Your home should be your sanctuary. You should be able to walk in the front door, kick off your shoes, and breathe a sigh of relief after a long day outside--but poorly applied interior design principles can prevent you from feeling the ease that you deserve.
An interior design trend called "biophilic design" has been picking up steam as a means of bringing peace into homes, offices, and retail stores. Biophilic design stems from the concept of biophilia, or the innate human affinity for nature. Going for a walk outside is a proven mood booster, and research shows that exposure to natural elements can have psychological and physiological benefits, even when said exposure happens indoors.
Benefits of biophilic design include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety.
- Improved cognitive function and creativity.
- Improved mood and overall sense of wellbeing
- Enhance healing and recovery from illness.
- Increase productivity in work settings.
One study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that office workers with plants in their workspace reported a 15% higher level of wellbeing than those without any greenery. They also demonstrated higher levels of creativity and productivity.
Below, you'll find five elements of biophilic design that you can incorporate into your home design to decrease stress and live a better life.
Greenery
Incorporate plants, living green walls, or even small indoor gardens to bring the beauty and benefits of nature into your space. Choose plant species that thrive in your environment and light conditions.
Pothos, snake plants, and ZZ plants are great low-maintenance options for beginners or those with less-than-ideal lighting. If you have ample natural light, consider statement plants like the trendy fiddle leaf fig or bird of paradise.
Living green walls make a stunning focal point and maximize vertical space. Mix ferns, pothos, and philodendron for a lush, textured look. Or go for a modern, minimalist style with a single species planted in a geometric pattern.
Small indoor gardens are perfect for herb and vegetable lovers. Grow basil, mint, and thyme on a sunny kitchen windowsill, or create a miniature succulent landscape in a terrarium.
Natural Materials
When selecting furniture, decor, and textiles, opt for natural, organic materials that evoke the textures and elements found in nature. Wood, stone, clay, wool, cotton, and linen are all excellent choices that create a sense of warmth and connection to the earth.
Reclaimed wood furniture adds rustic charm and tells a story of sustainability. Live-edge tables and shelves celebrate the unique shapes and grain patterns of each tree. Stone accents like marble coasters or agate bookends bring a touch of geological beauty indoors.
Woven baskets, jute rugs, and chunky knit blankets add cozy, natural texture to a space. Choose organic fabrics like cotton, wool, and linen for curtains, throw pillows, and bedding. These materials are not only eco-friendly but also have a timeless, natural appeal.
When displaying nature-themed art prints, consider frames made from natural materials like wood or bamboo. Gallery walls mixing botanical prints, landscape photography, and abstract nature art create a stunning visual centerpiece. Prints on natural fabrics like canvas or linen complement the organic textures in the room.
Avoid synthetic materials whenever possible, as they can disrupt the natural harmony of a biophilic space. Instead, surround yourself with elements that feel as though they've been plucked directly from nature, including nature-inspired art prints that transport you to serene outdoor settings.
Natural Light
Maximize natural daylight in your space with plenty of windows, skylights, or even a solarium. Sunlight is a key element of biophilic design, as it helps regulate our circadian rhythms, boosts mood, and connects us to the outdoors.
Position windows to capture the most daylight possible, and consider adding skylights to rooms with limited exterior walls. A solarium or sunroom with floor-to-ceiling windows creates an immersive experience that blurs the line between indoors and out.
When privacy is a concern, use sheer window coverings like linen curtains or translucent cellular shades to allow soft, filtered light to fill the room. This gentle, diffused illumination creates a serene ambiance that complements nature-inspired decor.
To enhance the natural light in your space, choose a color palette of soft, muted earth tones that reflect the light. Pale greens, blues, and neutrals evoke an airy, open feel. Hang mirrors strategically to bounce daylight deeper into the room.
Nature-themed art prints can also help amplify the sense of natural light in a space. Look for prints with bright, sun-drenched scenes like golden hour landscapes, light filtering through forest canopies, or close-ups of dewy leaves. Abstract prints with soft, gradient colors can mimic the effect of light shifting throughout the day.
When displaying nature art prints, consider placing them near windows or in well-lit areas to maximize their visual impact. The interplay of natural light on the artwork creates a dynamic, immersive effect that enhances the biophilic experience.
Organic Shapes
When selecting furniture, decor, and architectural elements for your biophilic space, opt for pieces with curved, flowing lines that mimic the organic shapes found in nature. Avoid sharp angles and straight lines, which can feel harsh and artificial.
Look for furniture with rounded edges, like a circular coffee table or an oval dining table. Choose sofas and chairs with soft, curved silhouettes that invite relaxation. Arched doorways and windows add a sense of fluidity and movement to a space.
In decor, incorporate pieces with natural, organic shapes. Vases with undulating curves, sculptures that evoke wind-swept forms, and wall art with swirling, abstract patterns all contribute to a sense of natural harmony.
When displaying nature-themed art prints, consider choosing pieces that echo these organic shapes. Look for photographs of winding rivers, curving sand dunes, or spiraling seashells. Abstract prints with fluid, gestural brushstrokes or soft, gradient colors can also evoke the flowing lines found in nature.
Gallery walls featuring a mix of nature art prints in organic shapes can create a stunning, cohesive display. Arrange curved-edge frames in a flowing composition that leads the eye around the collection. Mix in round mirrors or sculptural objects to enhance the organic feel.
By surrounding yourself with furniture, decor, and artwork that mimics nature's curved, flowing lines, you create a space that feels inherently calming and harmonious. These organic shapes have a soothing effect on the psyche, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of wellbeing.
Nature-Inspired Art
One of the easiest and most effective ways to incorporate biophilic design into your space is by hanging nature-themed art prints. Paintings, photographs, and even tapestries depicting natural landscapes and scenes can transport you to serene outdoor environments, providing a visual connection to nature that has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood.
When selecting nature art prints, consider the specific landscapes or elements that resonate with you. Forest and woodland prints featuring lush greenery and dappled sunlight can create a sense of tranquility and groundedness. Ocean and beach prints with crashing waves or sandy shores evoke feelings of relaxation and openness. Mountain and desert prints with sweeping vistas and dramatic rock formations inspire awe and a sense of adventure.
Botanical prints showcasing close-ups of leaves, flowers, or trees are another popular choice for biophilic design. These detailed, intricate images highlight the beauty and complexity of individual plant species. Vintage-style botanical illustrations or modern, minimalist interpretations can both work well, depending on your personal style.
In addition to traditional wall art, consider hanging nature-themed tapestries or wall hangings. These textiles add an extra layer of organic texture and softness to a space. Look for woven or printed designs featuring natural motifs like leaves, branches, or abstract organic shapes.
When displaying your nature art prints, think about creating a cohesive gallery wall that tells a story or evokes a particular mood. Mix and match different sizes and formats, such as framed prints, canvases, and tapestries, to create visual interest. Arrange the pieces in a way that guides the eye around the collection, perhaps grouping them by color scheme or theme.
By strategically incorporating nature-themed art prints into your space, you can reap the mental health benefits of biophilic design even if you don't have access to real nature views. Surrounding yourself with images of natural landscapes and elements can help you feel more connected to the outdoors, promoting a sense of calm, clarity, and overall wellbeing.
If you're looking to purchase high quality nature-themed prints with inspirational messaging at an affordable price, consider looking into our "Landscape" collection.
