Understanding Biophilic Design and how to apply it

Biophilic design is a hot topic in the interior design world at the moment. But the concept is neither new, nor is it likely to be a passing trend.

What is Biophilic design?
Biophilic design is designing with a connection to nature and is usually applied to architecture and interior design.

Why is it so hot right now?
With increased awareness of wellness, Biophilic design is a hot topic because there are scientific studies to prove that designing your environment in this way is good for you. This is because being closer to nature puts you in a peaceful state which means your body recovers from stresses more quickly. It can reduce stress levels and blood pressure, and it can improve the air quality around you which in turn increases productivity by regulating sleep, boosting energy and improving creativity.

Biophilic interior design
When it comes to Biophilic interior design, this means that the design has a direct and indirect connection with nature through use of colours, textures plants and trees, fresh air, natural materials, water and natural shapes.

How to incorporate biophilic design into your space:

Plants:
An abundance of plants will improve the air quality and have a calming effect on those using the space. Plant walls are particularly conducive to this, but house plants and preserved moss walls are also effective.

Light:
Incorporating lots of natural light through windows and skylights increases productivity, regulates sleep and boosts energy. If you’re struggling to get enough natural light into a room, you could use mirrors to reflect the light from windows around the room.

You can even incorporate electrical lighting into biophilic design by mimicking the levels of light you would see in nature. Such as using amber bulbs in the bedroom so that you’re avoiding harsh bright white lights first thing in the morning and in the evening, when natural light levels are low. Layering the lighting in the rest of the house to have lower light levels in the evening, through table lamps, floor lamps, dimmer switches and diffusers. And if considering a new lighting system, incorporating an element of automated circadian lighting or adjustable LEDs so that the warmth of the light can change depending on the time of day.

Colour:
Choose colours from nature, especially those that have a calming effect, such as blues and greens and neutrals. That doesn’t mean you can’t add vibrancy through natural yellows oranges, and even pinks and purples.

Materials and shapes:
Use natural materials and textures, such as wood, stone, silk, leather and other materials as close to their natural state as possible. Opt for natural shapes and organic lines over straight edges, sharp corners and high gloss.

Source sustainably:
Another important aspect is, where possible, choosing products that have been sustainably sourced or produced, so they have a positive or neutral impacts on the planet. Considering natural and non toxic paints such as Graphenstone which have a personal benefit for users but also don’t have as harmful impact on the planet as many other paint brands.

Check out my Biophilic Design Pinterest board for more inspiration and ideas