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What On Earth Are “Aesthetics”?

Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty and taste, as well as the creation and appreciation of art. It explores how we perceive and respond to different stimuli, such as color, form, and sound, and how these elements can be used to create harmonious and pleasing experiences.

General Aesthetics Moodboard


Aesthetics is a broad and complex field that encompasses a wide range of sub-disciplines, including art theory, musicology, architecture, and interior design. It is also closely connected to psychology, sociology, and anthropology, as our aesthetic preferences and responses are shaped by our culture, upbringing, and personal experiences.

One way that aesthetics is often discussed is through the concept of “style.” Style refers to the specific visual and artistic choices that an artist or designer makes when creating a work of art or designing a space. Some popular styles that have emerged in recent years include “dark academia,” “cottagecore,” “balletcore,” and “light academia.”

Dark Academia Moodboard



Dark academia is a style that is characterized by a focus on intellectual pursuits, classical education, and the arts. It often incorporates elements of Gothic and Victorian design, and is associated with a moody, introspective atmosphere.

Cottagecore Moodboard

Cottagecore, on the other hand, is a style that is inspired by rural living and the natural world. It is characterized by a romanticized, pastoral aesthetic, with an emphasis on comfort, simplicity, and sustainability.

Balletcore Moodboard

Balletcore, as the name suggests, is a style that combines elements of ballet and dance with a variety of other aesthetic influences. It is often associated with femininity, grace, and elegance.

Light Academia Moodboard

Light academia, similarly, is a style that is focused on education, refinement, and intellectual pursuits. It tends to be more minimalist and modern in its aesthetic, and is often associated with a clean, orderly, and intellectual atmosphere.

Fairycore Moodboard

Fairycore is another style that has gained popularity in recent years. It is characterized by a magical, ethereal aesthetic, with an emphasis on whimsy, fantasy, and the natural world.

In addition to these styles, aesthetics is also closely connected to the concept of “mood” and “vibe.” Mood refers to the overall atmosphere or feeling that a work of art or a space conveys, while vibe refers to the energy or feeling that is emitted by a person or place. Both of these concepts are closely connected to aesthetics, as the choices that an artist or designer makes can significantly impact the mood and vibe of a work or space.

In the field of interior design, aesthetics is an important consideration when creating a space. Interior designers use their understanding of aesthetics to create cohesive, harmonious environments that are visually pleasing and functional. They may consider elements such as color, lighting, texture, and furniture selection to create the desired mood and vibe for a space.

In conclusion, aesthetics is a multifaceted field that deals with the nature of beauty, taste, and art, as well as how we perceive and respond to different stimuli. It encompasses a wide range of sub-disciplines and is closely connected to concepts such as style, mood, and vibe. Understanding aesthetics can be helpful in fields such as art, design, and interior decoration, as it allows us to create and appreciate works that are harmonious, pleasing, and evocative.