Exposure to the outdoors and nature has a calming effect and can create a sense of wellbeing. Biophilic design involves bringing colours, shapes, patterns and materials inspired by the natural world to the design of your home. Whether it’s indoor plants or leafy prints, biophilic design has a positive effect on a person when they enter a room that has natural elements. Natural themes can also help with a better night’s sleep.
Indoor plants
It’s no secret that indoor plants are beneficial to our health. Research by NASA has revealed that many house plants improve air quality by acting as a natural filter and absorbing certain toxic substances, such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene.
Studies have shown that plants can help reduce signs of stress and improve sleep. Surrounding ourselves with nature promotes wellness and has a calming effect. Outdoor gardening has been proven to help stress levels and the same goes for indoor gardening. Something as simple as watering or repotting the plant can help slow respiratory rates and soothe mind chatter. Not only do plants add a cosy, homely feel to a bedroom, they also have oxygen-boosting abilities that promotes a restful night’s sleep.
When selecting your house plants, it’s best to check what maybe a danger to children and animals before purchasing.
Plant prints
It’s not just real plants that are popular for creating biophilic design. Leafy prints, tropical designs and floral patterns are also a great way to incorporate natural themes. If you don’t have time to maintain house plants, this is an easy, low maintenance alternative. From artwork to bedsheets and throw pillows, there are many ways to get the biophilic look.
Natural materials
Using natural materials will make your bedroom feel soft, warm and cosy. Wooden furniture, jute rugs, wicker accessories and cotton bedding all help to achieve a natural look and feel. Not only does this create an aesthetically pleasing and tactile environment, it also helps to avoid chemically treated materials that maybe harmful to your health.
Listen to sounds of nature
Sounds of the natural world can have a calming effect and gently send you off to sleep. If opening a window lets in the sound of the suburban jungle, why not use a sound machine to emulate the sounds of nature? Whether it’s the soothing sounds of the ocean or the ambient sounds of a forest, a sound machine is a great way to help you drift off to sleep.
Light and shade
Use of natural light is one of the key elements when creating a biophilic room. There is evidence we are healthier when our circadian rhythms are balanced. Exposure to natural light aids with this as well as helping to improve sleep at night. Create restful lighting at night by installing a dimmer switch or adding a lamp made of organic material, such as Himalayan sea salt.
