The end of summer is often associated with closing down the home in preparation for the colder months. However, rather than trying to shut nature out, why not incorporate more natural elements into the home to help you improve your interior design and provide your mental and physical health with a boost? We have shared some simple ways that you can achieve this without having to revamp everything – take a look now.
What is Biophilic Design?
Have you ever heard of biophilia or biophilic design? Put simply; biophilia is a term that describes the love of nature and all things natural. As humans, we are intrinsically linked with the natural world, and many of us find peace from taking time out in nature. Biophilic design is when we take that love of nature and use it to inform the design of things such as our homes. Evidence proves that biophilic design creates peaceful and calming spaces that we can enjoy all year round.
What are the Key Benefits of Biophilic Design?
Aside from creating calm and peace, biophilic design is used to help humans stay in touch with nature when we are unable to get outside. It is also seen to offer a range of health benefits, including:
- Stress reduction
- Enhanced mood
- Increased cognitive abilities
- Reduction in anxiety and depression
How to Incorporate Biophilic Design
If you are keen to incorporate biophilic design into your home, then the following suggestions will help you to get started:
Opt for Natural Materials
Picking furniture made from natural materials is a great way to create a connection with the world from the comfort of your own home. Wooden furniture, leatherwork, cotton linens and dried flowers are all simple choices that can have a big impact. If you aren’t convinced, then think about the peace you feel when you are out in nature and then consider the power of bringing that into your own home!
Pick Calming and Organic Colours
Colour schemes are often a source of stress as you will be keen to create a comfortable environment that reflects who you are. To achieve a natural look, you should pick out colours that are earthy and neutral so that your walls are not invading the room. This does not mean that you shouldn’t include other colours, but these should be used when accessorising and creating accents and are best chosen from nature – such as blue for the sea or green and even orange and pink.
Choose Furniture with a Rustic Feel
When you pick out new furniture for your home, picking natural wood options will not just give you natural vibes, but it will create a rustic feel no matter where you live. Bare wood not only creates a natural feel but it provides a stunning interior look that will provide a focal point for discussion when you have visitors.
Accessorise with Natural Fabrics
When your home has been decorated and furnished with biophilia in mind, you should use the same inspiration to help you accessorise. Opt for seagrass mats in dining spaces, earthenware for your dinner sets and dried grasses and flowers for decoration to brighten up key items of furniture.
Draw in Lots of Light
Even when the weather turns sour, having large windows or bi-fold doors is a great way to draw in natural light that will keep you feeling great and provide you with that much-needed vitamin D. It is also a great way to reduce the amount of time that you need to use artificial lights and gives you the ability to let fresh air in whenever you need it.
Think About Water
We all know that hydration is a key element in life, but adding the sound of water in a home can also provide a calming effect and a link to nature. From indoor fountains to air purifiers that bubble and release calming scents, you will soon be able to close your eyes and get transported to the outdoors from the comfort of your own home.
Enjoy Cleaner Air with Plants
Our final tip for transforming your home into a biophilic paradise is to invest in some interior plants. From tall and short plants to large leaves and small, there are plants to suit all tastes. If you are keen to get the very best results from your plants, then choose air purifying options that will help you to sleep better and clean the air that you breathe.
Enjoy Nature Your Way
Whether you want to use all our tips or just a few, biophilic design is a great way to help you connect with Mother Nature in a way that suits your individual style. Take some time to plan out the changes you want to make, and then enjoy seeing your natural home take shape. Once it is complete, you will feel more calm and peaceful than you do right now!