You may be wondering what biophilic interior design is. Well, it may be just what the doctor ordered! That is because you and I have just come out of the COVID pandemic- or the worst of it. And there is inflation to contend with now. So you may feel stressed because of inflation, excessive use of technology and work etc. Evidence suggests that nature helps alleviate this stress. A home where you can experience a piece of the outdoors is, therefore, more popular than ever.
A room incorporating biophilic design ideas is a great way to escape from the summer heat waves too!
As some of you know, I was a nurse. And I practiced as a psychiatric nurse for over four years. So anything that helps alleviate stress in your life and everyone else’s life is near and dear to me. So I am very interested in interior design styles that involve mental health. The trend discussed in this post is about that. This trend is known as biophilic interior design.
Biophilic design involves bringing the outdoors in too. It has become popular because research supports the claim that images depicting nature, such as wall art, can alleviate stress. Other interior design accessories such as tropical indoor plants and even cut flowers in a vase can achieve the same results. As a result, we have come to appreciate the power of nature to uplift and revitalize us.
Scientific Proof that Nature Alleviates Stress
Research has also shown that images depicting nature produce a calming atmosphere. They also reduce stress, improve cognitive function, spur creativity, and improve overall well-being.
For example, one of these research papers published by the Oxford Academic journal on 22 December 2005 states, “This paper presents a summary of empirical, theoretical and anecdotal evidence drawn from a literature review of the human health benefits of contact with nature. Initial findings indicate that nature plays a vital role in human health and well-being.” (Health Promotion International) Click the following link to read the full abstract and paper. https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/21/1/45/646436?login=false.
No wonder you may desire to reconnect with the natural, outside world. A walk in the forest or a garden is an ideal way to connect with nature. But you can achieve this using interior design too. Houseplants, greenery and cut flowers help you receive these health benefits too. A window garden view connects you with nature too. The breakfast room photo above is an example of how to use cut flowers and a window garden view to achieving this. This type of interior design is known as biophilic design.
Biophilic Design
Erich Fromm created the term “biophilia in 1964. He described it as the passionate love of all that is alive or a love of nature. Biophilic interior design, an extension of biophilia, incorporates natural materials, flowers, foliage plants, nature views and other experiences of the natural world into the interiors of your home. You may love nature because you sense it has health benefits. And you are right.
Stress is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders. You reduce it by spending time in a nature-oriented environment. Scientific evidence reveals that bringing the outdoors into your interior spaces has health benefits. These benefits include decreasing stress. What the scientists have found is now influencing the world of interior design. You and I love nature because it has physical and psychological health benefits. So we gravitate toward nature and want to bring it into our indoor spaces.
Idea #1: GO ALL IN ON GREENERY
Introducing live plants into your interior spaces is one way to incorporate biophilic interior design. Furthermore, nothing says summer like lush green leafy plants. Plants add a pop of green through their leaves. Given its connection with nature, the rise of green colours follows homeowners’ appetite for all things biophilic. So green foliage plants are popular right now. Plants help to liven up the room and will also purify the air. Foliage plants, such as tropical plants, are easy to move around. Besides, seeing your blooms and leaves grow brings a deep sense of fulfillment and joy.
I love indoor and outdoor plants for many reasons, including seeing them grow and thrive. I have a corn plant and an umbrella tree in my family room pictured above. And on the hearth sits a faux ivy plant which gets minimal light. So remember, there’s no shame in using artificial plants in spaces that get minimal light or if you have trouble keeping plants alive.
You can try decorating with tall, standing house plants, like a monstera or an umbrella plant. Many of them are easy to look after. For example, my umbrella plant is easy to look after. Also, these sturdy house plants are like living art, and they add a vibrant pop of colour to any room. If you don’t have a green thumb, try to use realistic-looking fake plants. That way, you can feel like you have a little piece of a garden in your home, yet never worry about forgetting to water the plants. Greenery is trending this summer and is an element of the biophilic design trend. So update your interior by incorporating real or faux plants in your rooms too.
Idea #2: Use Windows as Live Wall Art
Summer sheers block the harsh summer sun and let the summer breezes in. Click the following link if you want to find out more about summer sheers. https://lynteriors.wordpress.com/2022/06/06/sheers-for-
Your window, its view and the window treatments that frame the window also become live wall art during the summer season too. The above photo is an example of live wall art. You can see the lovely flowering tree from this homeowner’s window. If you have a lovely view of a garden from your window, open your curtains so you can see it. That is what my Aurora interior design customer loved to do with the sheer curtains I helped design for her. So bring the outdoors in thru a window with a lovely view. Open your sheers or curtains to create living wall art. Or, if the view out of your windows is obscured by curtains and drapery, consider removing and storing those extra layers for next winter. Bringing the outdoors in via the window as live wall art is another way to incorporate biophilic design.
Tips On How to Add Biophilic Interior Design Elements into Your Home:
- Introduce more live plants and flowers in vases
- Purchase artwork that immerses you in nature such as the abstract wall art of a tree with gold leaves that is in my family room pictured above
- Open curtains to bring in garden and forest views
If you want help incorporating biophilic design into your rooms feel free to contact me at 416 721 6217.
I, Lynn Asbury, am the owner of Lynteriors, an interior design firm based in Aurora, Ontario.
Lynteriors 