Bringing nature indoors: The power of Biophilic Design

6 minute read

Humankind needs nature not only to survive but to thrive. It’s a fact.

Modern life has meant we spend much of our life indoors. Decluttering the space around us has been liberating for many of us and has provided us with new appreciation for our own home and surroundings.

Having a tidy and organised space to come back to can have hugely positive effects on our mood and our outlook on life, even more so when we bring nature indoors! .

Have you ever thought about incorporating Biophilic Design into your home?

I had the pleasure of meeting up with Biophilic Design specialist Nicla, from Nicla D Interiors (www.nicladinteriors.com), who is passionate about Biophilia and the positive effects Biophilic Design can have when incorporating it into our homes.

Her insight into Biophilic Design, passion on the subject, and ethos is second to none. Working closely with individuals and families and assessing their lifestyle and challenges, her goal is to bring in changes to the home environment through Biophilic Design so that clients find solutions which help their happiness and wellbeing.

First of all what exactly is Biophilia… you may ask?

According to American Biologist Edward O. Wilson, who first introduced the’ biophilia Hypothesis’ in his book ‘Biophilia’(1984), it is ‘the urge to affiliate with other forms of life’. In a wider sense Biophilia translates with ‘love of nature’, describing the  innate human tendency to reconnect with nature.

Biophilic design not only poses interior design as an aesthetic or functional discipline but as a way to improve people’s mental and physical wellbeing.

What are the benefits of introducing Biophilic design into our homes?

 

According to Nicla, Biophilic Design is an approach to architecture and interior Design that seeks to connect people with nature through the incorporation of natural elements and living things into the built environment either by including natural elements or simulating  a natural environment indoors.

Ultimately, the aim is to restore the connection with nature in order to maximise the benefits the natural environment can have on our mental health.

What are the benefits of Biophilic design on our mental health?

Amongst its many benefits, biophilic design is proven to reduce stress, boost our immune system, support our mental and emotional health, reduce anxiety, improve and enhance cognitive function and performance; and promote better sleep.

We all know life can be stressful at times but we are lucky nature can indeed come to the rescue.

As a passionate advocate of Biophilic Design, Nicla is keen to highlight the benefits it can have on our mental health:

1-Reduced stress and anxiety:

Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Incorporating natural elements such as plants, natural light and water into the built environment can have a similar effect. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Melbourne found that adding plants to an office or home environment can reduce stress levels by up to 37%.

2-Improved mood

Exposure to nature has also been shown to improve mood. Studies have found that spending time in natural environments can improve feelings of happiness and well-being.

Similarly Biophilic design can have a similar effect by creating connections to nature indoors. The use of natural material such as wood, stone, and water can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere that can improve mood.

3-Increased Productivity and Creativity

The effects of Biophilia is not limited to our homes.

A clutter-free and organised working environment accompanied by natural elements, be it plants, natural light or views of nature, has added benefits such as productivity, enhanced focus and creativity.

Studies have found that exposure to nature can increase cognitive functions including memory, attention and creativity. This can translate in the workplace by improved productivity and creativity amongst employees.

In fact, a study conducted by the University of Exeter found that employees in Biophilic environments were 15% more productive than those in non-Biophilic environments.

4-Better sleep quality

Exposure to nature has also been shown to improve sleep quality.

The use of natural light, plants and natural materials in biophilic design can create a more relaxing and calming atmosphere, which can improve sleep quality.

5-Improved overall well-being

Biophilic design can improve overall well-being by creating a more comfortable and pleasant environment. This can have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress and anxiety improving mood and increasing productivity and creativity.

By creating a connection with nature in the built environment, Biophilic Design can promote a sense of well-being and improve mental health.

How to incorporate Biophilic design into your space

As an interior designer Nicla points out that there are many ways in which to bring the outside indoors to benefit from the healing power of nature: 

Choose nature inspired textures:

The key is to choose furniture and accessories that emulate the ones found in nature. From choosing pieces made of natural material to those pieces that imitate natural textures, the choice is endless.

Choose patterns that imitate nature:

When thinking  tiles, wallpapers etc think of geometric designs that take inspiration from nature

Choose colours from the great outdoors:

This is one of the easiest ways to incorporate biophilic design into our homes. Nature offers a huge variety of colour palettes. Take inspiration from your favourite environment and create a palette for walls, soft furnishing and accessories.

Think natural shapes:

Opt for curved lines and organic and irregular shapes that are found in nature as opposed to straight sharp lines.

Use indoor plants and greenery: 

Whether it is a home or office environment, add plants! They are great air purifiers, they can aid relaxation, increase mental clarity, they create texture, and inject colour; creating a strong connection with nature.

Not liking your plants? Think about decluttering them! Our tastes change overtime and it is important to be surrounded by what we love most. Plants are no exception.

Think about things such as how much you’d like to invest in them (money, time) but also be mindful about your space when it comes to choosing them. Last but not least, do not feel guilty about making choices. Donating your plants to friends, family or local groups is a great option.

Choose natural flooring such as stone flooring, polished concrete or timber floors that celebrate natural colours and textures.

Incorporate a natural ambient sound that will help you connect with nature, be it a water feature or a nature inspired soundtrack.

Particularly important for those of us who live in more urban and less rural areas.

Let the air flow:

Open windows and let the air in and breathe!

Use natural light:

Make the most of daylight and find ways to include artificial light and candles in order to create a comfortable environment.

Nature can generate many positive emotions and Biophilia seeks to offer a multi -sensorial experience, engaging the senses through natural elements.

With increasing recognition of the many benefits of nature for human health and wellbeing it is no wonder that Biophilia has gained popularity as a way to improve quality of life and make our lives richer, more fulfilling and meaningful.

Linda Cavallini is owner of Tidy Me and loves to be organised and have everything in place - whether clothes, toiletries or furniture. She is passionate about bringing the outdoors in and enjoying nature wherever you find yourself.