The Theory of Biophilic Design in Our Homes
This approach incorporates nature into interiors either by including natural elements or simulating a natural environment indoors. The Biophilic Design’s aim is to restore the bond between human beings and nature. It has been proven to bring fundamental health benefits such as reduced stress, improved mood and cognitive functions, increased energy and creativity and have a positive impact on mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Biophilic Design is not a style. It is a major design element that can be used with any interior design style.
We spend 90% of our time indoors. Over the years we have become inside creatures spending less time outside in nature due to our urban lives. Stress levels are on the rise and a proliferation of technology has changed our habits. Now constantly exposed to the blue light of our computers and mobiles our brains are overstimulated. We are not giving ourselves the time to recuperate energy and relax.
Decorating with plants has become hugely popular in recent years as we seek to reconnect with nature. Available in a host of shapes, forms, colours and textures, from large leafy palms to small shapely cacti, not forgetting flowering varieties indoor plants make versatile decorating ideas and are used by interior designers as living forms of art. Plants have a sculptural quality, they are always changing, have intricate details and complement every type of decor style.
Introducing nature into our living and work space creates a sanctuary of calmness and improves our overall health. There are many ways we could bring the outside indoors in order to benefit from the healing power of nature.
Here are 5 simple ways to do so through plants:
1. Fill Shelves With House Plants
Plants bring an element of softness and freshness to any shelf, especially those that trail. Succulents have architectural style and demand very little attention, so they can be useful for filling the gaps where objects feel a little too rigid.
2. Soften Partitions
A selection of different indoor plants can make the perfect finishing touch to a partition or structural wall in an open-plan living room. As well as providing pops of vibrant colour, plants with sculptural, organic forms are a fabulous antidote to the strong architectural lines of contemporary design.
3. Gather in Abundance
When it comes to decorating with plants don’t hold back as abundance is the key to a successful botanical theme. From flower wall art to windowsills, to even hanging from the ceiling; think creatively about how you can use them to create an immersive and magical feel. Abundance is important, the more you commit to the botanical theme the more impressive it looks, walking into a foliage-filled room is uplifting. It really is worth the effort when they flourish and your room is ever-changing with new growth.
4. Layer Plants at Different Heights
Layering plants brings life and interest into a room. Choose a variety of forms and shapes and display them at different heights, either raised on stands or hung as part of a gallery wall, for an indoor jungle feel. Plants with variated leaves and strokes of colour are great as decor elements because of their dramatic contrasts.
5. Decorate With Indoor Trees To Create A Focal Point
Even just a few carefully positioned trees can be enough to elevate a space. Homeowners are increasingly searching for large statement plants to create a focal point. For a statement try the banana tree, elephant’s ear, pygmy date palm or indoor trees like citrus or fig trees.
