Embrace Nature with Biophilic Interior Design

The human yearning for nature is everlasting and rooted in our very biology. No matter how urbanized the modern world gets, the desire to seek out natural elements in our surroundings will always remain strong. The term ‘Biophilic Design’ borrows its name from the word biophilia, which means ‘love of nature’.

Biophilic interior design harmoniously brings natural elements to your indoor life, enhancing your multisensory experience and keeping your body's rhythm in sync with the natural world.

Let’s see how to integrate plants, sunlight, fresh air, and other natural elements into your everyday life with these simple biophilic interior design tips and ideas.

Bring in nature’s bounty by adorning your home in with biophilic hues. These hues will recharge your five senses. offering a vibrant simulation of the natural world within your living space.

Incorporating shades of blue into your space can evoke a sense of tranquillity and connection to nature reminiscent of sky and water.

Gentle browns, sandy tones, grey shades, and hues of various stones, soil, and landscape form the earthy color palette. You can incorporate these colors in your spaces by using natural stones and marbles, sustainably sourced wood, and natural fabrics.

Green is one of the nature’s most predominant hues, alongside blue. Its association with plants, forests, gardens, and verdant landscapes is deeply ingrained in our consciousness. Use shades of green in harmony with other natural color palettes to achieve the desired effect.

Indoor plants play a pivotal role when designing a biophilic interior, serving as a tangible bridge between the built environment and the natural world. This connection is vital for human well-being as it can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. Plants are natural air purifiers, helping to remove toxins and pollutants from indoor air through a process called Phytoremediation.

Plants need love and care to thrive indoors. Assess the natural light conditions in your indoor space. Plants like Pothos and snake plant can tolerate low light areas whereas plants like Jade plant and Aloe Vera thrive in direct sunlight conditions. Be aware of the watering needs of various plant species and choose ones that align with your lifestyle and watering habits.

Consider the overall volume of your indoor space when choosing your perfect plant. A large and dramatic plant like a Bird of Paradise can anchor a room with high ceilings or large furniture pieces, while smaller plants like a Chinese Money Plant can accentuate smaller furniture arrangements or cozy corners.

When selecting indoor plants, explore beyond traditional greenery. Choose varieties with unique textures, contrasting hues, and distinctive visual appeal like succulents, ferns, bonsais, air plants, etc.

If you live in an apartment building and dream of having a beautiful garden of your own, we have just the right solution for you. A terrarium is a miniature garden enclosed within a glass container, typically showcasing small plants, moss, rocks, and other decorative elements. These self-contained ecosystems create a captivating display of nature that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any interior space.

Since they are compact and versatile, terrariums are an excellent choice for small spaces like desks, shelves, or coffee tables.

Terrariums thrive in humidity, so you can even place them in bathrooms to add a unique and unexpected interior design element. Low maintenance and versatile, they are a perfect biophilic interior choice for busy homeowners.

When designing a biophilic interior, how can we ignore water the indispensable essence of life? The soothing whisper of flowing water can have profound restorative power and can foster a deep connection with nature that transcends mere visual appeal.

Here are some ways you can add water features to your home:

You can create miniature water ponds with a complete ecosystem of fish, plants, and rocks. Create this system by using a pump and filtration system for easier maintenance.

To achieve an indoor waterfall effect, consider installing a cascading water feature adorned with concealed LED lighting, water plants, and pebbles. These elements will infuse your home with a tranquil ambiance, evoking the soothing essence of nature.

When designing a natural sanctuary, possibilities are endless. Here are some additional ideas that go to the roots of biophilic interior design -

• Seek out art pieces from local artists that are meaningful expressions of our connection with the natural world. These can be displayed along with elegantly framed memories of your own travels in nature.

• Get creative with natural materials like stones, pebbles, flowers, and pinecones, to create DIY artwork for your home.
• Use natural textiles like cotton, jute, and wool with nature-inspired prints like flowers, leaves, and animals.
• Invest in eco-friendly furniture made from reclaimed wood, bamboo, rattan, and wicker.

Biophilic interior design is a conscious lifestyle choice that can enhance your well-being and foster a deeper connection with nature.

Humans have an innate and undying tendency to connect with nature on a deeper level and biophilic designs are an attempt to fulfill that primal need in an urban setting. Start building your natural retreat within your home so that you can connect to nature and rejuvenate your soul every day.