Modern life has made humans increasingly disconnected from nature, so it’s not surprising that there is an epidemic of stress and loneliness. It’s nature that makes you feel grounded, and reduces feelings of fear and anger. It’s nature that helps you cope with difficult emotions, and alleviates your suffering. Nature has healing powers, and that’s no secret for anyone. Can you recall the last time you went on a hike? You probably experienced a sense of peace and joy during that moment. Unfortunately, connecting with nature is hard when living in the city, and escaping to the mountains isn’t always achievable when juggling many responsibilities daily.
But what if we told you there is a way to feel connected to nature without leaving your home? That’s right – you can do so by incorporating biophilic design into your living space. Biophilia is about nurturing your relationship with nature through elements that improve air quality, heart rate, airflow, and overall health. Some of the most common elements that are part of a biophilic design include sunlight, plants, natural materials, and the presence of water. Not only such a design will make your home look absolutely stunning, but it will positively impact your health in many ways, contributing to your emotional regulation, improving your well-being, and reducing indoor pollutants, to name just a few. If you want to learn how to create a nature-inspired interior, check out our tips below.
Add plants to the décor
One of the best ways to bring nature into your home is to incorporate plants, purifying the indoor air and improving your well-being. You can designate a spot for them inside or hang them on your balcony if you have one. There are many beautiful outdoor planters that will help you turn your balcony into a green oasis. If you don’t have any experience in gardening, that shouldn’t stop you from adding plants to your home. Luckily, there are also plants for novices, and they are low-maintenance, such as cacti and succulents.
On the other hand, if you have more experience with gardening, you will want to get creative when decorating your home. Start by choosing the right planters, and then consider drawing inspiration to arrange your houseplants so they can thrive. Make sure to research living conditions and care recommendations for any plant you decide to add to your home.
Let natural light in
Ample light plays a role in balancing your hormones and producing oxytocin (the hormone responsible for the good feelings you experience). Given its tremendous benefits, it only makes sense to ensure it enters your home as much as possible. And one of the simplest ways to do so is to use blinds rather than curtains.
Also, you can remove obstacles from the window sills as a way to clear areas and enhance the amount of natural light. Heavy drapes prevent natural light from getting into your home, so make sure to opt for shears instead, as they have a lighter colour. You can also replicate natural light using scones, floor lamps, and candles.
Use a natural colour palette
Another way to create a biophilic design is to draw inspiration from nature when choosing a colour scheme. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you should limit your options to rich greens and earthy tones. You can use myriad colours, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
If you have difficulty sticking to a unique colour palette, think of your favourite natural environment. This could be the beach, which you instantly associate with blue tones and soothing beige. Or, you might think of the ever-changing colours of the sky or the warmer hues of the desert. Take the natural world as your cue, and mimic those elements in your home to generate positive feelings.
Include natural elements
Biophilic design goes beyond decorating with plants – you can achieve the desired result by adding colours, textures and shapes into your home that replicate those in nature. This will help you create a soothing aesthetic, making you feel inspired and connected with the outdoors.
For example, you can opt for leather, wood, and stone materials and incorporate organic shades in your colour schemes. This is a simple and inexpensive way to promote the calming properties of biophilic design in your home.
Turn a blank wall into a green oasis
The indoor living wall is one of the primary elements of biophilic designs, offering an innovative approach to home décor. Not only does it offer enhanced visual interest, but it also provides numerous benefits, reducing noise levels and enhancing air quality. You can design a living wall in a few steps and start by planning the layout first. In order to do so, examine the available space in your home, the lighting options, and what type of plants you would like to use for the living wall. The choice of plants is one of the most important aspects, so you should consider it carefully.
Some options homeowners prefer for indoor living walls include pothos, ivy, succulents, spider plants, and peace lilies, which stand out for their aesthetic appeal and adaptability. You can enhance the aesthetics of the living wall by adding decorative elements, such as hanging ornaments or small sculptures or adding LED lighting.
Conclusion
Incorporating biophilic design into your home is one of the best ways to increase your connection with the natural world (which is crucial in today’s society). You’ll reap plenty of benefits from doing this, as your physical and mental health will improve. Besides, your home will have a stunning look!
Also, embracing biophilic design will reduce your carbon footprint by adding plants and natural elements to your living space. The planet will be happier, and you will be happier. So, what are you waiting for? Use the tips above and bring the outdoors to your home.