Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee is an insightful and uplifting exploration of how the design of our physical environment can profoundly impact our emotional well-being. Drawing from a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, neuroscience, and design, Lee delves into the ways in which everyday objects, colors, shapes, and spaces can spark joy and enhance our lives.

The central premise of Joyful is that joy is not just an abstract feeling or a fleeting emotion, but something that can be intentionally cultivated through the design of our surroundings. Lee, a designer herself, argues that the aesthetics of our environment play a crucial role in our happiness, and she sets out to uncover the specific elements that consistently elicit joy. These elements, which she refers to as "aesthetics of joy," include things like bright colors, symmetrical patterns, playful shapes, and natural elements like flowers and trees.

One of the strengths of Joyful is how Lee connects these aesthetic principles to scientific research. She explores how our brains respond to different stimuli, such as color and light, and how these responses can influence our mood, energy levels, and even our sense of connection with others. The book is filled with fascinating insights into why certain designs and environments make us feel more alive and connected, while others can leave us feeling drained or indifferent.

Lee’s writing is accessible and engaging, making complex concepts easy to understand. She weaves together personal anecdotes, interviews with experts, and examples from around the world to illustrate her points, creating a narrative that is both informative and enjoyable to read. The book is organized into ten chapters, each focusing on a different "aesthetic of joy" such as energy, abundance, freedom, and harmony. Each chapter offers practical advice on how to incorporate these elements into our daily lives, whether through decorating our homes, choosing our clothing, or simply paying more attention to the joyful details in our surroundings.

One of the most compelling aspects of Joyful is its emphasis on the idea that joy can be found in the small, often overlooked details of life. Lee encourages readers to seek out and appreciate the simple pleasures that surround us, from the vibrant colors of a flower garden to the playful patterns of a favorite piece of clothing. She argues that by being more intentional about the design of our spaces and the objects we surround ourselves with, we can create environments that not only bring us joy but also foster a sense of well-being and connection.

The book also touches on the broader implications of design for public spaces and communities. Lee explores how urban design, architecture, and public art can contribute to a sense of collective joy, making cities and neighborhoods more vibrant and welcoming. She discusses examples of cities that have successfully incorporated joyful design principles into their public spaces, leading to increased community engagement and a greater sense of belonging among residents.

While Joyful is filled with inspiring ideas and practical tips, it is also grounded in a deeper philosophical exploration of what it means to live a joyful life. Lee challenges the notion that joy is something fleeting or superficial, arguing instead that it is an essential component of a fulfilling and meaningful life. She makes a persuasive case that by paying attention to the aesthetics of joy, we can not only enhance our own well-being but also contribute to the happiness of those around us.

In conclusion, Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee is a thought-provoking and heartwarming book that offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between design and happiness. It is a celebration of the power of beauty, color, and creativity to uplift our spirits and enrich our lives. Whether you are a designer, an artist, or simply someone looking to bring more joy into your life, this book provides valuable insights and inspiration. Joyful is a reminder that happiness is not just a matter of circumstance, but something that we can actively cultivate through the choices we make in our daily lives.

An interesting and engaging read, a lovely deep dive into the joy we find in things and... why. Small things that may make a big difference.

I first discovered the author when I was shown her Ted Talk on a training course. This book is really easy to read without feeling like a self help book and has some great facts and statistics included that show that the art of joy is truly a science.

This was a fantastic read. I didn’t think I’d get into it quite so much or quite so quickly! It had me hooked pretty much straight away.

I loved the content and the ideas and I’ve taken some of them into our life’s now. And plan on following some others. Creating pockets of joy everywhere.
I’m buying this book for everyone!

The writing is very easy and joyful and reading it took you away to whichever idea or scene the author wanted you to be in.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

How I loved this book. It’s not only crammed with examples of the most joyful things - balloons, flowers, celebrations, glitter balls - but it’s also a deep dive into *why* those things bring us joy and also how we can figure out exactly what brings us joy and add more of it to our lives.

While I initially had high hopes for this title and was interested in reading how changing our physical environment can alter mood, ultimately I found this book to be rather too obvious. Plants in the home are good, bright colours are cheery! Well, yes. No amount of author research convinced me this was telling the reader anything new. It seemed shallow and really irritating. Confetti is NOT going to bring joy to people with serious issues. Tightening screws in furniture is not going to ease anxiety. Not for me, but thanks for the read.

I had seen this writer's TED talk, and found her interesting and inspiring, and her book does not disappoint. I would describe it as a light, but not fluffy book if that makes sense. There is some sound research behind her reasoning, but it never feels like hard work to read this book. I'm now trying to put her principles into practice!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for and advance ARC of this book.

This book came exactly when I needed it. Ingrid Fetell Lee does an extraordinary job of explaining how we are wired for gratitude should we choose to embrace it, and how embracing it can produce the life change that many desperately need in our fast-paced world. Highly recommended for a good first-book-of-the-year read (but it's honestly good to revisit any time of year!).

It's very rare I read non-fiction, lifestyle titles, but I really enjoyed Joyful. The rationale for each aspect of the philosophy was perfectly pitched for the casual reader. The author often illuminates simple, everyday things that go so easily unnoticed, but are blinding obvious when presented so concisely. Her tone is beautiful - never bamboozling with pyscho-babble, or becoming too fanciful.

I loved that the book gave you the information you needed to understand how design could impact happiness, but didn't go into prescriptive instructions about how to apply it to your home or surroundings. It is left entirely with the reader to consider what might "spark joy" in their environment - to steal a phrase from an alternative interiors philosopher!

Really enjoyed this book and find it insightful but sadly I put it down and found it difficult to pick back up and get interested.
I’m sure I will return to it but right now I can’t allow it to fully grab me.
It’s me not the book ;)

This is a wonderful guide on how small physical changes in our environment can make big changes to our levels of joy and happiness. Practical and simple solutions that we can all take something from.

This was a thought provoking book and quite an eye opener. The sense of calm you get from taking ideas from this and practising them can not be a good thing in our world of rush, rush, rush. Stop and smell the roses, as the saying goes. Very useful book, I did indeed find joy.

A great little book to help you realise that you can find joy in most areas of your life - if you know how to look for it. You often find yourself looking at things differently and actively searching for positives.
Its a book you can pick up and put down as needed and can dip in at any point to find inspiration.
A great book to keep by your side through difficult times.

A beautiful book that you keep and refer to often. We tend to forget how we can find joy in everything we do and this book reminds us of exactly that. Beautifully written and stays with you much after you have finished the book.

The joy in the everyday beauty of design is the theme of this book and it is quite joyful at times. However it is probably a book that needs to be dipped into rather than read cover to cover.

This was a sheer delight, full of incredible observations and thought-provoking insights into how the world around us contributes to happiness. Loved it.

This is a clever and well researched book which brings a new slant to the positivity genre. The book looks at "Energy: Abundance: Freedom : Harmony: Play: Surprise: Transcendence: Magic : Celebration: Renewal".

"While contentment is curled up on the sofa, and bliss is lost in tranquil meditation, joy is skipping, jiving, twirling, giggling. It is a uniquely exuberant emotion a high-energy form of happiness."

It may seem a simple prescription to find joy in your friends, in your family, in your activities but how many of us actually feel it and feel it regularly. The author tries to show what can be done, what has been done and why most people never really look. Contentment is great but joy is better.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Joyful is a thought-provoking book that explores how we can find joy in our lives. Sounds so simple but it's not. There's quite a lot more science in the quest for joy than you might expect and Ingrid Fetell Lee goes all out to illustrate each concept with great care. She gives concrete examples, conducted many interviews and traveled the world to find answers to human most powerful goal - the search for joy.

So much of what she says makes sense and opens the reader's eyes to a fresh, more joyful existence. Thoroughly insightful, Joyful can add quality of life for those who take these lessons onboard.

I have read many books on the promotion of a happier life and it will never get boring. Joyful is a brilliant book for anyone who wants to change their outlook and live a more positive life.

I loved the concept of this book - feel good and heartwarming.

I have watched Lee's TED talk which is what led me to request the book and it is a great companion. I would advise this book as one to put on your bedside table, to pick up and read when the fancy takes you. Take it slowly, change your habits to become Joyful!