What is Biophilic Design?
The average person spends an estimated 90 percent of their time indoors, both at home and work according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Due to this reason, humans seek out ways to make their indoor surroundings more natural. Biophilic design comes to the rescue. It uses décor, materials, and design edifices to bridge this gap between people and the natural environment.
Biophilic designs have the capacity to improve human life in several ways. They reaffirm our human connection to nature. At the same time, they evoke a sense of balance and refuge in our spaces, and increase productivity in work environments, according to experts.
1. Bring in the Light
When incorporating biophilic design into your home, you have to be careful about possible light blockages. It is essential to create as much light and sight outside as possible. You have to remove objects that block windows and prevent daylight.
2. Choose Natural Flooring
Instead of installing carpet, synthetics, or plastics, you can pave way for flooring made of wood, bamboo or cork. Since we tend to wear shoes outside, this is an opportunity to feel the natural world beneath our feet at least at home.
3. Hang Plants High
A key biophilic attribute is to evoke a sense of growth and change over time. So, you can challenge gravity by hanging plants and vines from the ceiling.
4. Fill up the Emptiness with Large Plants
This is a very simple method that you can use to bring in the biophilic impact indoors. You can arrange bigger plants in earthy containers such as rattan. Then these can be used to spruce up dead spaces in corners.
5. Mimic Nature using Textiles
You can easily and creatively add fabrics, artwork, and wall coverings that have texture and simple patterns. These will assist you to mimic the richness of information our eyes are accustomed to in nature. Nature is kaleidoscope of colors and patterns. Therefore, those looking to enhance their homes with biophilic design should consider integrating patterns and visual variety into their design scheme.
6. Incorporate Natural Hues
Decorating in natural hues will create a sense of biophilia throughout your home. You can create this by painting an accent wall in soothing sky blue, by choosing a green shade for bedding and throw pillows. Enhance the natural look by incorporating unfinished earthenware and wood furniture into your decor which will definitely add more uniqueness.
7. Create a Mindful Layout
A sense of balance can be evoked at your home by designing a layout which is both balanced and symmetrical. It will reduce your stress. In a living room, for example, symmetry can be accomplished architecturally by flanking a fireplace with two built-in cabinets. A sofa on one side of the fireplace can be balanced out by two chairs on the other side.
8. Celebrate Curves
The shapes you incorporate into your home are just as important as the materials and fabrics in biophilic environments. Curves in our built environment or furniture have the strength to bring out a positive human reaction. This is because of their resemblance to the natural shapes found in nature.
9. Welcome Water
Water is one of the most fundamental aspects of the natural world, but it is often overlooked when it comes to home design.
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“Biophilic design choices boost the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, decrease stress levels, and encourage a sense of well-being,” says Elisco. Moving water, for instance, creates negative ionization which promotes physiological stimulation to the human body. Adding a fountain feature to your entry space, for example, is one easy way to achieve this stimulation.
