Biophilic Interior Design: How to Bring Nature Indoors

Incorporating elements of nature into our lives has gained a lot of traction in home and office design. Building on nature's positive impact on our health and well-being, biophilic design incorporates natural elements that can increase productivity and creativity by reducing stress levels. In this post, we look at the biophilic design concept and offer tips for incorporating this design into your home.

What is biophilic design?

Biophilic design connects people with nature by incorporating nature's elements into a design. The goal is to create a space that feels more like a natural setting and less like a traditional indoor environment. You can accomplish this in several ways, such as using materials that mimic nature, incorporating plants and greenery into the design, and using natural light wherever possible.

Biophilic design has been shown to have many benefits, including reducing stress levels, improving cognitive function, and promoting creativity. Biophilic design provides a much-needed opportunity to reconnect with the natural world in a world increasingly disconnected from nature.

How to incorporate biophilic design into your home

The concept of biophilic design is all about connecting with nature. You can do that in several ways, including bringing nature inside your home and adding natural elements to your outdoor areas.

Add plants and lots of them

Adding plants is one of the easiest ways to incorporate nature into your home. Flowers, herbs and plants look great and add tranquility and freshness to your home. They are also great for purifying the air and reducing stress by creating a more relaxing environment.

You can add plants to every room in your home, including the bathroom. Select plants that do well in humid environments and don’t need a lot of maintenance. You can also create vertical green walls, terrariums and herb gardens to add variety and interest to your decor. If you're not particularly green-thumbed, opt for low-maintenance varieties like succulents or snake plants.

Let in the light

One of the best ways to feel connected to nature is by maximizing natural light in your home. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to bring a biophilic touch to your interiors. Open the curtains and ensure your windows are not blocked by furniture and large items.

Open your windows and let in the fresh air. Not only will it make you feel better, but it will also freshen up your home. In addition to windows, you can consider adding skylights to bring more natural light inside. If you have a limited number of windows, consider adding mirrors and reflective materials that reflect the light and brighten your home.

Use natural elements

Connecting with nature isn’t just about plants and light. By incorporating natural materials into your home, you can still create a connection with nature. Think of materials like wood, stone, granite and bamboo in your finishings and furniture, or things like seashells, sticks and rocks as decorations.

Natural fabrics and colors also help to connect with nature. Woven baskets, throws, carpets and drapes made from raw materials are a great way to feel connected to nature even if you don’t have a lot of space.

Incorporate water features

Much like the concept of feng shui, adding water to your home interior is another great way to connect with nature. Simply hearing or watching the water move is a great way to destress and relax. You can easily incorporate water into your home by adding a small aquarium, water wall or table fountain.

If you don’t have a lot of space, consider adding mirrors, images of water, or even listening to falling rain or waterfall. The idea is to harness nature’s sounds and channel them into your home.

Create an outdoor space

Spending time outdoors has a positive impact on our health. If you have a garden or outdoor space, you can create a comfortable and relaxing area to unwind and entertain. But you don’t need a garden to create an enjoyable outdoor space.

Creating a comfortable space allows you to enjoy your outdoor spaces and improve your well-being. Balconies, patios and courtyards are also great places to enjoy nature. Adding comfortable furniture and plants can automatically enhance your space and create a connection with nature.

By incorporating biophilic design into your home, you can enjoy all the benefits nature offers. Using natural materials, bringing in plants and creating a connection to the outdoors creates a healthy and relaxing home where you can unwind and take care of your well-being.