The UK’s fondness for nature is growing. This is, in part, a concern for the sustainability of the planet’s ecological balance, prompting many to consider their carbon footprints and reduce their impact on the environment. An effect of this is that such an affection for the environment is beginning to creep into other areas of life, influencing everything from fashion to food. One of the most striking forms of such influence now occurring, can be found in interior design.
Interior designs are defining this new trend as biophilia, which means, quite literally, a love for nature. While it may paint pictures of an abundant array of houseplants, the reality of biophilic design is more nuanced and expansive. To demonstrate, we’re sharing four ways biophilia can be embraced at home with impressive and restorative designs.
Curvature
When considering and breaking down the key elements of industrial design, there is a notable trend of straight edges. In the natural world, however, straight edges are much rarer. This contract is something that has been noticed by interior designers and has led to a shift away from harsh vertices and lines, instead shifting toward curvature.
Everything from furniture to doorways is beginning to change, adapting toward the organic and irregular shaping of wild landscapes. As such, those looking to make their home feel less urban and more natural should begin softening their edges.
Natural Light
The illumination of a home is important for both style and health. Lighting has long been appreciated as a fundamental aspect of interior design, with great aesthetics being quickly undermined by poor lighting. In an age of wellness, however, natural light is also being appreciated over artificial alternatives due to the health benefits of improving sleep and regulating circadian rhythm. As a result, homes are prioritizing windows and portals that welcome greater amounts of natural light into a home.
Outdoors/Indoors
Any home with outdoor spaces, such as gardens and balconies, is at a great advantage when it comes to biophilia. By reducing the borders between outdoor and indoor spaces, residents can embrace nature throughout the year. Summer houses, for example, are a great way for residents to create a living space that is sheltered and, yet, still established in a natural environment.
Alternatives include bay doors, those that allow dining areas and living spaces to be opened up to natural environments, welcoming in better airflow and natural light.
Organic Materials
The materials that are used to design and decorate a living space have, even outside of their aesthetic benefit, qualities that influence the feel of an environment. This means that furniture and architecture made from modern and artificial materials will innately feel more modern and industrial. Whereas those homes that choose to use organic and natural materials, from cork and wool to wood and stone, will feel much closer to nature than alternatives.
For those wanting to create a living space that embraces biophilia, the foundation of organic materials is truly important. This is because even a home that embraces curves and indoor-outdoor crossover will fail to feel truly sustainable if it is made with artificial assets.
