Biophilic design is an innovative approach that embraces the connection between humans and nature, seeking to integrate natural elements into our living spaces. By incorporating biophilic design principles into your home, you can create a harmonious environment that promotes well-being, reduces stress, and enhances productivity. This article explores seven practical ways to implement the biophilic design, from maximising natural light to utilising natural materials and textures such as engineered wood flooring.
What exactly is biophilic design?
Biophilic design is an architectural and interior decor concept that emphasises including nature in our built environments. It recognises the innate human desire to connect with nature and aims to create spaces that foster that connection. The principles of biophilic design can be categorised into six main areas.
The 6 principles of biophilic design
Natural light
Maximising natural light in your home can significantly impact your well-being, mood, and overall health. Allowing sunlight to flood into a room is one of the best ways to lift your mood. So remove heavy drapes and let natural light shine through.
Plants
Incorporating plants into your living spaces brings the outdoors inside, adds visual appeal, improves air quality, and creates a calming atmosphere.
Natural materials and textures
Natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo can create a tactile connection with nature, which is helpful for mental well-being.
Views and access to nature
Designing spaces that offer views of nature or easy access to outdoor areas can provide a sense of tranquillity and relaxation.
Water features
The sound and movement of water in features such as Indoor fountains or aquariums can evoke a soothing effect.
Natural colours and patterns
Incorporating earthy colours and patterns inspired by nature creates a sense of grounding and harmony in your home.
Seven tips for incorporating biophilic design into your home
1. Maximise natural light
Remove heavy curtains and blinds and opt for light-filtering shades or sheer curtains to allow natural light to flood your space. Consider installing skylights or large windows to bring in more daylight. To amplify the effect, strategically position mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger, brighter space. Also, avoid blocking windows with furniture or accessories that obstruct the outside view. By embracing natural light, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a healthier and more inviting living environment.
2. Buy Indoor plants
House plants are one of the most potent elements of biophilic design. They add visual appeal, improve air quality, and create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Choose various indoor plants that thrive in your home’s specific conditions, such as low-light or high-humidity areas. Consider hanging planters or wall-mounted shelves for smaller spaces to display your greenery and save valuable floor space. Group plants together to create lush focal points that mimic natural environments. Additionally, incorporate plants with different textures and sizes to add depth and visual interest to your interior.
3. Use Natural materials and textures
Natural materials and textures play a significant role in biophilic design, and engineered wood flooring is an excellent example. Engineered wood flooring captures the beauty of natural hardwood while offering enhanced durability and stability. Its authentic wood grain and texture create a warm and inviting ambience, connecting your home to nature. With various options like oak, maple, and walnut, engineered wood flooring provides a sustainable and visually appealing choice that brings the essence of the outdoors into your living space.
4. Allow for views and access to nature
Views and access to nature are essential aspects of biophilic design. Designing spaces that offer views of natural landscapes, such as gardens or scenic vistas, can provide a calm feeling and connection with the outdoors. Additionally, creating easy access to outdoor areas, such as designing a patio or balcony space, allows for a seamless transition between inside and outside environments. This integration with nature promotes a sense of well-being and encourages spending time in natural settings, fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
5. Use water features
Water features in the home add a calming touch to the overall ambience. Whether it’s a small indoor fountain, a tabletop water feature, or even an aquarium, the presence of water can create a sense of tranquillity and serenity. The sound of gently flowing water and the sight of its movement evokes a connection to nature, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Water features also add visual interest and serve as focal points, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.
6. Use natural patterns and colours
Incorporating natural colours and textures in your home design can create a calming and grounding atmosphere. Earthy tones like browns, greens, and blues evoke a sense of connection to nature. Natural textures like wood, stone, and woven textiles add depth and tactile appeal to your space. Consider long plank wood, chevron, or herringbone flooring, bringing elegance and texture to any room. From using natural fibre rugs to incorporating wooden furniture and stone accents, these elements add a sense of warmth, authenticity, and harmony, creating a welcoming environment that embraces the beauty of the natural world.
7. Use nature-inspired art and décor
Nature-inspired art and decor bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home, infusing it with a sense of serenity and harmony. From landscape paintings and botanical prints to sculptures and natural materials like shells or driftwood, these elements create a visual connection with nature. Nature-inspired art and decor can evoke a calming effect, promote a sense of grounding, and add a touch of organic beauty to your living spaces. They act as reminders of the natural world and bring a sense of tranquillity into your daily life.
Enjoy the positive impact of biophilic design
Incorporating biophilic design principles into your home can have a transformative effect on your well-being. By maximising natural light, adding indoor plants, utilising natural materials, and creating views and access to nature, you can create a space that promotes a sense of calm, connection, and harmony with the natural world. Embrace the beauty and benefits of biophilic design in your home, and enjoy its positive impact on your daily life.
Natural wood flooring is one of the best ways to connect with nature in your home. Changing the floor immediately alters the ambience and aesthetic of any room; however, traditional hardwood floors look beautiful but are relatively costly and require regular maintenance. So it’s no wonder many choose engineered wood flooring as a stylish and resilient home option.
Engineered wood flooring is available in a wide variety of colours and patterns, including fashionable chevron flooring and herringbone designs. Made of multiple layers of natural wood and plywood, it resists moisture and temperature fluctuations better than solid wood. Other advantages include easy installation, durability and compatibility with underfloor heating.
At Wood Flooring Ireland, we provide beautiful bespoke natural wood flooring in various finishes and colours, supplying customers in Cork and across Ireland. To find out more, you are very welcome to call to our Cork showroom at any time or fill out our contact form.