Our ancestors relied on the environment for abundant food, shelter, and resources necessary for survival. Today, even though our basic needs are easily met, the connection to nature remains deeply ingrained in us. The uncertainty and upheavals of recent years have heightened our need for comfort and security, which biophilic design addresses by reconnecting us with the natural world.
Here’s the essence of this philosophy and how to incorporate it into your home decor.
What is biophilia?
The term biophilia was first used in 1984 by renowned biologist Edward Wilson in his eponymous book. He defines it as “the innate and genetic attraction humans have for the natural world.”
The essence of biophilic design
In architecture and interior design, biophilia inspires the creation of spaces that mimic a living ecosystem. By selecting colours, shapes, and materials that reflect nature and incorporating abundant greenery, this approach blurs the boundaries between home and the natural world.
The benefits of biophilic design
Biophilic design is more than a passing trend; its benefits are backed by science.
- Studies show that exposure to sunlight, plants, water, and natural landscapes promotes calmness and continuously reduces stress.
- Through photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, purifying the surrounding air.
- Research from the universities of Exeter and Harvard indicates that people in biophilic environments experience increased productivity, greater creativity, and improved cognitive abilities.
Even in construction, two criteria of the international WELL certification consider biophilia when evaluating buildings.
How to integrate biophilia into interior design
The Golden Rule of Biophilic Design: Celebrate and draw inspiration from nature in all its splendid imperfections.
Prioritize plants
Adding greenery is one of the simplest ways to embrace biophilia in your home. Brighten up a room with large-leaf plants, fresh flowers in an elegant vase, or a herb garden on a windowsill. For a bolder touch, consider creating a living wall that transforms into a piece of living art.
If you don’t have a green thumb, choose low-maintenance varieties like succulents or cacti. Alternatively, you can opt for highly realistic artificial plants to create a visually soothing environment with minimal effort, requiring only occasional dusting.
Our artificial plants
Integrate natural materials
Materials such as wood, genuine leather, stone, ceramic, travertine, and marble capture the nuances and irregularities of the natural world. Each knot in the wood and each vein in the stone adds unique character to your space, especially when used in larger furniture pieces.
For inspiration, explore the incomparable works from the Indira collection. These unique pieces, carefully handcrafted from architectural fragments, tell their stories through surfaces adorned with refined patterns.
Deepen your decor by juxtaposing other textures and natural elements with thoughtfully chosen accessories. Throws, cushions, rugs, and wall art offer various ways to add a final touch of authenticity to your interior.
Celebrate curves
In nature, from winding rivers to unpredictable paths, straight lines are rare. Favour furniture that incorporates graceful curves and flowing patterns to infuse your space with an organic character.
The Jura collection embodies this philosophy beautifully. The large surfaces, doors, and drawers of these pieces are sculpted with rustic finesse, highlighting the natural curves of the wood. The grain also features marked colour contrasts that accentuate its character.
Value outdoor views and natural light
If you’re lucky enough to live near a body of water, a forest, a park, or any captivating landscape, make the most of this splendid view. Clear windows with strong visual interest to transform them into dynamic frames of the outside world.
Especially in living spaces, consider sunlight at different times of the day to optimize your furniture arrangement. Rooms bathed in natural light will appear larger, more welcoming, and invigorating.
Choose nature-inspired colours
Colours also contribute to harmonizing your interior with the charms of Mother Nature. Shades like forest green, sky blue, navy, and earthy tones evoke the natural environment.
These hues can take a central role in your space to create a calming refuge, or, for a lighter touch, blend them with a base of white, light gray, beige, or other neutral colours.
Promote continuity between the indoors and outdoors
Even better than a view of the outdoors is the ability to access it effortlessly. Create a smooth transition to your terrace, balcony, or patio door to encourage free movement and enjoyment of the outdoors.
Design this outdoor sanctuary with the same care as your indoor spaces, recognizing it as an extension of your home.
When the weather permits, open your doors and windows equipped with screens to let in fresh air and the sounds of nature, such as birdsong and the rustle of leaves in the wind.
How does nature fill you with calm and serenity? Is it during a walk in the forest, basking in the sun, or perhaps listening to the lullaby of the waves? Draw inspiration from these moments that resonate with you and aspire to recreate these experiences at the heart of your home.
