According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the meaning of biophilia is the inborn affinity human beings have for other forms of life. This means that humans naturally love other living things and the natural world. Biophilia means connecting our living spaces with the outside world when incorporated into interior design.
According to the good people at Triple Heart Design, biophilia interior design impacts emotion improves healing, and positively reduces stress. This is why so many people turn to nature and use natural resources when decorating their living spaces. Biophilic design is also commonly used in workspaces because it improves mood. It can then have a positive impact on productivity.
What are the Basic Elements of Biophilic Design?
When incorporating biophilic design into a home, some basic principles or elements should be included. For example, you must use environmental features such as plants, water, and natural materials. Sunlight, fresh air, and specific colors can also invoke a sense of harmony within a building. Some people will even incorporate feature walls that include nature-inspired designs.
Biophilic design tends to move away from rigid shapes and forms and will instead utilize more natural features in the way they flow. This means that plans will usually include conditions such as ovals and curves. You are more likely to see features like arches, columns, spirals, and shells in a biophilic-designed building.
Since the natural world is full of light and space, these are two essential elements featured in biophilic interior design. Clever designers can use a variety of lighting tricks to create the illusion of natural light in homes that do not have huge windows.
In addition to visual stimuli such as shapes and colors, features that stimulate other senses, such as smell, touch, and hearing, are also used. This might include water features, fresh-cut flowers, and gentle breezes.
The Benefits of Biophilic Design
More and more people are discovering the benefits of biophilia and how it can be incorporated into various environments such as the home, workplace, and even hospitality venues. Humans have an innate desire to be at one with nature, and bringing the outside in can positively impact our mental and physical health.
Biophilic design is considered to be therapeutic, providing a calming effect on those around it. This helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Using natural materials in the home is also great for the environment while also helping to reduce one’s carbon footprint.
Biophilic design helps create a calming atmosphere, improving health and reducing staff absence when used in the workplace. Placing plants in a work environment helps to purify the air, which improves mood and focus. Staff is known to be much more productive when working in surroundings that have elements of nature.
Easy Tips for Incorporating Biophilic Features in Your Home
- Maximize light where possible by drawing back curtains and opening blinds fully. Open windows to allow air to flow through the home.
- Add houseplants that are easy to look after and suited to the available lighter. You check whether pets are suitable around pets if you have them.
- Consider growing herbs in your kitchen. You can cultivate a mini garden on your kitchen windowsill.
- Natural lavender oil in a diffuser helps induce calm and relaxation feelings. Other essential oils, such as eucalyptus, are great for relieving coughs and colds in the winter.