Let me start this out by saying I’m not a huge nature person. I’m not someone who craves being in the great outdoors all the time. Most of the time, I’m very content in a concrete jungle. But I will say, even as a hesitant partaker in nature, I can absolutely acknowledge the psychological benefits. So I was really intrigued with this design concept I heard of several months ago, called biophilic design.
There’s a reason why people love having so many plants in their house. It connects your space to nature.
Biophilic design is all about fulfilling our biological and psychological need to “be one” with nature – through modern design. This, in turn, enhances our mental and physical wellbeing.
It’s been proven to reduce stress, clear your mind, enhance creativity, and even speed up physical healing. Did you know that even having photos of nature in a hospital room can help patients heal faster?
so what does biophilic design look like?
Biophilic design is more than just plants.
Sure, bringing plants and greenery into your space is awesome. And I’m a sucker for a good plant wall. But there are so many other ways to introduce this concept into design in both more creative and subtle ways.
One way that I have been personally introducing this concept in a small way into my own home is bringing in more natural materials, such as wood and stone.
I have been especially obsessed with wood the last year or so.
In addition to the actual, physical natural objects, you can mimic natural patterns that occur in nature. You see this a lot in architecture, where they mimic the waves of the ocean or of the living organisms of a cell in the design of the building.
But it can also be seen in everyday interiors. Sculptures or artwork that bring to mind elements of nature. A rug with the same texture as coral. Basically anything with the same essence of nature.
But biophilic design can also be not quite as concrete. It can also be a window that spans the whole length of the wall looking out onto beautiful nature views.
Auditory cues also connect your space to nature, such as sounds of wind and falling water. There can also be smells of nature to ground you — why do you think “rain” is such a popular candle scent?
coming from a city girl at heart…
What I’ve realized is that you don’t have to be a “nature person” to enjoy the benefits of nature that we’re literally hardwired to receive.
And honestly, when nature is incorporated into interiors, that means you get to enjoy the benefits even if you don’t want to be out among the dirt and the bugs.
Some of the best design I’ve ever come across usually employs at least a couple of tactics of biophilic design.
Whether it’s in the stunning architecture, a “living wall” full of ivy and moss, an indoor waterfall that’s sound is immediately calming, or even just the fresh smells of nature. The impact is tangible. This can be useful in creating a relaxing, inviting home and an inspiring workplace alike.
It’s definitely been picking up steam in both residential and commercial design the last several years.
want to incorporate biophilic design in your own home?
You can introduce biophilic design into your home in both small and large ways. I listed some great products below to help you on your journey in incorporating more nature into your home.
keep it homey, homies
Your Complete Guide to Interior Design Trends
Want to know more about where interior design trends come from, who decides them, why some stick while others don’t, and how to apply them while maintaining your own personal style? Check out my complete guide blog post.
About me
Hey my name’s Hannah Michelle Lambert, the voice behind homey homies. I’m an LA-based designer, writer, and content strategist. I’m passionate about the intersection of productivity and creativity. I love talking about creative habits, technology, processes, and everything in between that helps me blend the Type A and Type B parts of my brain.
I seriously love your blog.. Great colors & theme.
Did you develop this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my
very own site and would like to know where you got this from or what the theme is called.
Many thanks!
Thank you so much! It’s actually one of the free themes on here called “Fashion Lifestyle”