What is Biophilic Design in Interior Design?
Biophilic Design or green architecture may be new concepts to you so let me explain. Biophilia translates to “love of nature.” As humans, we have an instinctive need to be surrounded by nature. We naturally gravitate towards the outdoors, fresh air, greenery, living things, and flowing water. This relationship between humans and nature is not only visual, it affects people’s physical and mental health, work productivity, fitness, and overall wellbeing. So why are we only now realizing the importance of our connection with nature? Why does this seem like such a new concept? These questions aren’t exactly easy to answer but I think it has to do with the fact that people are spending more time in buildings than ever before. We are not able to get as much outdoor time as we need because it does not fit with modern lifestyles. This is why so many employers and designers are trying to figure out how to bring nature indoors to positively impact our daily lives. Biophilic design in interior design can range from over the top with massive living walls (a wall partially or fully covered in greenery), expensive lighting technology to mimic daylight or nature scenes, and monumental water features to everyday house plants. I tend to gravitate towards something that is more realistic to maintain and install. Natural elements are important but it should not be a huge production.
Ways to Incorporate Natural Elements in Our Homes
Now that you know what biophilic design is and why it benefits our well being, it is time to learn to incorporate it into our homes. I know what you are thinking: “How on earth am I going to maintain a living wall? I kill anything that looks remotely green.” This is a valid question and I understand people have lives so I am going to come out and say that a living wall is not the only element to biophilic design. If you feel your space is lacking in biophilic design, you can incorporate natural components into your space in the following ways:
1. Natural & Artificial Plants
The good news is, plants of any kind, whether they are fake or real will provide a biophilic effect. Of course fake plants will not improve air quality, reduce dust, mold, and CO2 levels in the same way that real plants do but just seeing natural looking elements, can improve our moods and brain function.
2. Use Natural Materials Whenever Possible
The real thing is always better than the imitation! Natural materials are often more long lasting that their synthetic counterparts as well. Opt for wood, cork, stone and granite whenever possible to get an extra dose of nature. You can even enhance your space with a landscape portrait or by incorporating a small water feature.
3. Take Advantage of Daylight Hours
Artificial lights are a necessary part of modern homes as it supports our 24/7 on-the-go lifestyles but they can sometimes cause eyestrain and cause us to feel more tired by messing with our natural biorhythms. Be sure to choose window coverings that diffuse light from your windows instead of block it so you can take advantage of natural daylight. This is especially important to consider in rooms that you spend a majority of your time. Home offices should always have a window near to prevent headaches and keep us at our happiest.
4. Use Color Schemes & Patterns Inspired by Nature
The sea, sky, clouds and earth are all great examples of color schemes that we can take inspiration from when deciding what color palettes will create more natural living environments. You can also get inspiration from the colors of fruits and vegetables or even your favorite animal. This means, earth tones, blues and white are all great choices. Texture and shape are also something to be considered. Try to choose more organic shapes that would naturally occur in nature as opposed to perfectly straight angular pieces.
I hope you were able to gather some ideas to bring the sensation of nature into your space!
Also, consider that you do not have to go over the top. If clean modern style is what you prefer, then incorporate biophilic elements that make sense in your space and coordinate with your décor. It is all about creating a space that that makes you happy in the end!
All of my thoughts and effort are incorporated in my design projects in the San Francisco Bay Area. Check out my work at Yoko Oda Interior Design.
Happy decorating!
*Featured image credit: Corporate Design Interiors.
