What in the world is Biophilic Design?

Biophili-whhhhhhaaatttt?

Don’t worry, I’m going to break it down for all you discerning homeowners. 

The biophilia hypothesis proposes that most humans have an innate love of nature—we long for it, and without connecting with it, our health could suffer. 

So, biophilic design is an applied solution to appease this desire for nature by integrating natural elements and processes into the built environment.

And after the last couple of years of stress (side-eyeing you, pandemic), it seems natural that this trend has created some buzz in 2022. 

COOL CONCEPT, BUT HOW DO I CREATE THIS MAGIC IN MY OWN HOME?!

Excellent question. There are several ways that you could approach flipping your indoor space to incorporate the wild and create a more zen urban home. 

Start with a budget. Ask yourself how much you can spend. Without having to turn your home into a construction zone, there are easy, budget-friendly ideas that can create a positive impact on your health and well-being.

Cheap and cheerful. Adding greenery is the most budget-friendly way to incorporate nature into your home. Whether you have a green or brown thumb, there is no denying the health benefits plants can provide. 

To name a few: plants can improve mental health, help with productivity, clean and add moisture to the air, and they also provide you with a sense of accomplishment … golf claps all around. To help you decide which plant babies are for you, check out this 2022 guide.

Let there be light. Take a look around and assess your light situation. Try to illuminate the dark corners with regular or light therapy lamps, open those blinds and make sure your windows remain unobstructed to enhance natural lighting. If you have some extra money to play with, see if you can make any adjustments to your existing windows to help increase the natural lighting in your environment. 

If you are already blessed with large windows, consider painting the frame a darker color so your window resembles a hung picture. Pair it with a neutral-colored cozy chair and a plant, then actually make time to soak up the light with a good book, a nap, or some meditation. 

Fake it till you make it. Views of trees and vegetation reduce stress enhance mood and cognitive performance in work settings compared to views lacking natural features. For example, if you do not have outdoor space or big picture windows consider investing in pictures or paintings of nature or having David Attenborough’s A life on Our Planet blasting in the background as you make dinner. 

Also, never underestimate the sound of water. For example, consider purchasing a fountain for your outdoor or indoor space. Quiet sounds linked to nature indicate safety and thus reduce stress and restore attentional capabilities allowing for high-level cognitive functioning, including creativity. 

Happy Biophilic Designing!