Biophilic Elements for Interiors

Mohammed Engineer, CEO of Sunrich Meraki briefs on the Biophilic design - a concept of occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct and indirect nature, space and place conditions.   How can one bring the nature within interior spaces? Introducing plants is a key element to Biophilic Design and are beneficial because they are living, breathing organisms making the air cleaner and creating calmer tranquil spaces. Research has shown that exposure to nature can lower stress, elevate your mood, make you feel more relaxed and improve cognitive functions. There are so many different varieties to choose from (also depending on how good you are at watering), cactus and spider plants have always been low maintenance option. The corner of your room that you don't know what to do with - how about a yucca plant? If you place a hanging plant in a good location it frames the space, even potted herbs can make a nice feature in your kitchen, perhaps hang them on your wall. Plants are also great for absorbing, deflecting and diffusing sound. The more plants you have, the size of the plant, and the surface area of the leaves will all have an effect on sound absorption which can help create a good acoustic environment for your home. If your office is lacking some foliage, sneak in a plant for your desk at work, a succulent is a good option as it's unlikely to die from dehydration if you are away on holiday for a week. Having plants at work enhances your creativity, performance, and productivity.   As most of us live in cities- the ‘concrete jungles’, how to the bring feel of outdoors in indoors? If you are lucky enough to have a great view, then you have this section covered. Position your chairs so you have a good view of your landscape outside the window. If the view isn't too appealing, place some pot plants outside to enhance your outlook. A painting or photograph of a nice landscape can also have the desired effect. A tropical, leafy wallpaper or a huge floral mural on a wall which will complement the design can also do the trick.   The importance of natural light in Biophilic design Utilizing the natural light that enters your property is very important and will highlight the connection to nature. Natural daylight is also essential for our health and balances our hormonal levels of serotonin and melatonin. Choosing the right blinds and taking down heavy dark curtains, can really brighten the space.Another way of maximizing natural light is by brightening the space with white paint, this reflects natural light back into your room.  Another fun effective idea (not the cheapest or easiest solution though) is to replace an interior wall with glass block. This can create much more light into otherwise dark areas and open up the space.   How can the right use of colour help us connect with nature? As we know by now that Biophilic Design is all about nature, using natural colours is another way of bringing the outside in. Introducing certain shades of green, brown and pops of colour to an otherwise subdued palette will mirror the effect that nature creates; a happy, productive and creative environment.   How should one choose furnishings and fabrics? Choosing natural materials in your home, such as wood and natural fibres is a great way to connect with nature indoors. Materials which are tactile; wood, seagrass, cork and wicker are all good choices, plus they are often hard wearing and will have an additional benefit of being sustainable. It is not just about seeing or being within nature, it is also having contact with nature which makes us happier and adds to our physical and mental well-being.