Biophilia (bio·phil·ia): a hypothetical human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in Nature : a desire or tendency to commune with Nature (Merriam-Webster.com).
A human tendency or desire to interact and commune with nature? This isn’t a new thing. People have been adding plants and plant/animal imagery to buildings for thousands of years. From acanthus leaves on Ancient Greek temples to Medieval tapestries of deer in a forest, to Victorian conservatories, we have a history of incorporating Nature into our structures. Heard of Art Nouveau or Boho Design Styles? Biophilic Interior Design focuses on the human connection between a built environment and Nature. A biophilic home brings nature to us.
The flames dance as you stoke the crackling branches and coals. The scent of the pine forest surrounds you as you watch the sunset through the clearing. The waves crash on the nearby shore as you wrap a wool blanket around your shoulders. Your canine companion nestles against your side and you gently tug on his velvety ears. You breathe in the ocean breeze that enters your forest campsite and rustles leaves. Sunset gives way to a violet twilight that soon becomes an indigo expanse. The sky is freckled with stars and the full moon captivates your view. Tranquility and contentment descend upon you.
Camping holidays are great for a reset, but that isn’t everyday life, is it? Most of us spend the majority of our days inside a building and at the least, our nights. Surrounded by walls and a roof, we’re protected from weather and predators, but somewhat cut off from Vature. To remedy that, we should bring some elements of Vature into the buildings we spend time in. Why? It’ll make you feel better.
Research studies are increasingly showing that Biophilic Interior Design has a positive impact on the occupants of those spaces.
Mental well-being is greatly influenced by our surroundings, and stress-related illnesses are on the rise. Connectedness to Nature greatly affects our moods and behaviour. Exposure to nature improves cognitive function and creativity. Mental clarity and a reduction in stress leads to better physical health.
But how do we apply biophilic design? How do we create a biophilic home that supports well-being?
Creating a biophilic home is all about integrating Nature into your living spaces in ways that foster well-being, balance, and tranquility. Here’s how to apply biophilic design principles to transform your home into a peaceful, nurturing, Nature-inspired retreat:
KEY FEATURES OF BIOPHILIC HOME DESIGN:
- Maximise natural light
- Incorporate indoor plants
- Use natural materials
- Introduce water elements
- Views of Nature
- Design for natural airflow
- Integrate organic patterns and shapes
- Embrace natural colour palettes
- Design spaces for relaxation and reflection
1. Maximize Natural Light For a Biophilic Home
The first thing to help create a biophilic home is to bring in as much daylight into your space as possible. If you’re building new or renovating, opt for large windows, skylights, and open layouts. There are easier fixes to let natural light into existing homes. Use light-coloured curtains that let light diffuse into the space. Add mirrors to bounce natural light throughout your space. And burn a few candles in the evening rather than using harsh overhead lights.
Well-being Benefits: Exposure to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, boosts mood, and enhances focus.
2. A Biophilic Home Always Incorporates Indoor Plants
A biophilic home is always covered in houseplants. Plants are the easiest way to bring Nature in to a built environment. Choose a variety of plants suited to your environment and green-thumb capabilities. Local plant nurseries will have a variety of options in an indoor section. If plants die when you look at them get faux houseplants or add plant imagery to the space (placebo effect). And/or add cut flower or greenery arrangements.
Well-being Benefits: Plants purify air, reduce stress, and increase feelings of calm and relaxation.
3. Use Natural Materials
Biophilic homes invoke the senses. Layer in natural textures for a cosy and organic sensory experience. Incorporate wood, stone, bamboo, or cork into your furniture, floors, and decor. Use linen, cotton, or wool textiles for cushions, curtains or bedding. Lime-wash your walls or put up grass-cloth wallpaper.
Well-being Benefits: Natural materials create a grounding, earthy atmosphere, promoting relaxation and a sense of connection to Nature.
4. Introduce Water Elements
Many biophilic home environments will include a water feature of some kind. This one is a little more difficult for most homes. The sound of water creates a soothing ambience, but we don’t all have space for an infinity wall. But you can add a small tabletop fountain on a bookshelf, or an aquarium. Or even a babbling faux rock water feature outside a window. You could also play water soundtracks on YouTube for background ambience.
Well-being Benefits: Water features reduce stress and promote tranquility, mimicking the calming effects of Nature.
5. Optimise Views of Nature
A view of Nature is essential in biophilic home design. Studies show that simply looking at natural scenes can lower the stress hormone cortisol and promote relaxation. Natural environments offer a type of “soft fascination”. This gives the brain a break from the constant focus and decision-making demands of everyday life. Our attention is captured without overwhelming our senses, leading to mental restoration. Lowering cortisol levels helps improve focus and creativity.
Regular exposure to Nature, even through a window, increases the production of serotonin, the brain’s “happiness” chemical. And yes, the placebo effect works here too – if you don’t have a pretty garden view, a landscape painting or large photograph will do.
Well-being Benefits: Visual connections to Nature can reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity.
6. Design Your Biophilic Home for Natural Airflow
Natural airflow is highly beneficial for the home environment. Indoor air quality is greatly improved by circulating fresh air and reducing pollutants. In the biophilic home, fresh air uplifts enclosed spaces and balances humidity levels.
Natural airflow creates a more energizing living space that aligns with Nature’s rhythms. It’s healthier for all inhabitants. Proper ventilation reduces respiratory issues and can discourage the growth of mould.
Open windows and use ceiling fans to promote air circulation. With new builds and renovations consider open floor plans or large doors that let fresh air flow through the home.
Well-being Benefits: Fresh air improves air quality, boosts energy levels, and enhances cognitive function.
7. Integrate Organic Patterns and Shapes
Incorporate organic shapes and patterns in your biophilic home. These shapes mimic the natural forms found in nature, (leaves, flowers, shells, and waves). Organic shapes and patterns enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space. They create a calming, harmonious environment that promotes relaxation. Occupants will feel more connected to the natural world.
Think wavy, flowing shapes or textures that mimic tree bark, leaves, or water ripples. Consider patterns like honeycombs or flower petals in fabrics or wall art.
Well-being Benefits: These shapes connect us to nature’s subtle patterns, stimulating creativity and calming the mind.
8. Biophilic Homes Embrace Natural Colour Palettes
A biophilic home uses a natural colour palette to evoke the calming and restorative qualities of nature. Hues that mirror natural landscapes evoke a sense of peace. Earthy neutral shades like brown, taupe, cream, ochre and green. Muted tones of soft sea blues and dusty sunset pink create a soothing atmosphere. These calming colours promote relaxation, and strengthen the connection between indoor spaces and the natural world. They uplift your mood.
Want to know more about colours that uplift your mood? Have a look at these 6 Colours That Improve Your Mood At Home
Well-being Benefits: Nature-inspired colours calm the mind and create a harmonious, restorative environment.
9. Design Spaces for Relaxation and Reflection
To design a biophilic home for relaxation and reflection, create quiet, comfortable spaces. Use cosy seating, soft natural lighting, and calming decor. Use natural materials, calming colours, and incorporate natural elements to enhance tranquility. These spaces should be inviting, peaceful, and free from distractions. Create serene spaces for reading, meditating, or simply relaxing. Encourage mindfulness and rest.
Well-being Benefits: Providing these sanctuary spaces enhances mindfulness and mental wellness.
In conclusion, creating a biophilic home is about more than aesthetics. about creating a living environment that fosters well-being by reconnecting us with nature. By integrating the natural elements discussed above, we bring Nature inside and create biophilic interiors. Biophilic interiors promote relaxation, mental clarity, and overall health. By using thoughtful design options that mimic nature, a biophilic home provides a constant connection to the natural world.
Biophilic homes help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost creativity. Simple changes can transform your home into a sanctuary that enriches everyday life. By incorporating biophilic elements, you both design a beautiful home and craft a space that promotes holistic well-being. Align your home with nature’s rhythms and energy. Creating a nurturing haven.
Check out some examples of biophilic rooms below for some inspiration.
