Environmental features to incorporate Biophilic Design into your home
Biophilic design is about creating a harmonious relationship with nature, so select elements that resonate with your personal style and preferences. Gradually incorporate these features into your home to create a space that is visually appealing, sustainable, and promotes well-being.
Color
Incorporating natural colors into your space can be an effective way to bring the outdoors in. Choose colors that mimic nature, use natural pigments, consider the psychology of color, use colors to define space, and use colors to highlight biophilic features. By doing so, you can create a space that is not only visually appealing but also promotes well-being and productivity.
Water
When incorporating water elements into a space, it is important to consider factors such as maintenance requirements, safety, and water conservation. Adding an indoor water feature, aquarium or a living wall with an integrated watering system are all ways to incorporate water into your home. I love this water lily fountain from Ferrisland.
Air
Ghost screens and folding and nesting doors create a truly outdoor living space out of this pool side patio. Use them on your next addition to create a seamless transition between interior and exterior!
Sunlight
Natural lighting is a preferred home feature and has been proven to be physically and psychologically rewarding; contributing to their health, productivity and well being. When creating your furniture layout, make sure to enhance your natural lighting by not blocking windows with larger pieces of furniture.
Plants
One of my favorite ways to incorporate interest and color into a space is by adding live plants and freshly cut branches or stems. You can find seasonal branches in your own back yard.
Animals
There are numerous animal motifs found in textiles, wallpapers and other decor. The cheetah print on this pillow is updated in a millennial pink hue that adds fresh interest to this outdoor seating area.
Natural Materials
You can incorporate natural materials through architectural finishes and furnishings. These wooden twist stools and bamboo flooring add warmth and variety to the space. The metal console table and natural stone lamps add depth to the nature inspired decor.
Views & Vistas
Maximize views into nature, specifically of water or vegetation is proven to be calming and motivating. This Den offers warm light from the nearly full height windows and a great view into nature.
Facade Greenery
The lobby of the ONE HOTEl in Nashville incorporates living, green walls both on the exterior and the interior of the building. A few of my favorite resources to incorporate this concept into your own home is Garden On the Wall.
Geology & Landscape
Geology and landscape can inspire natural patterns that can be incorporated into biophilic design. For example, the patterns of rock formations, tree bark, or the ripples on the surface of a lake can inspire designs for wallpaper, upholstery fabrics, or tile. This wall mural on hemp paper is inspired by flowing Magnolia tree branches and flowers.
Habitats & Ecosystems
Living walls and green roofs are two examples of how habitats and ecosystems can be integrated into biophilic design. Living walls are vertical gardens that can provide habitat for plants, insects, and birds, while green roofs can provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. You can start small by adding window boxes to your home or a rooftop garden!
Fire
The concept of fire and the natural patterns and elements associated with it can be used in various ways. Warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow can be associated with fire and can be used in interior design to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Patterns and lighting can also reflect the behavior of fire within a space and make it more inviting. This primary bedroom has a seating area adjacent to a built-in gas fireplace that gives off a warm glow.
