What is Biophilic Design?
Although it has only truly exploded in popularity in the last few years, the term “biophilic design” was coined by Stephen Kellert back in the early 2000s. Simply, it refers to the incorporation of nature and natural forms into our living spaces.
Beyond aesthetic appeal, biophilic design has proven benefits for our mental and physical health. It can reduce stress levels, increase productivity, reduce pollution and noise levels and help to balance our circadian rhythms. Today, it is estimated that we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, making the benefits of biophilic design more pronounced than ever. So how can you incorporate biophilic design into your home, your office or living space?
Embrace the jungle
The most effective way to embrace biophilic design is to invest in some houseplants. Certain plants can offer different qualities, for example, snake plants emit oxygen at night which can help you sleep better.
When picking your plants, make sure to note their care instructions- sturdier plants will be able to withstand the heat of the kitchen best. Of course, if you’re not such a greenthumb , cacti are very low maintenance and (nearly) unkillable.
Some great sites to start your botanical collection are Patch, that has curated sets for each room, and Forest, which not only offers a huge range of plants but also beautiful homeware that “bring nature into your home.”
2. Flora & Fauna & Furnishings
With the huge surge in the popularity of biophilic design, there has come a growth in animal and plant-inspired home furnishings. Some of our favourite brands are Limited Abode, Chelsom and Porta Romana. Whether you want a striking statement, like the Elephant Table, something whimsical or a delicate nod to nature, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few of our favourites to inspire your imagination.
3. Cast in Stone
Using natural materials, or those which invoke nature, is another more subtle way of incorporating biophilic design into your space. Oak wardrobes provide a warm and inviting element with their rich grain and earthy tones, connecting you to nature indoors. Meanwhile, marble countertops, which we used for Bhageecha’s Passiflora Bar (see above) offer elegance and a touch of luxury, mimicking the beauty of natural stone formations. Together, these materials not only add sophistication to your space but also evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony, blurring the lines between the indoors and outdoors.
4. Let the Light In
Finally, big windows and skylights are a great way to get more natural light into your space, truly inviting the outside in, as well as making rooms look bigger and brighter.
Not only do they enhance the aesthetic appeal by creating an open and airy atmosphere, but they also have significant health advantages. Natural light can improve mood and productivity, regulate sleep patterns and reduce the reliance on artificial lighting, thus conserving energy.
Building these features can be quite an investment (but very worthwhile). In the meantime, try rearranging your furniture away from windows to let in all the light possible.
