If there’s a building design that can prove the impact of surrounding on one’s well-being, its biophilic design. The loving-life approach uses natural elements to boost wellness and positivity.

Most of us show a preference for natural materials and design aesthetics when designing and decorating our homes. However, the preference is not only due to personal choices or liking. Researchers have pinpointed other benefits such as improved learning skills, lower stress levels, reduced blood pressure and enhanced healing abilities.

In the world of architecture, the preference for nature has a word: biophilia—meaning the “love of life.” It entails any positive effect due to exposure to natural elements through any medium, including smell, sight, sound and/or touch. In interior design, biophilia’s effects could comprise various sensory elements, such as daylighting, scenic views, patterns and use of natural material to evoke positive responses.

What is biophilic design?

In simple terms, it is a design theme that connects our living space to nature by blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. For instance, when we mimic natural elements such as greenery by placing indoor plants, we can experience the same calming effects of nature encountered in the wilderness.

Biophilic design seeks to connect our inherent needs for nature affiliation in a modern living environment. As humans, 99 percent of our evolution and adaptability response is natural forces, rather than man-made or artificial environments. Therefore, our need to connect with nature remains integral for our existence and well-being.

Today, we spend most of our time in built environments such as home, offices, restaurants and other man-made buildings. Biophilic design aims to satisfy our desire to experience nature in a modern setting. However, the theme revolves around elements proven to contribute to our health, fitness and well-being.

Moreover, it focuses on the harmony of elements with each other, its environment and habitats. In biophilic design, all existing organisms should be integrated as a whole ecosystem to benefit human beings. Simply putting a natural element that doesn’t correspond with its surroundings will have little-to-zero impact on people’s health and well-being.

What are biophilic materials?

Biophilic designs feature natural materials, interiors, design textures, exposure to natural elements and access to open spaces. It is based on natural design principles to bring the outside world in while protecting the inhabitants’ environment and well-being. It includes:

Plants—They are the fundamental feature of biophilic designs, incorporated through vertical gardens, moss art and air-purifying indoor plants. It reduces CO2 levels while also increasing the space’s aesthetics, improving concentration and lowering stress levels.

Organic materials—Biophilic designs use non-toxic, sustainable and eco-friendly materials such as cork, wood and rubber to design the interiors. It also focuses on natural patterns, colors, and texture to promote a green lifestyle and improve the environment.

Sound and scent—By creating harmony with nature, biophilic interiors integrate sound-absorbing materials such as moss wall art, wooden floor panels and glass to reduce the noisy ambient. Fresh indoor plants also lead to sensory exposure of smelling to create a soothing and harmonious environment.

Adding Biophilic Elements into a Bathroom Space

One room synonymous with relaxation is our bathrooms; therefore, it is one place where you often see biophilic design. Incorporating biophilic design in bathrooms has several benefits, including:

• Clean environment
• Boosts mood
• Strengthens the immune system
• Relieves stress

Here is how you can enhance affiliation to nature, even in bathrooms:

• Plants are a great way to subtly introduce nature in bathrooms. A sleek hanging pot or petite pot will fit nicely in any sized bathroom.
• Natural light is a key element of biophilic design, so find ways to bring it in. Change out heavy window treatments that block natural light, or if your bathroom is located where there is little-to-no natural light, the addition of solar tubes can allow natural light to stream in.
• Materials, such as bamboo, wood and stone, are perfect to imitate the outdoors. Some favorites for the bathroom space include cabinets made of reclaimed wood, tile that mimics natural stone and area rugs made of natural textures.
• Decorate by adding items that remind you of nature, such as floral prints, patterns found in nature, baskets, rattan and natural fabric.

Have you considered adding biophilic design elements into your bathroom renovation project? We’d love to help you create the perfect bathroom. Contact us to talk.