eyes can relax, our minds can wander, and without even realizing it, we begin to restore ourselves.
And that’s when it hit me: this is sanctuary.
Soft fascination is something we can intentionally design for: blurring the lines between inside and out, creating spaces that let the mind breathe. It’s in the way a room opens up to a breathtaking view, how textures layer to create a sense of depth and softness, or how colors and materials transition seamlessly, without harsh contrast. Just as looking out over a vast landscape helps us disconnect from stress, so too can the way a space is designed.
Our goal is always to craft environments that nurture and restore. By weaving in the principles of soft fascination, through both natural vistas and thoughtful interior transitions, we create spaces that quietly invite us to slow down, to breathe a little deeper.
And really, don’t we ALL want to breathe a little deeper?
Just like that evening in Morocco, watching the sun sink behind the mountains, these moments of stillness aren’t something we force; they happen when the world around us has space for them. And in design, just as in nature, the right elements can do exactly that.
Wishing you a beautiful weekend with as much soft fascination as possible.
With love and gratitude,
Lisa