9 Ways to Bring Nature Indoors with Biophilic Design for a Calming Home
We don’t always get to spend time in nature as often as we would like, but luckily, we can bring nature to us in some ways. Biophilic design offers a way to reconnect with the outdoors without leaving your home. No matter the size of your home, there are many ways to incorporate nature into your living spaces and feel more in touch with the outdoors.
1. Focus On Natural Light
Incorporating natural light into your home is one of the best ways to make your living space more open. Natural light can be very aesthetically pleasing and has many benefits for your health, such as basking in the sun in the comfort of your home. To bring in more sunlight, opt for sheer curtains, strategically place mirrors to reflect light, and keep windows unobstructed by heavy furniture.
2. Add A Water Feature To Your Home
Nothing is quite as relaxing as hearing constant water flow no matter where you are in your home. A small tabletop fountain, a wall-mounted waterfall, or even an indoor pond can introduce this calming element without taking up too much space. Besides the relaxing sound of water flow, the water can also enhance the air quality in your home.
3. Add House Plants In Your Living Spaces
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as seeing plants in your home. Plants are an aesthetic addition to any living space, making you feel good. Whether you choose low-maintenance options like snake plants and pothos or more vibrant choices like ferns and fiddle-leaf figs, adding plants to your décor brings a refreshing and organic touch to any room.
4. Improve Airflow In Your Home
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as having fresh air blow through your home. Walking through a house with air flowing freely feels so rejuvenating and welcoming. Open windows and doors whenever possible to boost natural ventilation, allowing fresh air to flow freely throughout your space. Ceiling fans, strategically placed vents, or air-purifying plants like peace lilies and spider plants can improve air quality.
5. Create A Green Wall
This is one way to make a bold statement in your home while incorporating biophilic design. This vertical garden enhances your space with lush greenery, improving air quality, reducing noise, and adding a sense of tranquility. Choose low-maintenance plants like pothos, ferns, or moss for a hassle-free setup, or incorporate herbs for a functional and fragrant kitchen display.
6. Use Natural Materials
Using natural materials in your home is a great way to bring a sense of calmness. Wood, stone, bamboo, rattan, and linen bring organic textures and earthy tones that mimic the outdoors and blend well with the nature theme. Even small touches, like a jute rug or ceramic décor, can enhance the natural feel of a room.
7. Use Nature-Inspired Colors
Earthy tones are a significant incorporation into any home with a biophilic design. Tones like soft greens, warm browns, sandy beiges, and sky blues can create a soothing atmosphere reminiscent of forests, beaches, and open skies. Add these hues through wall paint, furniture, textiles, or décor accents to bring the tranquility of nature indoors. Lighter shades can make a space airy and open, while deeper tones add warmth and grounding energy.
8. Make Use Of Natural Aromas
Engaging all of your senses makes a big difference in the aesthetic of your home. Scents derived from nature can evoke feelings of relaxation, clarity, and rejuvenation. There are so many different ways to add natural scents to your home. You can use essential oil diffusers, soy-based candles, dried herbs, or fresh flowers to bring different smells into your home.
9. Natural Decor
Decor pieces made from wood, stone, clay, and woven fibers bring warmth and texture, making your space feel more connected to nature. Consider displaying driftwood, seashells, or river stones as organic accents, or opt for handcrafted ceramics and rattan furniture to add depth and character. Even artwork featuring landscapes, botanical prints, or nature-inspired patterns can reinforce the calming essence of the outdoors.
References:
10 Biophilic Design Ideas to Bring Nature Into Your Living Space
9 Practical Steps to Incorporate Biophilic Design in Your Home
Bringing the outdoors in – 9 ways to use biophilic design at home