We love spending time in our homes, but sometimes, doesn’t it feel great to be outdoors? Perhaps it’s because nature has healing powers—after all, a simple 20-minute break with nature has been shown to decrease stress levels in people. With that in mind, why not bring the outdoors in?
As more homeowners embrace health and well-being, the concept of “biophilic design” is seeing an upward trend. In short, it’s a style connects architecture and design with people and nature that includes (but goes beyond) adding a plant or two to an end table.
“Biophilic design integrates natural elements into living spaces to enhance well-being and connectivity with nature,” says interior designer Swati Goorha of New Providence-based Swati Goorha Designs. “This approach uses natural materials, such as wood and stone, along with abundant greenery, to create soothing environments.”
Below are five easy ways you can add biophilic elements to your home:
Team up plants with mirrors. If your space only permits a few house plants, strategically placed mirrors can visually multiply the amount of greenery in the room. Depending on the type of the mirror, the accessory also can add a fluid element to the home, particularly if the mirror has a wavy shape.
Fill space with greenery. Can’t find the right furnishing to fill a corner? Placing a plant or a collection of plants in an empty corner will quickly end that search and can create a lush environment indoors. Pad empty corners with large-leaf plants like bird-of-paradise or Monstera.
Build upward. Let’s face it, sometimes floor space and tabletops are best used for items other than plants. One easy solution is to buy (or build) a biophilic wall unit, which can easily hold an assortment of plants. Consider a bookcase made from natural wood, brick or stone—materials with irregular patterns that mimic the naturally occurring elements of the outdoors.
Let the light shine. No, we’re not talking about LED lights or Bluetooth fixtures. Instead, consider installing more and larger windows and skylights. These features, Goorha says, “maximize natural light and views of the outdoors.”
Make a splash. There’s something soothing about water, whether it’s a babbling brook in the woods or a tabletop fountain inside. “Water features, like indoor fountains, add a calming auditory experience,” Goorha says, adding that they also emphasize “the use of organic shapes and patterns that mimic nature.”
How do you incorporate nature in your home? Share your favorite photos with us on Instagram @njhomemag.