Biophilic design might sound like a trending buzzword, but the nature-inspired design movement is all about enhancing our health and wellbeing.
With a focus on our connection to nature, the holistic principles of biophilic design are a refreshing antidote to the fast-paced, built-up world that so many of us live in. We explore the concept of biophilic design and how to bring its wellbeing-enhancing elements into your home.
What is biophilic design?
Biophilic design stems from the concept of biophilia — the scientific theory which suggests that humans have an inherent need to connect with nature.
By incorporating natural elements into the spaces we inhabit — whether that’s our workplaces or living rooms — biophilic design acknowledges the importance of this deep-rooted connection to nature for our overall wellbeing.
Stephen R. Kellert, the author of Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life explains that the benefits to our wellbeing are what underpin the design philosophy, when he defines biophilic design as “an approach that fosters beneficial contact between people and nature in modern buildings and landscapes”.
In other words, biophilic design helps bring the benefits of nature into our modern buildings and lives.
The main principles of biophilic design
Since biophilic design is more of a design philosophy than a style, it can be challenging to pinpoint exactly what it looks like in a space.
For this reason, it can be helpful to think about the main principles of biophilic design, which include natural materials, organic shapes, ventilation, natural lighting and access to the outdoors.
In comparison to dark, badly ventilated spaces with artificial or synthetic materials, a room embracing biophilic design should have an abundance of natural lighting, big open windows offering fresh air and a view to some greenery, indoor plants and natural materials, such as wood or stone, in the furnishings.
What are the benefits of biophilic design?
Biophilic design places an emphasis on the elements of nature that directly benefit our health and wellbeing — in other words, you might not incorporate the hostile elements of a desert landscape into your home, but you might bring in the soothing elements of bubbling brook or gentle forest.
Research has shown that bringing the outdoors inside can have a positive impact on our mental and physical health.
One global study found that workspaces with natural elements have a 15% higher well-being score and a 6% higher productivity than workplaces that don’t.
The same study also found that offices with natural lighting and greenery even experienced fewer staff absences due to illnesses, while another study confirmed that indoor plants are associated with significant reductions in stress.
How to bring biophilic design into your home
Bringing the stress-reducing, productivity-enhancing benefits of biophilic design into your home is easy.
1. Natural lighting
You can start by simply opening your curtains to let more natural light into your space.
However, if there are rooms suffering from a lack of natural lighting, you might want to consider installing a skylight in those spaces.
If you’re building or renovating, then you might think about adding more or bigger windows (ideally with a view to water or greenery) to your property.
2. Indoor outdoor living
Biophilic design is all about creating a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors.
Many Australian homes already embrace flow with sliding doors commonly opening out onto decks and gardens, as well as outdoor kitchens and lounge areas making the most of our good weather.
However, those who live in apartments or smaller spaces might benefit from installing screens on their windows and balcony doors to encourage more fresh air flow throughout the space.
3. House plants
House plants are an affordable and rewarding way to bring biophilic design into your home.
However, for those who don’t have the time, energy or patience to look after a living plant, artificial plants will still grant you the benefits through their natural shapes, texture and colour — without the stress of trying to keep them alive.
4. Natural materials
You can easily bring biophilic design into your space by opting for natural materials, such as wood and stone, in your décor, furniture and building materials.
Being reminiscent of the natural world, these materials are more calming than highly processed materials such as plastic.
If you don’t have access to natural materials, opting for items in earthy natural colours is also an effective way of bringing biophilic design into your home.
The best biophilic products to shop
Best for: Countertops, bathrooms
Offering a native flora look, these artificial red gum leaf stems will fit effortlessly into any Australian home.
Sizes: 70cm
Colours: Green and Red
Materials: Artificial
Key features:
- Two stems
- Artificial
- Native gum leaves
Artificial fiddle leaf
$339, The Plants Project
Best for: Living rooms, bathrooms, empty corners
The fiddle leaf might be everyone’s favourite house plant, but its also notoriously difficult to keep alive.
This realistic-looking fiddle leaf is perfect for those who don’t have the time or energy to battle with the temperamental real thing.
Sizes: 110cm, 170cm
Colours: Green
Materials: Artificial
Key features:
- Two sizes available
- Real timber trunk
- Realistic leaves
Artificial olive tree
$589, The Plants Project
Best for: Living rooms, hallways, empty corners
With the rise of Mediterranean and French interiors, the elegant olive tree is the plant du jour and this low-maintenance artificial version will elevate any living space.
Sizes: 150cm, 170cm
Colours: Green
Materials: Artificial
Key features:
- Two sizes available
- Realistic bark and leaves
- Life-like olives
Bamboo Forest Print
$59, Outside In Co.
Best for: Biophilic artwork, wall art
The calming sight of this Arashiyama bamboo forest print will benefit those living in the inner city or without access to nature.
Sizes: A3, A2, A1
Colours: Green and Brown
Materials: 240 gsm matte paper
Key features:
- Multiple sizes available
- Matte paper
- Different frame colours available
Medium Clam Shell
$67, Saide
Best for: Countertops, centrepieces
Ocean lovers are guaranteed to benefit from the calming clam shape and resin texture of this stylish clam shell.
Sizes: 29.5cm x 19cm x 9.5cm
Colours: Natural, white
Materials: Resin
Key features:
- Coastal charm
- Clam shape
- Resin material
Stoneware mug
$65, Kinfolk and Co
Best for: Kitchen, coffee and tea
Enjoy the benefits of biophilic design with your morning cup of coffee with this Kinfolk and Co stoneware mug.
Sizes: 350mls
Colours: Dark stone/ Light stone
Materials: Stoneware clay
Key features:
- Stoneware
- Speckled clay
- Lead-free
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
