Biophilic design is the new trend in interior design that emphasises the connection between humans and nature. By creating a space that incorporates elements of nature, biophilic design aims to increase wellbeing, reduce stress, and create a sense of comfort and connection.
This innovative style of interior design is gaining traction in the design world, with both homeowners and professionals looking to incorporate elements of biophilic design into their homes and workplaces. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at biophilic design and how it can be incorporated into your interior design.
What is biophilic design?
Biophilic design focuses on incorporating elements of nature into homewares, home decor and interior design. Its goal is to create a connection between the built environment and natural landscapes, creating a sense of harmony between humans and nature. It does this by incorporating natural materials, colors, textures and patterns into the home. Biophilic design is becoming increasingly popular as more people seek to bring the outdoors indoors and enjoy the health benefits that come from living in an environment filled with natural elements.
Elements of biophilic design
If you’re considering incorporating biophilic design into your home, here are a few tips to get you started.
Natural home decor
Natural patterns, colours and shapes are key features of biophilic design. To create a biophilic inspired home decor scheme, look for earthy tones, botanical prints and materials such as wood, stone and glass.
Homewares that reflect nature's beauty such as natural looking ceramics, baskets and woven fabrics are perfect for biophilic design. Find decorations such as wall hangings, textile art, and sculptures that echo the natural environment. And finally, find pieces of art that incorporate images of animals and plants to help bring the outside in.
Fill your space with plants
Arguably the fastest and most notable way to incorporate biophilic design into your home, is to fill your space with plants. Plants are an essential element of biophilic design, and they can be incorporated in a variety of ways to make your home look and feel more natural. Adding plants to any interior trend or home decor can bring a touch of nature into your home. Plants have numerous benefits and are known to improve air quality, reduce stress levels, and boost productivity.
When incorporating plants into your home, consider their size, shape, and colour. There are a range of plants that require minimal maintenance, like succulents and cacti, which can be ideal for those with busy schedules. Additionally, many low-light plants don’t require sunlight to thrive, making them suitable for dark rooms or apartments.
If you're looking for something with a bit more colour or interest, there are plenty of houseplants to choose from. From large palms to small ferns, there are plenty of options to bring life into any room. Plant stands can also be used to add extra height and interest to an otherwise dull corner.
Finally, consider placing your plants near windows or balconies if possible, so they can get some natural light. Proper care and placement of plants can result in a healthier environment with increased oxygen and humidity levels. With the right combination of plants and accessories, you can create a natural and inviting space that promotes well-being.
If you don’t have a green thumb, opt for some preserved plants which will last much longer, or incorporate some water into your home decor – a mini fountain, an aquarium or a bowl of pebbles are all great options.
Let in the light
Natural light is one of the most important elements of biophilic design. Natural light is known to improve moods, energy levels, concentration and overall well-being. For this reason, letting in more light is one of the most popular home decor strategies for achieving a biophilic atmosphere.
There are various ways to let in more light into your home. Windows and skylights should be used to maximize natural light exposure throughout the day. Opening your curtains during the day will help take advantage of the natural light, and create a feeling of energy and comfort in a room, as well as providing health benefits such as improved sleep.
Consider installing mirrors around your home to create an illusion of space and assist in bouncing light around the room. You can also paint the walls lighter colours and swap out heavy curtains or drapes for light sheers or blinds to allow more light in. Finally, make sure that each room has adequate task lighting, such as recessed lighting, and using bulbs with higher lumens will also help bring more light into the home.
Use natural materials
Incorporating natural materials into the home is also an important part of biophilic design. Natural materials such as wood, stone, clay, hemp, bamboo and wool can be used to add warmth and texture to any room. These materials bring a sense of organic beauty that can't be replicated with man-made materials.
Wood can be used to make furniture, accents, and more. Stone can be used to create a rustic look or added as an accent piece. Clay can be used to make decorative items like vases or sculptures. Hemp, wool and bamboo can be used to create beautiful rugs, throws, cushions and wall art.
When using natural materials in your design, you should consider how they interact with one another. For instance, wood furniture might pair well with a soft hemp rug or a bamboo lampshade. If you want to keep things minimalistic, use one type of material throughout the space to create a unified look.
Benefits of biophilic design
Biophilic design embraces the idea that nature should be a part of our everyday lives, and that it’s important to find ways to bring elements of the outdoors into our indoor environments. This type of design has been gaining traction in residential homes, offices, and other spaces, as more people recognize the physical and psychological benefits associated with being surrounded by nature.
For starters, biophilic design encourages better air quality inside buildings. Introducing plants and other elements of nature helps to purify the air by filtering out pollutants and increasing oxygen levels. On top of this, studies have shown that biophilic design can help to improve focus, reduce stress, enhance creativity, and increase productivity.
Biophilic design also has aesthetic benefits, with many people finding that bringing elements of nature into their home adds a greater sense of harmony and balance. It’s a great way to bring a touch of the outdoors indoors, while still providing a stylish and modern look to any space. In short, biophilic design is an excellent way to improve your physical and mental wellbeing while giving your home an updated, stylish look.
Ultimately, biophilic design is all about creating a space that feels connected to nature while still feeling comfortable and welcoming. By incorporating natural light, plants, and natural materials into your home, you can create a space that promotes well-being and brings a sense of peace and relaxation.
