What is Biophilic Interior Design?
Biophilic interior design uses open areas, natural light, plants, and other natural objects to create a peaceful, mood-boosting space. Many biophilic designs draw inspiration from the places in nature that relax and comfort people, like forests, beaches, or mountains. Often the furniture in these rooms uses gentle curves such as those found in nature rather than the sharp corners that manufactured items often have.
Why Using Biophilic Interior Design is Good for Us
Nature relaxes us. It lowers stress and provides comfort. Many of us spend the bulk of our time surrounded by manmade structures: walls, right angles, appliances, artificial light, and computers. When we can’t go to nature, incorporating designs inspired by nature into our home and workspaces brings it to us.
Studies show that we benefit in various ways from time spent in nature. Integrating nature into our regular habitat (biophilic design) offers similar benefits. It boosts our mood and can improve our health and productivity.
Here are some easy ways to use biophilic design in your home.
Add Plants to Your Interior Spaces
Let’s start with something simple and fast: bring plants into your space. Some plants filter toxins and impurities from the air. Others are champion oxygen producers. All those reasons make adding a little flora and fauna into your home a great way to pursue biophilic interior design.
Successfully growing plants indoors may require research at first. You’ll want to consider the amount of natural light in the room as well as the needs of the occupants. Make sure to check whether a particular species is toxic to humans and pets. The ASPCA website lists some plants safe for cats and dogs.
Whether you choose to keep it simple and bring a few potted palms or ferns into your home or create a vertical garden or wall art made of succulents, adding plants is a great way to soften a room and create a sense of peace.
Use Natural Materials
Another great biophilic interior design idea is to use natural materials in your décor. For instance, a woven basket filled with pinecones or stones makes a beautiful table centerpiece. A unique piece of reclaimed wood can be lovely lying on a shelf or hanging on the wall. Fill a tall, crystal vase with pebbles, shells or sea glass.
Exposed stone walls, clay flower pots or decorative pieces, or metal shaped into vines and leaves are among other materials that can add a biophilic presence to your home.
Draw Inspiration from Nature for Your Color Scheme
Colors can also be a great way to evoke a natural, biophilic interior design in your habitat. Think about the natural spaces where you feel most at peace and excited to be. What colors best represent them? A soothing sand tone and cheery turquoise create a bright, beachy feel. Deep oranges and pinks bring sunset to mind. Browse images online or peruse your own photo albums for inspiration. You can also check out our idea gallery. Choose colors that transport you to joyful times in the natural world. Let those colors dictate your color scheme.
Biophilic Design by Welcoming Sunlight
Natural light plays a significant role in biophilic interior design. Having access to sunlight in our homes helps us feel calmer, healthier, and happier. Therefore, make use of the natural light available in your living spaces. Try light-filtering curtains made of sheer fabric instead of heavy drapes. Or place a large mirror in a dark area to reflect natural light from an opposite window.
Need More Help with Biophilic Interior Design?
If you’re struggling to find practical, beautiful ways to harness the mood-boosting power of biophilic design in your home, I’m here to help. Contact me to create a concept board for your room or for a free twenty-minute consult on developing a custom design plan that’s right for you.