Interior design is always evolving, and that’s what makes it so exciting. Trends come and go, sparking a fun urge to experiment and refresh our spaces. While some trends are best left in the past, a few timeless
ones have stuck around for good.
One of the most beautiful and lasting trends is biophilic design. You might be thinking, “What in the world is that?” But trust me, you’d recognize it in a heartbeat. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of biophilic interior design and discover some easy ways to bring its natural charm into your home.
What is Biophilic Design?
Despite its fancy name, biophilic design is actually quite simple. The whole point of this serene decor choice is to invoke a sense of calm and balance. Biophilic design incorporates nature and natural elements to create a sense of peace, well-being, and environmental connection. In other words, it bridges the gap between the outdoor and indoor world.
Nature in design isn’t a new concept. For thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Greeks, people have drawn inspiration from the world around them. Whether it’s through pattern, lighting, or shapes, creating a serene indoor space that mimics nature isn’t only beautiful, but it has many physical and mental benefits as well.
The Power of Biophilic Design
Let’s be honest—life can get chaotic and stressful, making it harder than ever to relax and unwind. Your home should be a sanctuary, a place to escape from reality. When creating a peaceful retreat, choosing the right interior design trend is crucial. Biophilic design offers numerous benefits, such as lowering heart rate, supporting circadian rhythms, improving airflow and air quality, and boosting mood.
How can it do all of these things? By adding natural elements and greenery that mimic the outdoors. Our minds and bodies are designed to thrive when exposed to fresh air, sunlight, water, and open spaces. Biophilic design mimics this, creating an enhanced multi-sensory experience that stimulates our physical, visual, and emotional connection.
Now that you know why biophilic design is an interior design trend that continues to endure the test of time, you’re probably wondering how you can incorporate it into your own home. While it’s more than just adding a few houseplants (although that’s a great start), learning how to properly incorporate nature in interior design will allow you to create a tranquil home that encourages calm and relaxation. Let’s explore the top ways you can add biophilic design to your home.
1. Use Patterns and Form
Creating a biophilic environment isn’t just about in-your-face natural elements. Patterns and form are powerful tools that bring the feeling of the outside in. You’ve heard the saying, “The devil’s in the details,” but when it comes to biophilic design, it’s more like, “Nature is in the details.” Bring in fine natural details with shapes, artwork, light, textiles, and patterns. Dress up your bedroom wall with a free-flowing mural that mimics a lush forest, or add floral sculptures to the living or dining room. Terrariums are another great, subtle way to add a touch of nature to a room.
2. Experiment with Patina
When an item is exposed to the elements for an extended period of time, it begins to patina and loses its original luster. Playing off this natural deterioration is a great way to add interest to your space while keeping a natural element in the design. A few of the top materials to use are reclaimed wood, marble, brass, and copper since they change color and texture over time. Copper transforms from a brass color to a vibrant green (which just so happens to fit perfectly with the biophilic color scheme). Reclaimed wood’s natural look wears gently over time, while marble will shift hues and smooths with age. These metamorphoses are an excellent example of mimicking nature in interior design.
3. Embrace Randomness
When you look at nature, it’s virtually impossible to find symmetry and straight lines. Instead, plants, rocks, and trees have a beautiful roundness to them, with varying shapes, heights, and sizes. Don’t be afraid to ditch symmetrical design choices and embrace randomness in your furniture and decor. Not only will it give the space a sense of fun and life, but it’ll create a visually appealing result you’ll adore.
4. Incorporate Earth Tones
For some, earth tones and neutrals may seem boring, but for the biophil, there’s nothing more beautiful. If you take a look at nature, there’s a wide variety of browns, greens, and blues in rich and saturated tones. These bold colorways make any space feel luxurious yet understated, elevating the overall design. If you’re a fan of bold pops of color, don’t worry, nature has that too! Just think about fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains, when the trees burst with colorful reds and oranges, setting the landscape ablaze. Just because a color is an earth tone doesn’t mean it can’t be bold and interesting.
5. Integrate Water
Water is the key to life, so it wouldn’t be a biophilic design without it. While it’s not the first interior design trend to use water as a focal point, there’s no doubt that it’s one of the most popular. You don’t have to use a huge water feature (although you’re welcome to); it can be as simple as hanging photos of the ocean or lakes, using a tabletop fountain, or placing a birdbath outside your window. Water has great power to relax and energize, making it a key part of biophilic interior design.
Make your home unforgettable by integrating biophilic design. This tranquil interior design trend creates a greater connection to nature, soothing the mind and spirit. At Landry Designs, we’re committed to helping you create exceptional interiors personalized to your lifestyle. Our design team will work with you to give your home the “wow factor” you’ve always wanted. Give us a call and schedule your FREE consultation and take your home to the next level.
