How to Bring Biophilic Design Into Your Space
Biophilic Design & Why it is so Important
Have you ever been on a nature walk and felt the calming atmosphere of the plants? Well, plants have the same affect when in your space. I know that personally I feel more at home and at peace when I am in nature, and that extends to when I am in a space with lots of plants. That is the effect of biophilic design. What exactly is biophilic design? Biophilic design is the use of natural elements to create a relationship with the environment within a space, this means fresh air/ good air quality, plants, natural stone, wood, metals and more. As it turns out, many people have been feeling the negative effects on their physical & mental health due to the lack of time spent in nature since the pandemic. The need to quarantine, stay inside, and be in our homes most of the time, has caused people to feel the need to bring more greenery into their spaces.
More Elements of Biophilic Design Include:
Plants/ Vegetation
Landscapes
Blended Indoors & Outdoors
Light
Natural Scents
Water
Natural/ Local Materials
Shelter/ Privacy
It is easy to overlook plants when thinking of design, though it is one of the best ways to make a space feel cozy, like home, and give a space personality. Have you ever been in a space, and it somehow just feels like there is something off, something dull, sterile, or like there is something missing? Well, most times the answer is that it was missing plants. Bringing life into a room through plants makes it feel more hopeful, relaxing, and promotes a stress free atmosphere. This is the exact reason why people have felt the need to bring greenery into their spaces since the pandemic caused everyone to spend so much time indoors. People are missing the contact with the environment, fresh air, greenery, and life itself. So, what better way to accommodate for that than bringing life inside!
So, lets dive in more about what make plants such an important role in Interior Design. Interior design is all about creating a space that allows you to be the best version of yourself. Which means, bringing the things that positively affect our mental health into our spaces. Biophilic design, and natural elements play a vital part in how we feel.
Some of the benefits of biophilic design include:
Improved short term memory & concentration
Lower inflammation & cortisol levels
Stronger immune system
Reduce stress & anxiety
Improves sleep
Improve air quality
Improved mental health
If you want to add something to your space to positively affect your mental health, try some biophilic elements like these inspiration designs! It could be a more subtle use like these first images.
Or you could go crazy and create a space with a super cool use of plants like these inspiration designs!
Plants are not just being used to soften a space or used as decorative accents anymore, they are being used to bring life and a positive atmosphere of growth to a space and to your life. The possibilities of ways to incorporate plants into a design or space can go on and on. Here are some examples:
On a shelf
On a table as a focal point
Empty corners
In the bathroom
On the kitchen counter
I could really go on and on, in my opinion a plant is always a good idea. However, biophilic design does not consist of only the use of plants. It also includes other natural materials and elements like good air quality through great windows, natural stone in tile, countertops or furniture, wood in flooring, shelving, or furniture, natural scents like fresh linen or eucalyptus.
Though the main message to get across about biophilic design is really incorporating things into your space that are going to make you the happiest version of yourself. Most humans naturally have a gravitational positive effect from the exposure of nature or natural materials and elements, though prioritizing you, what makes you happy, and the things you enjoy to make your life the best it can be for yourself if the ultimate goal behind biophilic design. Do what makes you happy!
