In today’s world, it’s easy to feel disconnected from nature. And what’s the problem with that?
Well, spending time in nature has numerous health benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Meaning: we need to get more nature time in our lives.
That’s why today you’ll learn how biophilic interior design can positively impact your mental health and a few practical ways to make it part of your surroundings.
Plus, you’ll learn what biophilic interior design actually is and discover a great place to get the resources you need to transform your space into a nature-inspired home, sweet home.
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What is biophilic interior design?
Biophilic interior design is a concept that incorporates natural elements into indoor spaces to create a more calming and relaxing environment. The term “biophilia” comes from the Greek words “bios,” meaning life, and “philia,” meaning love, and refers to the innate human connection with nature.
Biophilic interior design aims to mimic the natural environment by incorporating natural light, plants, water features, and natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo.
Biophilic design aims to create a space that connects people with nature and promotes a sense of calm and relaxation. This can be especially important in urban environments with limited access to natural elements. Biophilic interior design can help improve mental health and well-being by bringing nature indoors.
Why is biophilic interior design good for mood?
Studies have shown that exposure to nature can positively impact mood and mental health. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that exposure to natural environments can help to reduce stress and improve mood. Another study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that views of nature can reduce anxiety and improve attention.
Biophilic design incorporates natural elements into indoor spaces, which can help to create a sense of calm and relaxation.
Biophilic interior design can help you improve your mood and well-being by incorporating natural elements into indoor spaces and nature-inspired goods.
Types of biophilic design
There are several types of biophilic design, including:
- Natural materials: Biophilic design incorporates raw materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo. These materials can create a sense of warmth and comfort in indoor spaces.
- Natural light: Natural light exposure has numerous health benefits, including regulating circadian rhythms, improving mood, and reducing symptoms of depression. The biophilic interior design incorporates natural light into indoor spaces by maximizing windows and using natural light sources such as skylights.
- Water features: Water features such as fountains and aquariums can create a calming environment and promote relaxation. They can also help to improve indoor air quality.
- Plants: Incorporating plants into indoor spaces is one of the most popular biophilic design elements. Plants can enhance air quality, reduce stress levels, and promote a connection with nature. Some indoor plants that work well include snake plants, spider plants, and peace lilies.
- Natural patterns and colors: Biophilic design can incorporate natural patterns and colors like wood grain, stone texture, and earthy tones. These elements can create a sense of calm and relaxation in indoor spaces.
How to implement biophilic design at home?
We all love that feeling of warmth that comes with genuinely loving our home. Make it easier for you by incorporating these quick tips for lovely, nature-inspired surroundings:
- Add plants and greenery: Adding plants to the home can help to improve air quality and reduce stress levels. Consider adding potted plants to rooms or creating a vertical garden.
- Maximize natural light: Natural light can help to regulate circadian rhythms and improve mood. Make sure to maximize windows and use natural light sources such as skylights. If natural light is limited, consider using full-spectrum light bulbs.
- Use natural materials: Incorporating raw materials such as wood and stone can create a sense of warmth and comfort in the home. Consider using natural materials in furniture, flooring, and decor.
- Create a water feature: A water feature such as a fountain or aquarium can create a calming environment and promote relaxation. It can also help to improve indoor air quality.
- Incorporate natural patterns and colors: Using natural patterns and colors such as wood grain and earthy tones can create a sense of calm and relaxation in the home.
3 types of products for biophilic design at home and a great place to get them
For a great job, you need excellent resources. In this section, you’ll find the 3 types of products you should prioritize for a nature-inspired interior design. All the photos -and items- are from Wild Wings, an excellent brand with over 50 years of experience making nature part of people’s homes.
You can check them out here.
Nature-inspired artwork
When incorporating nature into interior design, artwork can be a powerful tool. From landscape paintings to wildlife photography, a carefully selected piece of art can add a distinct and peaceful touch to any room in your home. Incorporating artwork reflecting the natural world is necessary if you’re aiming for a biophilic design.
Not only can it create a calming atmosphere, but it can also help to bring the outside in and reinforce your connection with nature.
Nature-inspired kitchen accessories
Nature-inspired elements in your kitchen can help you create a warm and inviting atmosphere that promotes relaxation and well-being. It could be rustic wooden cutting boards or handmade pottery and woven baskets. Your options are almost endless.
And not only do these accessories look beautiful, but they can also serve a practical purpose. For example, wooden utensils are durable, long-lasting, and gentle on cookware. So, if you want to create a biophilic kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, that’s the way.
Modern nature-inspired furnishing
This is for those who love the idea of bringing the outdoors in. With sleek lines and natural elements like wood, stone, and metal, these furnishings create a beautiful blend of modern and natural styles that transform any space into a peaceful retreat.
Whether you’re looking for a live-edge dining table, a woven chair, or a stone accent piece, incorporating modern, nature-inspired furnishings can be what you’re home is missing.
We Wish You Zen
Overall, biophilic interior design is a concept that can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. It can help you promote calm and peace in your life.
Use these simple tips to make the biophilic design the new essence of your house so you can start reaping the benefits for your mood of a connection with nature, even when you’re not outside.