The Natural World Artistry of Biophilic Interior Design
Let’s face it. We live in an increasingly fast-paced, urbanized world that limits our time and access to the natural world. Human health demands access to nature. Studies have shown that exposure to nature positively benefits overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, studies have also shown that Americans, on average, spend 90 percent of their time indoors, to the detriment of their health. The question becomes how to find a better, healthier balance between the urban and natural worlds.
One solution is to incorporate biophilic interior design principles into built environments. Biophilic design is aesthetically pleasing, environmentally conscious, and provides many health benefits, but that’s just scratching the surface.
What is biophilic interior design?
Translated from its Greek roots, ‘biophilic’ literally means “love of life.” Biophilic interior design is a comprehensive, sustainable approach using natural light, organic shapes, earthy textures, views of nature, and other techniques to create a multi-sensory living experience. Together, biophilic design elements blend indoors and outdoors to improve mental, physical, and emotional health in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
What are examples of biophilic design?
- Access to outdoor spaces and fresh air
- Natural light sources and views of nature
- Indoor plants and green walls
- Natural and neutral color palettes
- Choosing natural materials and organic textures
- Incorporating water elements indoors
What is the psychology behind biophilic design?
As human beings, we’re wired to respond positively to nature. Connecting to nature stimulates the senses, fosters a sense of calm, and boosts creativity and productivity. Studies have shown that exposure to nature–even in an indoor setting–can reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve cognitive function and overall health. Biophilic design is as basic as “bringing the outdoors in” to create a better balance for living your best life. It’s the “how” that matters the most and offers the widest range of style choices, ranging from quietly elegant to charmingly rustic.
What are the shapes of biophilic design?
Nature in the space, fractals/natural patterns, and the nature of the space are the three main categories of shapes you’ll find in biophilic design. Picture nature’s wonderful abstracts and symmetries–from beehives, leaves, and flowers to the sweeping majesty and visual interest of rock formations. These shapes all offer the chance to create texture and visual interest.
What are the colors for biophilic design?
Incorporating colors inspired by nature—such as greens, blues, yellows, ochres, and earthy browns—creates a space that feels balanced and inviting. The versatility, hues, and richness of natural color palettes help visually connect the indoors to shades of the outside world. Bottom line: They naturally look and feel good.
What brands are biophilic design?
While well-known companies/brands such as Etsy, Amazon, Nike, Microsoft, and Airbnb have incorporated biophilic design into corporate spaces, retail biophilic brands can encompass everything from high-end luxury pieces to rustic craftsmanship. It’s all in the natural materials, colors, textures, and design aesthetics. As demand for sustainable biophilic design continues to grow, we’ll see more dedicated biophilic brands in our online and retail shopping experiences.
Is biophilic design expensive?
The cost of biophilic design depends on the circumstances. It can be expensive, especially if you’re renovating existing structures or buying high-quality designer goods. However, it can also be quite cost-effective and offers the ultimate form of wealth: positive health benefits. Shopping for biophilic design elements for your home can be as simple as a trip to a plant or paint store or as enticing as scrolling through Etsy or Pinterest for artisanal inspiration and customization.
What are the disadvantages of biophilic design?
Biophilic design offers a wealth of advantages and health benefits; however, some aspects can be more challenging or cost-prohibitive to undertake in existing space. It all comes down to building infrastructure. For instance, installing skylights, water features, or green walls or creating access to outdoor spaces can mean significant renovations and may not be possible due to structural limitations. Luckily, more sustainable spaces are being built with biophilic design from the ground up.
What materials are used in biophilic style?
Materials like wood, cork, bamboo, stone, glass, and clay foster a tactile connection to the natural world. Materials with textures that mimic organic forms of nature, such as wood grain patterns and stone finishes, are cornerstones of biophilic style.
Woven textiles of hemp, organic cotton, linen, and rattan also enhance the warmth and authenticity of interior spaces. Biophilic materials and textures can also be adapted to suit many different interior design styles.
What is biophilic lighting?
Biophilic lighting mimics the natural patterns and cycles of light in nature but indoors. Light naturally shifts in color and intensity throughout the day, and it’s these patterns that help regulate our body’s natural circadian rhythm– the signals natural light triggers in our brains throughout the day and night. Just as in nature, biophilic lighting helps signal when it’s time to relax and go to sleep and when it’s time to get up and meet the day.
How can I make my home biophilic?
Embrace the natural world! Bringing actual, live greenery into your home is one of the simplest ways to incorporate biophilic elements. Indoor plants, hanging gardens, and green walls create a direct connection to nature, improve air quality, and add vibrancy to a space.
Choose natural color palettes for your spaces to visually connect to nature. From paint colors and bio-patterned wallpaper to textured finishes, it’s easy to make your home biophilic in its design.
Choose natural fibers and textures. Avoid harsh lighting in favor of natural light whenever possible. Choose natural light temperature bulbs for use in electric lighting, and install dimmer switches that help mimic the phases of natural light.
Indoor water features also provide gentle background sounds that further connect and ground people to the natural environment. The sight, sounds, and smell of water can have a calming effect on the mind, making H2O a valuable element in biophilic design.
What are the benefits of biophilic interior design?
- Stress Reduction: Nature’s role in stress reduction is well-documented. By incorporating elements such as natural light, fresh air, and views of nature, biophilic design can create spaces that help lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation.
- Better Physical Health: Beyond psychological benefits, biophilic design positively affects physical health. Access to fresh air, natural light, and improved indoor air quality all contribute to a healthier environment. Biophilic lighting helps regulate circadian rhythms, which are crucial for restful sleep.
- Enhanced Focus and Creativity: Natural elements stimulate cognitive functions and foster creativity, which is why so many technology and design companies and creative offices embrace biophilic elements in their workspaces. And with more people working from home than ever before, it makes sense to incorporate biophilic design into home environments.
- Increased Productivity: A workplace with biophilic elements encourages productivity by reducing fatigue and enhancing overall satisfaction. Numerous studies have found that employees exposed to nature-based design elements tend to have higher job satisfaction and lower absenteeism rates.
