Bio-what? When I first found out about this trend I couldn’t help but think the term sounded so…clinical. And realistically, it kind of is. Not in terms of the excessive minimalism that has become so profound in clinical settings, but rather that it focuses on reconnecting us with nature in a healing kind of way.
Biophilia is the human tendency to be close to or interact with nature (in Greek, bio = life and philia = love of). It is hypothesized that the concept is actually ingrained into our DNA and that humans compulsively seek out the elements of the natural world. This could be potentially due to evolutionary factors. We didn’t always live in such urban environments- we used to be much more connected with nature when we survived simply for the basic necessities of food, water, and shelter.
Although it’s still up for debate whether or not our craving for nature is a predisposition, the fact that nature provides a wide variety of health benefits is not. Which is why biophilic design has become so popular- it’s an approach that aims to incorporate natural elements into indoor spaces to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and maintain that connection with the outdoors.
Here are the top key elements of biophilic design:
Natural Light
I’ve talked about it before, and I’ll talk about it again (I may just scream it from the rooftops)…maximize your natural light! Exposure to sunlight helps your body naturally produce vitamin D (which gives you energy), it regulates your circadian rhythm (better sleep), and lowers your blood pressure (plus so much more).
How to Maximize:
Large windows and an open floor plan will set the stage for ample light in your home. If you don’t have these options, try sheer window coverings or utilizing mirrors inside to reflect light deeper into your home.
Greenery
Plants are master filtration systems, absorbing natural pollutants in the air and releasing clean, fresh oxygen. Aside from improving air quality, caring for plants reduces stress, improves your well-being, and can even improve cognitive function. If you don’t have a green thumb, even artificial plants will work! Research has shown faux foliage can improve mood, productivity, and focus.
How to Do It:
- Try adding potted plants around your home (they don’t have to be big!). They also don’t have to necessarily be placed in a window. There are plenty of varieties that don’t require much maintenance and love indirect light.
- Vertical gardens could work well in a kitchen if you have the space, but are definitely doable on a back porch. (This works REALLY well for apartments or small balconies.)
- Using fresh herbs as a table centerpiece is not only functional, but provides a mild, enjoyable aroma to the space.
- If you do an image web search of biophilic design, you will see picture upon picture of moss walls. These are beautiful and definitely make you feel immersed in nature. But know, there are different ways to go about this, and while they may have a substantial effect on your mood, they can also have a substantial effect on your wallet. If you are thinking about creating a LIVE moss wall in your home, you better be prepared for the care and money it requires. Living walls require regular watering (just imagine how to execute that in your home) as well as fertilization and natural light. If done properly, though, they can last up to 25 years! If you aren’t down for all of that expense and care (like me) you can opt for preserved moss, which requires no watering, light, or irrigation.
Natural Materials
Incorporating natural materials into your home will do more than bring warmth and texture into your space- they actually have an ecological advantage because they typically don’t require much energy to manufacture and transport. Studies are also starting to show that exposure to wood elements in your home can lower cortisol (the leading hormone that contributes to stress), lower blood pressure and heart rate, and even improve focus and concentration. Stone has its own share of health benefits. Because it is natural, it doesn’t release the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that many synthetic materials do. This is a beneficial characteristic that can improve air quality and respiratory health. Stone is also non-porous, so it is less likely to harbor dust mites or mold. Some types of stone, like granite, are actually antimicrobial because of the minerals they contain.
How to Reap the Benefits:
- Wood: This natural material can literally be installed anywhere in your home. Cabinets, wall paneling, and floors are all popular choices for incorporating wood, and because there are so many types and colors, it’s easy to find one (or several) that will fit your aesthetic. If you want to bring wood into your home without a big spend, try wooden decor like bowls or trays, wooden-based lamps, or wall art like wooden carvings or wall hangings. You can even find some pretty cool (and cheap) furniture pieces at your local thrift store.
- Stone: Stone is a great element that gives a feel of deliberate thoughtfulness. Exposed stone is great for fireplace surrounds or even a dramatic feature wall. Natural stone tiles are a beautiful choice for flooring anywhere in the home, while small pebbles or river rock adds a meditative feel in showers or patios. Stone used for countertops or tabletops bring durability and cleanliness (especially those with those antimicrobial qualities!). Again, if you’re wanting to add the look on budget, opt for stone decorative items like vases, bowls, or sculptures.
Organic Shapes and Colors
Nature is rarely rigid, so incorporating soft, curving shapes into your home can increase your connectivity with the outside environment. Unlike sharp, geometric lines, organic forms can increase relaxation, calmness, and a sense of comfort. They can also flow throughout a space, which draws the eye to the entirety of the room.
Color therapy (a relatively new area of research) suggests that the colors we surround ourselves with inside our home can affect our emotional and mental health as well as our overall well being. Colors can invoke different feelings and attitudes depending on the shade you use:
Red: Increases heart rate and energy. Use in moderation though, because reds can come on strong. Opt for deep reds, like burgundy.
Orange: Shades like terracotta and burnt orange can promote social interaction and enthusiasm.
Yellow: Depending on the hue you use, yellow can also come on strong. Go for mustards or sunflower yellow to improve happiness, stimulate brain function, and enhance positivity.
Green: Green is going to be the number one color that reminds us of nature. Sage and olive green can reduce eye strain and promote healing. Darker, deeper greens help balance energy and relaxation.
Blue: All different shades of blue can lower blood pressure, promote tranquility, and improve your focus.
Purple: Purples tend to stimulate creativity and introspection. Try eggplant or plum shades.
Blacks and Greys: These can add drama, sophistication, and elegance while making you feel more grounded. Use black sparingly.
Neutrals: Lighter shades like beige and sand can promote peace and also a grounding space. Darker hues like tan, chocolate, or caramel can encourage warmth and stability.
White: White will inevitably increase the brightness while also promoting cleanliness.
Get the Look:
- Embrace sofas, tables, and chairs with soft, flowing lines. Use natural, freeform shapes in your artwork and decor. In fact, incorporate actual natural elements like floral patterns or botanical prints in your art.
- All colors are present in nature to some degree, but biophilic design suggests you should mimic those colors in your home to the same degree. Earthy browns, gentle greens, and sky/ocean blues are definitely go-tos in this type of design, as they are the most present when you walk outside. Other colors can be used as accents or with a muted hue to promote calmness. Also, with the way color can affect your mood, be deliberate with where you are using these colors. Relaxing colors like navy blue, forest green, and light neutrals are great for bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices. Uplifting colors like reds, yellows, and oranges work best in kitchens, dining rooms, and creative spaces. Living rooms and reading nooks do well with grounding colors like chocolate, terracotta, or deep greens.
Water Features
Studies have shown that the sound of water flowing reduces epinephrine and cortisol (those stress inducing hormones) and can calm anxiety. Water can also capture and contain harmful pollutants in the air. Furthermore, water releases negative ions into the air which is believed to increase serotonin levels, which alleviate depression and boost energy.
How to Use This Element:
Try bringing in indoor fountains and waterfalls. You can find small, tabletop versions very easily online or at your local homestore (I’ve even found them at the dollar store!). Aquariums are also a great way to incorporate a water feature that doubles as a visual statement piece. Patios and decks are awesome places to install a Tsukubai (zen water basin) or a small koi pond.
Biophilic design is taking the interior design world by storm! Places like offices and hospitals are moving towards the use of these elements to reduce stress and promote healing, so why not bring it into our own home as well? We spend our downtime at home decompressing and recharging, so it makes sense to incorporate as many healing elements as possible.
Do you have an awesome trick to connect on a deeper level with nature inside your home? Do you have questions? Comment down below!