An interior created with biophilic design elements will not only benefit from the uplifting aesthetics these features bring, users may also experience a tangible boost to their personal wellbeing. The concept can be applied to a home, gym or office. Here is the first half of our 10-point guide on integrating biophilic design strategies into your own lives:  

Let there be Plants!

We’ll start with an obvious one; plants are a quick way to incorporate direct biophilia into any interior. This can be as simple as a few potted plants or as expansive as a vertical garden wall. To reap the most benefits from this easy addition, aim for plants that will clean the air, as well as please the eye. 

Why stop there though when there are terrariums, aquascapes, domestic animals and countless other ways to bring nature into the built environment.

Use Indirect Biophilia

When plants and other direct biophilic elements aren’t available, look to what is termed indirect biophilia. Photos, murals, and illustrations of nature, animals, and plants are a great way to ground your space in nature, plus these strategies have stress-reducing properties.

Studies have shown that even indirect biophilia—using elements that are merely representational—still holds an arsenal of benefits similar to direct biophilia. 

Use Natural Materials

The materials you choose for an interior space will not only influence the final ambiance but also impact the users’ health and wellness. Opting for materials that are natural and sustainable will help ensure that both a room’s users and the planet stay healthy. Good materials to consider include FSC wood, bamboo, linen, cork, and ceramic. Do away with plastic completely.

Light It Up

Implementing a circadian lighting system that follows the body’s natural rhythm can help improve both productivity by day and sleep by night.

Fill your space with natural light whenever possible but when the sun’s rays aren’t available, find a lighting system that uses blue-white tones in the middle of the day, and amber tones early and late. The Philips HUE system does a decent job of this.

Mimic Nature’s Voice

Serious biophilic design appeals to all the senses, including sound. Possibly one of the most soothing things about being immersed in nature is the soft sound of birds, running water and the rustling of trees.

The great news is that you can easily recreate this sensation by playing nature sounds, which are widely available and come in an array of themes and compositions. 

These are just a few of the simple biophilic design strategies that you can start implementing today, and by using just a few of the elements mentioned above you can be on your way to a healthier and happier interior.

Need more advice? Check out more biophilic design strategies (coming soon) or contact the experts at Biofilico today.