The power of plants, water, and being surrounded by the natural elements that make up our Earth is scientifically proven to restore our sense of balance and recharge our natural rhythm.
For those who live in the city, getting a daily dose of nature can be harder to achieve, but incorporating biophilic elements into interior design is an excellent way to get your nature fix by merely looking around your space.
Biophilia refers to the inherent human inclination to affiliate with nature. Biophilic design is an extension of this natural yearning to be one with nature through our everyday dwelling spaces. Applying a few biophilic design principles can help achieve a natural and holistic indoor atmosphere for homes and places of business.
Plotting out a Biophilically Balanced Interior Space
Tackling any redecoration project can be overwhelming, but the first step in planning out biophilic design specs for an interior space is to visualize a path or attachment to nature that you want to achieve in your environment. Thinking about how to connect to nature through all five senses is a great way to get creative juices to flow.
Biophilic design impacts our bodies through what we can see, smell, touch, and hear. Interior designs can incorporate auditory interactions along with other holistic elements such as the presence of water, lighting, and airflow that improves our overall health and longevity.
Another component to successful design is making sure that spaces create a harmonious sense of being in terms of seeing and accessing nature in a way that is not impeded by any artificial or jarring aesthetics. Putting together a list of environmental features such as nature-based shapes, patterns, textures, and spacing concepts will help build a blueprint for the type of space you're looking for.
Easy Additions That Create a Biophilic Aura
An interior space that contains biophilic design is easy to achieve with a few simple additions. Simplicity is a key concept that should lead design efforts, and choosing a color scape that provides a natural ambiance is one of the most essential elements. Green hues, yellows, shades of blue and soothing colors match well with natural fabrics, plants, and sunlight.
1. Plants
Plants large and small can easily add greenery that provides soothing biophilic elements to any space. Having a combination of plants and flowers of all sizes adds can add variance to plant-based design features that add an artistic touch.
Adding a terrarium is a simple addition to any space, and the terrarium can be used to grow food, herbs, or plants in any glass container. Plant stands, cascading hanging baskets, ceramic pots, and window boxes can provide height and texture variances to plants and flowers. Utilizing ledges, tables, and hooks is a great way to brighten smaller spaces with plants or colorful flowers.
2. Art
Art can also easily add to an interior biophilic design ecosystem. Working with different shapes is a unique way to incorporate natural elements. For example, specific geometric shapes such as a hexagon can remind people of beehives.
Wooden sculptures and photographs of trees, landscapes, or water also help to add a relaxing natural ambiance. Small fountains or aquariums can be used as decorative pieces while adding natural water soundscapes to a room. The presence of water creates a deep biological connection in the human body, which triggers neurochemicals and promotes wellness.
3. Carpet
Carpet and other thick textures or materials can provide a sense of calm, warmth, and relaxation. Plush natural fabrics that are breathable can be used as rugs, blankets, or cushions that will help to add comfort and tranquility to any space. Natural weaved or embroidered tapestries and rugs are pieces that can add an instant feeling of being outdoors to your space.
4. Sunlight
Sunlight is a vital component of biophilic design, and glass is a great way to add natural light to any space. Sun lamps can even be used if the space that is being redesigned is not accessible to natural lighting. It's important to also remember to think about the quality of air in your environment. Adding a humidifier or air purifier will impact your space and provide you with an end-to-end holistic experience.
The Benefits of Biophilic Design
Nature that exists in harmony with structures is the ultimate goal of biophilic design. Although grilling, hiking, bird watching, and many other outdoor adventures are enjoyable, being able to relax and unwind in nature every day is needed in today's current fast-paced world.
The healing touch of nature is more than just a feeling, and as more and more people spend time indoors, the presence of this design style grows more critical. Retail stores are starting to incorporate biophilic design techniques as well to create spaces of being that customers are drawn to.
Studies show that interaction between people and nature reduces stress, boosts morale, and can even increase workplace productivity. More and more people are both seeing and experiencing the positive impacts and incorporating biophilic design systems into their everyday lives.
Create your dream space
Building the perfect biophilic space in your home takes a lot of planning and preparation to make a reality.
Interested in creating one for yourself? Connect with the team at Litchfield Builders for a free consultation to discuss how we can bring biophilic elements into your home and create the space of your dreams!
