Your home is a place to unwind and recharge after the day, regardless of who is there to greet you. What better time than winter to add a touch of nature and create a more inviting atmosphere?
Natural elements, whether real or imitation, can make your home a place to look forward to coming home on a stressful, chilly day.
Biophilia is based on the theory that humans have an innate desire to connect with nature, found in their DNA.
Scientific research shows that connecting with nature can improve physical and mental well-being.
So, when you blend biophilic ideas in your home, you’re bringing the benefits of nature into your living space.
For centuries, human beings have evolved in harmony with their natural environment; in today’s world, they’re evolving based on technology created by the modern world.
Although evidence suggests that spending time in nature daily can significantly impact their health, they spend most of their time indoors, often in spaces completely disconnected from nature.
Using biophilic ideas of Biophilia, you can create a living space in your home that strengthens your connection to the natural world and brings you closer to your roots.
Your home will not only look and feel more relaxing, but you will also experience numerous health benefits, such as:
-
- less anxiety
-
- feel happier
-
- sleep better
-
- boost your energy level
-
- think clearer
-
- reduce pain threshold
-
- reduce daily stress
-
- stabilize your blood pressure
-
- strengthen your immune system
-
- increase recovery time from sickness
Social ecologist Stephen Kellert proposed the idea of Biophilic design, bringing nature into living spaces.
He divided it into six elements that can be used in your home, office, or any other place where you want to connect with nature. Regardless of the size of your home, there are many creative ways to bring the benefits of biophilia into your living environment.
Environmental features
Bringing in natural elements, like water, sunlight, and vegetation, into your home can help you feel more connected to nature. These elements have been shown to reduce stress levels, improve comfort, and promote healing. For instance, the sound of a small Japanese fountain at the entryway can create a soothing ambiance, while watching fish and listening to the sounds of an aquarium can give you visual cues to relax.
Even if you don’t have a fireplace, you can easily find YouTube videos that show wood-burning fireplaces in different settings to help slow your mind by listening to the sounds of the crackling wood in the background.
Natural shapes and forms
Natural shapes and forms of ovals, arches, shells, spirals, and botanical patterns, can create a more natural feel. Oval rugs with floral patterns, unclosed geometric shapes, and wood furniture in earth-tone colors can help bring nature’s shapes indoors.
Natural patterns and processes
Materials like weathering steel can be used to represent the passage of time. Seashells, tree branches, crystals, pine cones, or even geometric patterns like pyramids can be placed throughout the home to maintain daily connections with nature patterns.
Light and space
Placing a desk near a window that overlooks a scenic view, such as trees, a lake, or an open space, allows for natural light and relaxing scenery to enter the room.
Place-based relationships
Decorating your home with planters, living roofs, and nature-inspired art can bring the beauty of the outdoors inside.
You can also hang a large picture of yourself in a landscape, such as a canyon or a mountain peak, to create a sense of connection with nature and the outside
environment.
Evolved human-nature relationships
If you regain a sense of responsibility for the planet and notice changes in your mood and senses as the seasons change, you will likely experience varying levels of connection with nature throughout the year.
Taking a nature walk, observing animals living peacefully in their natural habitat, and appreciating the beauty of sunrises and sunsets are all ways of connecting with the earth. Experiencing the crisp autumn air and listening to the sound of rustling leaves outside your window connects you to Earth’s seasonal changes.
All these examples of nature are a reminder of the living planet.
Takeaway: The video below has great ideas for decorating your home or office to express your taste and personality and enjoy the health benefits of Biophilia.
Comments are closed.