Many people started craving a more natural, elemental lifestyle in our increasingly modern and streamlined world. Enter Biophilic design. 

What is biophilic design?

Biophilic design incorporates elements of the natural environment into built spaces. It may have a positive impact on your mental health, as it connects you to nature and can be very relaxing to your mind and body.

Biophilic design ideas

If you’ve found yourself wanting to throw your electronics in the ocean and run away to the forest, a biophilic design might be good for you and your sense of wellbeing.

Here are ways you can incorporate biophilic design into your home:

Use natural materials

When choosing materials for your biophilic home, lean toward natural materials and elements from the environment. Furthermore, you should look for raw materials that are minimally processed. For example, choosing a wood coffee table over glass is good, but an exposed wood table with natural edging is even better. Roughly edged stones, instead of rounded edges, for your fireplace or walkway are another excellent option for embracing biophilic designs. There are a variety of wood stains and stone types to choose from. If you want to achieve a desert look, choose reddish stones or if you want to embody a woodsy feel, choose cool stones and dark wood.

Embrace natural sunlight

Many of us experience the harsh lights of offices and electronics more than we do natural sunshine. To combat that, let in as much light as possible. Opt for lighter materials in soft colors for your window treatments, and keep your blinds open whenever possible. If you have the ability, consider installing a skylight for additional light and a lovely view of the sky. You can also open your windows when possible to let in the sounds of nature, which can be calming and soothing.

Add greenery

When we think of nature, most of us automatically jump to the greenery of plants and trees. It is only fitting, then, to incorporate greenery throughout your home. Small potted plants are an excellent option if you are short on space, such as in the case of an apartment or office space. Consider a living wall or staircase garden for larger projects with more significant impact. If you want to create a living wall, choose an area in your home that gets ample sunlight, says a Laguna Niguel, CA, interior decorator. Your options are relatively flexible, as you can use a frame or different shelving to construct your wall. Some possibilities for plants include succulents or herbs if you enjoy cooking.

Bring the outside inside

Besides typical house plants, there are other ways to bring the outside into your home. Flowers are a great option and provide a beautiful pop of color in any space. Consider having a few vases on hand to display flowers in various spaces throughout your home, such as the living room, dining area, and bedroom. Another way to bring the outdoors into your home is by having a fountain. With its trickling water sounds, you will feel a sense of peace. Fountains need not be extravagant and large to be impactful. There are plenty of small countertop fountains available for your home or office.

Incorporate the shapes you see in nature

Certain shapes and forms repeat throughout nature. Consider incorporating these shapes into your home. Think fractals, curves, and honeycomb combinations. For example, honeycomb shelving is an excellent option in your living room or bedroom. Use it for storage or display different décor and knickknacks. Tables and furniture that are curved rather than streamlined are another great way to echo the aesthetics of the natural world. Consider a fractal wallpaper as an accent wall or throughout a room for a bolder look.

If you want to bring more of the outdoors into your house, consider trying biophilic design ideas. There are plenty of ways to achieve this look, from installing a living wall to using natural materials or letting in more natural light. However you decide to embrace the style, you’ll be sure to create a more relaxing atmosphere right at home.