Since the pandemic struck, workers have shifted their preferences for choosing companies to work for. Today, one of the major reasons that attract workers to particular companies is the workplace environment. Considering the stress caused by the pandemic, employees want a workspace that makes them feel connected to nature. Nature is known to have benefits to mental and physical health.
The same can be said in learning environments for children. Kids are encouraged to study more when they have access to nature while learning. In fact, according to the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, when children have access to green spaces, they are less stressed and have a longer attention span while learning.
The benefits of green spaces aren’t limited to learning and working areas. There is an endless source of inspiration in nature that can be used in homes, too.
Biophilic Design
Bringing nature inside your home can help counteract the stressful environments that you work and move in. In the lens of an interior designer, though, it is referred to as biophilic design.
According to the Living Future Institute, biophilic design is the practice of decorating and designing a living space that connects people and nature. Homes with biophilic design are restorative and calming spaces away from urban life. It uses natural elements to merge indoors with the outdoors.
To apply biophilic design in your home, here are some tips.
1. Use House Plants as Your Main Decorations
Biophilic design is mainly incorporated with plant decorations. You’ll see all living spaces that apply biophilic design have a lot of plants indoors. Anyway, plants are the best natural element that you can bring indoors. They also purify indoor air.
When the quality of air indoors is improved, your cognitive function increases. Mental processes such as thinking, making decisions, language comprehension, memory, and attention are enhanced.
When adding plants inside your home, consider their sunlight and watering requirements. Knowing these two elements can help you decide where to place your plants. Every room should have plants, though.
Some of the best plants that can be brought indoors include snake plants, pothos, philodendron, and different kinds of ferns.
2. Choose Textures Inspired by Nature
When choosing accessories and furniture for your new nature-inspired space, pick those that have natural textures. Wood is the easiest choice. You can even pick pieces of wood outdoors, sand them a bit to give them a smooth finish, and use them as a table centerpiece. Sanding may remove some of its texture, but it’ll make it safer to touch, considering splinters have been removed.
You can also use other things in nature, such as shells, rocks, and crystals. If you already have a collection, don’t keep them stashed away. Display them in places where they can be appreciated—atop a mantle, on the bathroom counter, or a hanging shelf.
You can also add wicker baskets in key places around your home. They can double as decoration and storage solutions in any space.
3. Let the Light In
Having a sunroom is the ultimate biophilic element you can add to your home. It will provide ample light that can make your living spaces look like the sun is actually inside your home. If you want to have one, look for a professional sunroom builder who will listen to your needs and requirements, so you’re sure that you’ll get the right design you want.
If you don’t have a sunroom yet, move windows to where most sunlight enters your home. Or, you can add more windows to your home. This will allow more light to come in and give you a better view of the outdoors at the same time.
Having more windows also allows natural airflow inside your home. Natural ventilation can also improve air quality inside your home.
4. Add Paintings of Nature to Your Home
If you don’t have enough windows in your home, and there’s no way you can add them yet, add paintings of nature instead. Gazing into a beautiful painting or image of nature can bring calmness and serenity into any living space.
You can also use furnishings and curtains with nature-inspired patterns. Tiles and wallpapers can also be incorporated with green patterns. Leaves, ocean waves, and clouds are natural patterns you can choose from. You can also choose other designs that you like.
Biophilic Design for a Better Quality of Life
If you want to improve your health and your family’s, bring them outdoors. To increase the benefits of nature, bring it indoors. Whether you’re building a new house, renovating it, or remodeling a part of it, consider applying natural elements to take advantage of the benefits it provides.
