Biophilic design is so much more than just adding plants to indoor spaces. It’s an ethos that places interior design as not merely aesthetic or functional, but as effective in boosting the mental and physical well-being of everyone who enjoys a space. This tactic has been around for a long time because of its restorative, connective, and calming power. It brings nature indoors with colors, material, and shapes — as well as live plants — to promote health and wellness. Here are three easy ways to add some biophilic design to your home ... and why they're important.
Natural light and outdoor views — a 2019 study in Denmark found that children exposed to more greenery had 55% less mental health issues later in life compared to those who weren’t exposed to nature. Other research has shown that plants can reduce stress, help with focus, and even increase immunity.
Vegetation — Another study found that people who completed attention-based tasks surrounded by greenery had higher scores than subjects who didn’t. This is based on the idea of “attention restoration theory” which means that a few seconds averting our eyes from our screen or task to a nearby plant can help give your mind a break and restore your ability to focus.
Natural shapes and materials — Bringing nature indoors through elements like wood, grass, water, and natural shapes can mimic the variability in sensory stimulation that we find outdoors. When we are out enjoying nature, lines are rarely perfectly straight, and you’re exposed to all sorts of stimuli… colors, textures, layers. Bringing natural colors and materials into the home can ramp up creativity and happiness, studies show.
The principles of biophilic design can take years to harness within your home, but these three tactics are great ways to start. Open up your home to the outdoors whenever possible, bring in some live plants, and use raw shapes and materials where you can! Talk to a Merridian designer to see how we can help you on your biophilic design journey! It's so much easier than you think.
