Biophilic design is 2021's most exciting new interior trend – how to use it in your home
Biophilic Interior Design means incorporating nature into our indoor environment. It comes from the word biophilia – meaning love of nature. Biophilic design focuses on creating a calming space with a visual connection with nature while improving wellbeing, health and productivity.
Earthy colours are on the up in home interiors since lockdown began, I think we are all craving a sunshine and appreciating Mother Nature a little more. Using natural materials for inspiration, I’ve recently been using beautiful warm burnt oranges and deep earthy terracotta like sun-baked mud huts and a lot of olive greens (as seen in on the table above) in both furniture makeovers and interior design schemes. This combined with richer colours such as mustard tones of yellow give a freshness and energy. Soft hues of taupe and pale grey-browns such as Fusion Mineral Paint in “Bedford” or "Putty" work wonderfully as a neutral base to allow the stronger colours take centre stage.
Fusion Mineral Paint have launched a range of 11 new colours for 2021 and they are calm and grounding and would work wonderfully in a biophilic design scheme - these will be available to purchase from La Di Da Interiors from the end of July.
By layering textures and finishes this gives a tactile and considered look, to any room. Use accessories and paint finishes with a touch of warm gold metallic with an aged patina effect or coloured pearl lustre for a sophisticated luxe look. This large bronzed copper metallic vase has been one of our best sellers this month because of it's texture and tones.
This Biophilic (love of nature) inspired trend will continue as people really value their homes being their retreat or “safe place” post-pandemic. By incorporating direct elements of nature into the built environment, research has demonstrated that it can reduce stress, blood pressure and heart rates, whilst increasing productivity, creativity and well-being. What's not to love?
Biophilic Colour Palettes
If you want to set the trend with this look I would recommend combining a palette of earth inspired colours using a main neutral base with one or two striking oxide or mineral inspired colour with layers of texture such as raw ceramics, velvet sofas, cotton throws, linen curtains, a few statement metallic pieces such as vases or light switches with aged patina effects or go for it with statement gold leaf detailing.
Maximise Natural Lighting
Research suggests that we spend around 90% of our time inside! Sunlight and vitamin D are healthy and biophilic design puts an emphasis on light and space. Light helps merge the inside and outside using elements of warmth and different shapes. Add a mirror to bounce light around such as this window pane mirror. Reduce or change window coverings, move the furniture around. Make a room feel larger by decluttering and minimising "stuff" on show, work on concealed storage solutions.
Be inspired by Mother Nature
Use natural materials. To embrace nature even further try and get as much as possible natural materials like bamboo, cork, sustainable timber, stone and rattan in your home. It can be implemented through the furniture, home decor, kitchen worktops, floors. Home owners are investing in stunning statement pieces and making sure their home is the perfect place to be.
Going Green
Unsurprisingly, biophilic design favours green in all its forms, whether it's accessorising your home with plants or using green paint or accessories.
Interestingly, even if you don't want house plants in your home, just looking at the colour green has been proven to be beneficial to health in that green restores energy, is calming helps to clear your mind and reduces your heart rate.
Green walls, furniture, or a combination will create a calming space that recreates the beneficial effects of being outdoors.
Botanicals tie particularly well into this trend and the connection with nature and really finish the look. Real plants are not just pretty they are also natural air purifiers and mood booster. If, like me you're not so great at keeping plants alive, go for large sized great quality faux pieces in a muted colour palette to make a statement such as these eucalyptus stems in an earthy vessel. They add height and texture in any room. Top tip; use in odd numbers to create a perfect design.
Add an element of texture and pattern
Certain textures can be used to mimic those you might see in the natural world; it could be a series of honeycomb-shaped tiles, the lined marks on a vase or something as abstract as the shape of a set of curves on a rug. These patterns help to bring life to a space and create pockets of interest for the eye to focus on.
We love these honeycomb and bee design patterned planters which as the ideal size for houseplants.
Use all of your senses
I love to light a wax melt or scented candle with essential oils to help me relax, whether it’s while I’m working or in the evening. Choose fresh scents such as eucalyptus and mint, ginger and rhubarb or lavender and clary sage to evoke the natural world.
I think we’ll be hearing much more about biophilic design in the next year as we seek to create more healthier, more sustainable homes. There’s lots more to biophilic design and it’s something I want to research and learn about but a few simple, mindful changes in the home are a good place to start.
Do you think you’ll be using Biophilic design principles in the home? Let me know in the comments below.
Amazing write-up! It is very interesting and easily explain. Thank you and good luck with the upcoming posts.
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