The hypothesis behind biophilia suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek a connection with nature and other forms of life. Edward O. Wilson introduced the hypothesis in his book Biophilia, defining biophilia as ‘the urge to affiliate with other forms of life’.
Designing our homes to connect us to nature is proven to contribute to a stronger sense of well-being, inspire us and boost our productivity. Now more than ever, it feels necessary to create indoor environments and bring the outdoors in to reference nature in both obvious and also more subtle ways.
I have collated some ways below to easily incorporate biophilic design into your home:
Connect with a view of nature, larger windows and letting natural light in. If changing windows or increasing the size is out of the question, then easing back on window treatments is the way to go. Creating the ability to move curtains and blinds clear of the windows to let as much light in as possible and using the outdoor spaces around you to help inspire the inside by adding more potted plants, flower beds, and even green walls if you have less than appealing walls in view.
Furniture position is key, having furniture where you are more exposed to natural light will help, a chair by the window or small sofa or with working from home being still so available to us place your desk facing into the garden.
Use green – understandably and for obvious reasons at the heart of biophilic design is the colour green. I’m not great with plants personally and keeping them alive so for me it's the use of paint, fabric and accessories that add the element of ‘green’ to my home. In studies the colour green has been shown to reduce the heart rate so really don’t be afraid to splash it about.
Take inspiration from natural form, there is a reason why rounded shapes are more pleasing and satisfying in interiors – the reason being they are linked to natural forms. Curved furniture shapes and fractal design elements such as scalloped patterns and botanical leaf shapes will add to the calming influence biophilic design can have on your home.
