Humans have an inseparable bond with nature, and this need for feeling connected with our surroundings has led to a birth of a new indoor environment trend that incorporates elements of nature into interior design. Aiming to bring the outdoors in through the use of design elements, the concept referred to as biophilic design is said to bring a number of physical and psychological benefits, improve mental health, and promote a sense of wellness and optimism. Interested in bringing this trend into your own living quarters? Scroll on for some biophilic design tips on making nature a part of your home.
Try to bring more sunlight into your interiors
Few things are as healing and energizing as the Sun's rays – spending just a portion of your day outside can be quite effective in boosting your mood, warding off depression, and keeping your vitamin D levels up. Daylight also plays a role in regulating your circadian rhythm (your internal clock), and exposing yourself to as much light as possible will promote good sleep hygiene as well as healthy sleeping habits. If the weather allows, consider keeping your windows open during the day to let the sunlight in and using mirrors to reflect and maximize the amount of natural light coming in. If you're renovating, consider adding skylights as well as windows facing south or west, and think about rearranging your furniture so that you're exposed to natural light, especially if you work from home.
Aim to improve indoor air quality as much as possible
We spend an exorbitant amount of time indoors (around 90%!) which means we have to find a way to ensure we're breathing in clean air. Again, try to keep your windows open if the weather allows to let the fresh air in, and consider using air purifiers to ensure high-quality indoor air. The open windows will stimulate an air flow and prevent your interiors from feeling 'stuffy', while a clean and airy space that's free of clutter will promote a sense of wellness and positivity and keep your productivity levels up.
Create a seamless indoor-outdoor transition
Biophilic design is all about making your interiors resemble natural surroundings, and the best way to go about it is to add natural elements that will help create a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. Blurring the boundaries between the interior and the exterior spaces is a common occurrence in modern homes adorned with biophilic design elements as it provides easy access to views of nature from the inside while also allowing a smooth transition into indoor spaces. It usually involves using the same or similar natural materials (rattan, stone, cork, bamboo, etc.) for the furniture, flooring, and other design elements which help create a sense of cohesion and allow you to look at the two seemingly separate entities as a whole. This sense of unity can also be achieved by using similar design styles in both areas as well as by incorporating similar furniture pieces.
Introduce more plants and greenery into your home
Plants are an easy way to introduce biophilic design into your own home. They're those decor essentials you can never get enough of, and their purpose goes beyond looking pretty. Plants are known as natural air purifiers as they absorb carbon dioxide and toxic pollutants from the air and release oxygen in return. Equipping each corner of your home with greenery is also a great way to reduce stress levels as well as the noise coming from the outside. It's one of the quickest, easiest, and cheapest ways to add a touch of nature to your indoor space, and with so many low-maintenance plants to choose from, it will be hard to stop at just one.
Create a color palette by drawing inspiration from nature
Last but not least, colors can be another effective design tool you can use to foster a better connection with nature and incorporate biophilic design into your living quarters. When deciding on the color palette, draw some inspiration from nature, and then introduce the colors through fabrics, furniture pieces, wallpapers, and home decor. Whether you go for muted earthy tones or vibrant bold hues, keep in mind the overall vibe you're trying to create and the emotions you want to evoke and then choose the color palette for your home accordingly.
Wrapping up
Connecting with Mother Nature through design is not only about creating aesthetically pleasing interiors. It's also beneficial for our physical and mental health, and given how much time we spend inside, creating an environment that promotes wellness and optimism has become extremely important. With these biophilic design tips in mind, you'll be able to reimagine your living quarters and utilize the power of interior design to live more in harmony with Mother Nature.
