Biophilic By Design, Biophilic By Nature

There is an inherent human attraction to nature – immersing ourselves in natural surroundings has an undeniable calming and positive effect.

The word ‘biophilia’ means just that; ‘an innate and genetically determined affinity of human beings with the natural world.’ – Oxford Languages Dictionary definition.

Materials

One of the most effective ways we can choose to bring nature in to our homes, is by choosing natural materials over man made counterparts. We spoke to Joanna Thornhill, author of ‘The New Mindful Home’ – “Ensuring your home contains natural elements, such as tactile metals, grounding natural wood and objects derived from the earth, such as ceramics and stone, can all help us feel more connected to nature.”

Porcelain is one of the most natural materials you can use in your home. Its life cycle is extremely long, if not as eternal as the earth itself, it comes directly from the earth and is a highly sustainable material. We do not apply glaze to our porcelain. It is left in its raw state free of toxins and harmful chemicals.
Should its use end, it returns to the earth with no toxicity or harmful properties. Porcelain never rusts, never tarnishes. Its beautiful luminance will last a lifetime and beyond.

Materials such as wood and jute will largely improve over time – the patina of a rustic farmhouse table will only improve over the years, a beautiful jute rug will gradually become softer under foot. The layering of natural materials will also create a mixture of unique textures in your home, adding tactility to the overall style and aesthetic.

The use of natural materials can also be carried through to necessities such as cleaning – through the use of cupboard essentials such as vinegar and baking soda, rather than using cleaning products containing toxins and harsh chemicals.

Plants & Colour

Houseplants are an excellent way of bringing nature in to our living spaces. They are not only aesthetically pleasing but have many other benefits, some species have even been proven to naturally freshen and purify the air indoors. Caring for your plants and watching them grow can be a wonderful mood-booster, helping to reduce stress and fatigue.

However, if houseplants aren’t to your taste, then simply choosing a natural hue for your walls can have similar effects. Colours that are reminiscent of the natural world inevitably evoke the feelings that we have when we are surrounded by nature.

“Studies have shown that simply looking at a depiction of nature – be it a wallpaper print featuring tree motifs or artwork depicting a forest scene – can still evoke a calming effect.” Joanna Thornhill.

Largely due to its associations with trees, forests and grass, the colour green is often described as tranquil, calming and revitalising. Whereas the colour blue has an innate connection to natural elements such as the sea and sky, evoking a sense of serenity for a peaceful interior retreat.