4 Ways to Incorporate Biophilic Design Into Your Home

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilia is a term popularized by Harvard University myrmecologist (study of ants) and conservationist E.O. Wilson. He used it to describe the extent to which humans are hard-wired to need connection with nature.  It explains why crackling fires and crashing waves captivate us; why a garden view can enhance our creativity; and why animal companionship and strolling through a park have restorative, healing effects.

Biophilic design recognizes:

To reach our creative potential, we need sensory stimulation.

To heal faster, we need natural light.

To learn better, we need exposure to order and complexity.

You don’t have to be standing in the forest for these effects to take hold.  Neuroscientists have found that views of natural scenes can do the same. 


The average American spends nearly 90 percent of their lives inside man-made environments.  Simply bringing elements from the natural world inside can trigger a strong, positive impact on our health and well-being.

How Can I Incorporate Biophilic Design?

1. Buy a plant.

Plants are beneficial because they are living breathing organisms, improve air quality, and add color and a variety of natural shapes.

2. Open the blinds.

Windows provide an immediate connection with the outside world, and can allow some natural light into an interior space.  Connection to nature and maintaining alignment with its rhythms, including natural light/dark cycles are vital to maintaining good health.

3. incorporate natural materials.

Beyond the obvious and direct elements of biophilic design, there are also opportunities to provide indirect experiences of nature.  This is where our favorite strategies come into play, such as incorporating natural materials like wood and earth, handcrafted products, or even images of nature to our interior design.

4. Don’t Forget Color

Just like the landscape outside your window, your interior scape should feel airy with splashes of color to refresh your senses throughout the day.

Most, if not all, of us spend more time indoors than out. But scientific evidence suggests that bringing the outdoors in, can actually have a dramatic impact on health and wellness. By embracing biophilic design, we can bring the appeal of natural textures, color tones, and features into our everyday living spaces.

Are you ready to get started?

Textures

Pattern

Colors

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