In our digital, screen-driven society, it’s too easy to lose contact with the natural world. That’s why many eco-conscious individuals are making a concerted effort to bring nature back into the home, a practice known as biophilic design.
Biophilic design infuses elements of nature into an indoor space to restore that earthy balance that so many of us lack.
Here’s a closer look at how you can incorporate biophilic design into your own home.
10 Ways to Bring Biophilic Design into Your Home
Invite Fresh Air Inside
Open your doors and window and let a breeze enter your home. Not only does this connect you with nature, it also helps improve your indoor air quality.
Bring the Outdoors Inside
Plants, a green wall, an indoor herb garden, and water elements bring indoor spaces to life. They can also inspire you to live a greener life.
Use Natural Light and Shadow
Make the most of natural light ― it’s not only energizing, but can also help you save on energy costs. And like the natural pattern of the day, you can strategically use natural light in some spaces while keeping others shadowed and shaded to produce a calming, relaxing effect.
Create Prospect and Refuge
Your home should first and foremost be a place of refuge, a place where you can go to do your best thinking, feel inspired, and relax. You should feel secure within your walls but not disconnected from the outside world. Make your home a place you look forward to coming home to.
Opt for Natural Shapes, Forms, Colors, and Patterns
Nature is a beautiful and perfectly imperfect geometric puzzle filled with unique shapes, patterns, forms, and colors ― if you’re looking for them. Bring geometric designs into your home to honor nature’s unique intricacies: bed duvets, dish towels, shower curtains, furniture, or anything else that can wear nature’s badges of honor.
Use Natural Materials
Wood, sand, and stone add texture and depth to any room. Incorporate these natural materials throughout your home for a sense of peace and balance.
Balance Order and Complexity
Today’s modern home is multifunctional, which can incite feelings of chaos and clutter. Be proactive in restoring order in complexity. Buy furniture that can help you stay organized or develop systems to help you put away items and avoid clutter in the first place.
Create a Spirit of Place
Bring in products or elements from local stores or producers to create a spirit of place in your home. It’s a small exercise that can help you feel rooted in the local community and culture and find your center based on where you live.
Cultivate Your Outdoor Living Space
If you have a balcony or patio, consider making it an extension of your indoor living space. Add greenery, a fountain, and other comforts that can encourage you to spend more time outside.
Hang Nature-Inspired Prints
Art prints that depict nature are the next best thing to the real thing. Hang a few fun prints wherever you need a little natural inspiration or additional balance.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the above links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
