Biophilic Design: Applying the Concept to Your Home

The premise of biophilic design is that we are at our healthiest and most peaceful when we are surrounded by nature. If we are to apply this trend to our homes, then it’s all about opening up our walls so that our homes become drenched in sunlight and greenery.

If you love the idea of connecting your home to nature, a biophilic design might be for you. Here are some tips for achieving this well-loved 2021 interior design trend.

Open it up

Biophilic design is greatly dependent on your home’s natural architecture. In the process of choosing or purchasing a house, opt for one that has massive windows—the bigger, the better. If there are skylights, that’s a good option, too. Floor-to-ceiling windows are one of the first features you need to look for in a home, especially if the property is located in an area with plenty of trees and greenery. If the property you end up buying doesn’t have as many windows, here are some steps for adding new windows to your home:

• The first step is deciding the location and style of the new window. Make sure it complements the home’s natural architecture and the other windows. Proper placement and correct size are crucial to doing it right, as well as knowing the optimal heights for hanging. Consult with an architect to help you find the best place to add new windows or glass panels.
• Make sure the ceiling is supported to prevent it from sagging while framing your new window.
• Adding windows is a process that takes a reasonable amount of time, especially since you have to add safeguards that ensure rainwater cannot enter through the opening and that the fit is exact. Don’t rush this process and have someone you trust who has knowledge about soft renovations work with your contractor.

Consider outdoor bathrooms

If privacy is not a problem and you have an outdoor pool, outdoor baths might be an excellent alternative to regular baths. The bathroom is one of the spaces in our home where we can do some self-care, meditate, and focus on our own needs, so it’s one of the best places to use biophilic design in.

If the idea of an outdoor bathtub is too intimidating for you, or if you worry about privacy concerns, you can add more windows and plenty of indoor plants into your bathroom. You can also use natural materials like wood and stone instead of materials that are often used for bathrooms, like marble or tiles.

Make sure the living room has a view of the outdoors

If the residential property you end up buying is by the lake or by the side of the mountains, capitalize on these natural views by making the outdoor landscape the focal point of the living room instead of a fireplace, screen, or piece of art. Keep your curtains and drapes open during the day so that you, your family members, and guests have a good view of the garden, blue sky, or whatever terrain your home is in.

If it’s possible to keep the windows or glass doors open, keep them ajar so that you can enjoy the gentle breeze on your skin—this, along with the vitamin D from the sun, can help keep you healthy and give you energy throughout the day. Make sure nothing is blocking the windows.

Add plenty of greenery in your living room as well—strategically place nice potted plants as well as hanging ferns and succulents throughout the space. Even a green plant wall can be a wonderful and aesthetically pleasing alternative if you think having multiple indoor potted plants is too much work.

Incorporate a cozy bedroom nook

Now that our homes also need to be an office-gym-school hybrid, we might be struggling to see it more as a place for relaxation. Consider adding a cozy nook on one side of your bedroom—one where you can look out the window or relax with a book and a cup of tea. Add some plants near this area so that it complements the greenery from the windows. Incorporate more layers like an area rug, throws, and fuzzy blankets to make it even cozier.

If we are to be cooped up in our homes for the foreseeable future, then our homes need to be a sanctuary, one that can help us enjoy the great outdoors without having to leave the comfort of our homes. Consider biophilic design as you buy, build, and design your new home, and let it be your haven during these uncertain times.