Biophilic Interior Design

Creating a healthier home for you.

Biophilic interior design is a concept that seeks to connect humans with nature and seeks to integrate elements of nature into built environments. By incorporating natural elements into our homes and workplaces, we can improve our mental and physical wellbeing. This approach is not only aesthetically pleasing but also scientifically proven to reduce stress, boost creativity, and enhance overall productivity. Imagine the feel good vibes after a lake swim, dip in the sea, or mountain hike - whilst we cannot promise the full effects of what you would get from spending time in nature, we can certainly help create a home or workspace that contributes positively to your wellbeing.

We can incorporate biophilic design into any design style, creating a timeless, sustainable design, that fits perfectly for you.

Image by Design@Studio17

The Science Behind Biophilic Design

Our innate connection to nature is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. Spending time in natural environments has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Biophilic design taps into this primal connection to create spaces that are both calming and invigorating.

Key Elements of Biophilic Design

To effectively incorporate biophilic design into your home, consider these key elements:

Natural Light:

• Maximise Natural Light: Positioning of furniture and décor to optimise natural light exposure. Careful consideration of colour within spaces can also maximise the amount and tone of natural daylight that a space has.

• Biophilic Lighting: Use lighting that mimics natural daylight cycles to regulate circadian rhythms. There is so much technology available to use in your home to your advantage. We love incorporating smart lighting functions that allow you to have timers to move you through the day parts and develop different moods for different times of day. As always, we would never advocate for using the ‘big light’ to rouse you from your slumber, but would look to using a combination of lamps and other lighting throughout your home to set your morning mood, gently waking you up. The same tech can also be used to set schedules for lighting in the afternoon and evening which encourage you to wind down and be ready for bed.

Images by Design@Studio17

Natural Materials:

• Wood: Incorporate wood elements like furniture, flooring, and wall panelling.

• Stone: Use stone accents in countertops, backsplashes, or flooring.

• Natural Fibres: Opt for fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool for upholstery and curtains.

Images by Design@Studio17

Plants:

• Indoor Plants: Introduce a variety of indoor plants to purify the air and add a touch of green. For those who may not necessarily label themselves as particularly green-fingered, we have a top tip for keeping indoor plants healthy…a weekly shower in the tub. Gather your houseplants together in a shower or bathtub to give them a watering. There are at least 3 great benefits to this approach; first, it's a great way to prevent pests, second, it improves leaf elasticity and cleans plants' leaves from dust; and last but not least – it prevents plants from drying out. Be sure to let them drain properly before returning them to their pots around your home.

• Outdoor Views: Design spaces that offer views of nature, such as gardens, trees, or water bodies. If there’s a gorgeous view from a room in your home, we’d advise designing this space around how best to encourage use of it, so you get the benefit of the outdoors, while still being indoors. A beautiful countryside view should be appreciated at every opportunity in a country cottage kitchen.

Biophilic design elements - for those that prefer a more utilitarian or industrial vibe.

AI Image by Design@Studio17

Natural Patterns and Textures:

• Naturally Occurring Patterns: Use patterns inspired by nature, like leaf veins or ripple patterns. These patterns should be used sparingly, and placement needs to be carefully considered to get maximum effect, without these influences feeling overly obvious. Sticking to the most natural version of these patterns also makes a place feel more luxurious and truer to biophilic design; where possible, we prefer always using the real thing, rather than products designed to imitate naturally occurring beauty.

• Natural Textures: Incorporate textures like wood grain, stone, or wicker.

The pared back brick and natural wood help create a sanctuary of relaxation.

Image by Design@Studio17

Water Features:

• Indoor Features: Bathrooms are a perfect space within your home to incorporate biophilic elements which will help transform your bathroom into an indoor oasis. Consider playing with the presence of water to evoke the sensation of streams and waterfalls; a rainfall style shower perfectly imitates a natural wonder and can hugely contribute to creating your very own botanical base.

• Outdoor Features: Design your outdoor space to include elements like ponds, streams, or birdbaths. While most people may think of a pristine clean-edged blue pool for swimming, you can also achieve more natural looking pool spaces which merge into their surroundings and create a habitat for wildlife and a wonderfully inviting space for swimming in. Often naturally filtered by using oxygenating planting, a ‘swimming pond’ is a great, chemical-free option if you’re a fan of outdoor swimming.

Image by gartenart.co.uk

Practical Tips for Incorporating Biophilic Design

• Start Small: Begin with simple changes, like adding a few potted plants or incorporating natural materials into your décor.

• Choose Low-Maintenance Plants: Opt for plants that are easy to care for, such as snake plants, peace lilies, or succulents. While house plants are a great way to bring the outdoors into our homes, for those who have any furry family members, some plants we use to brighten up our houses can be dangerous to our pets. There is a whole host of information online of which plants, both indoor and outdoor, are toxic to pets; so we’d always advise that you check suitability of any you are considering for your home, before buying.

• Consider the Layout: Arrange furniture to create natural flow and maximise views of nature.

• Use Natural Colours: Incorporate colours inspired by nature, such as earthy tones, greens, and blues.

• Bring the Outdoors In: Open windows and doors to allow fresh air and natural light to circulate. Selecting the right kind of window dressings can also help you make the most of natural light; although having lots of window treatments looks great in Victorian homes with huge windows, take care in selecting dressings for smaller windows to make sure you don’t block out daylight.

A room that simply incorporates natural elements and hues to create a haven of relaxation

A kitchen scheme that has incorporated biophilic design through stone, wooden beams & planting

Images by Design@Studio17

Benefits of Biophilic Design

By embracing biophilic design, you can experience a range of benefits, including:

• Improved Mental Health: Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression

• Enhanced Cognitive Function: Increased creativity, focus, and problem-solving skills

• Boosted Physical Health: Lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and improved air quality

• Increased Productivity: Higher levels of job satisfaction and overall performance

• Stronger Connection to Nature: A deeper appreciation for the natural world

By incorporating these elements into your home, you can create a space that is not only beautiful but also promotes wellbeing and harmony. Remember, even small changes can make a significant difference in your overall quality of life. As you embrace biophilic design, you'll experience the numerous benefits of connecting with nature, right in the comfort of your own home.

You don't always need a full redesign to gain the benefits of biophilic design, but we do recommend that where you are doing full renovations, that you always ensure that your architect, interior designer, and builder collaborate at the early stages to ensure your design scheme enhances they way your home looks, feels and functions; your home should be your cocoon of calm. #detailsmatter