Humans don't migrate with the seasons, we build our dwellings strong and we stay there! So I wanted to take a look at the connection between nature, seasons and the home. Biophilic Design is the next huge movement in architecture and interiors, I think as New Zealanders, a connection with the outdoors is already prevalent but an understanding of biophilic design is relevant none the less.
WHAT IS BIOPHILIC DESIGN?
Biophilic Design is about blurring the line between the indoors and nature in both residential and commercial dwellings. Using architectural features that respond to and harness natural resources like sunlight and fresh air, in interior design the use of colours are derived from nature and include natural elements in the home like plants and water features, these are just a couple of examples.
4 X EXAMPLES OF HOW YOU CAN CONSIDER BIOPHILIC DESIGN IN YOUR HOME
1. Natural Materials and organic shapes.
Using natural materials like stone and wood, the feel, look and texture, provide a similar experience to a natural environment, because you have essentially brought the outside in.
Because nature is more made up of organic shapes, using curves to break up a space either with introducing a curved piece of furniture or sculptural light shade that imitates a natural form, works too.
2. Spatial Variability.
Like the great outdoors that can vary from a scorching desert, to the ocean to a deep rain forest, the home varies in its use, from relaxing and reading, to energetically cooking, to socialising and sleeping. Imitating the changes of our environment with mood of the space imitates the changes of the natural environment, this is called Biomimicry.
Image Via Pinterest
3. Prospect and Refuge
Just like our primal ancestors, a view of a landscape makes us feel good, now days it's more to admire its beauty but back then it was to survey the landscape for danger and opportunity.
In saying that small cosy nooks also make us feel good because we feel safe.
If you are lucky enough to have a beautiful view, make sure you also have somewhere to hide away like a reading nook. If you don't have much of a view at all, a large landscape painting or photograph will give that sense of space and depth.
Image via: www.faylooney.com
4. Bring the inside, out.
Even if you just have a small balcony or outdoor space, invest in it so that you spend more time outside.
Having somewhere to just share a cup of tea with a friend or relax in the sun in the open air, or even enjoy an outdoor fire in the colder months. Spending time outside in fresh air is better for our wellbeing and provides another element to the spatial variability of our home.
Image via: Ceasarstone.com.au
PS How cool is this planter!
I hope this has you thinking about how you use your home in regards to its connection with nature.
Work these concepts with your personal look and you will never want to leave!
It's time to reconnect to our roots and embrace nature into our living, in style.
- Lauren Shiels - The Healing Space Project.
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