So, in what ways do grasses, green plants, trees, shrubs, parks, beaches, wide open fields, blossoming gardens, and views of rivers and high mountain peaks benefit our mental wellness? Virtually in everything, according to a comprehensive examination of the scientific literature, which supports the beneficial effects of exposure to natural settings.

 

The researchers specifically observed that those who are surrounded by plant life and other forms of indoor and outdoor natural beauty experience positive effects in mental and emotional health which improve their social, physical, environmental, psychological, cognitive, and spiritual wellbeing.

In fact, a study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) revealed that living in a place with regular view of green spaces brings health benefits worth US$370 per person per year.

The concept "biophilia", which refers to humans' predisposition to interact with different forms of life, perfectly defines our desire to connect with nature. It is written in our DNA, hence, this pull towards nature remains embedded in our psyche even when we're living in a modern environment surrounded by technology, machines, and manmade concrete structures.

Biophilic design has recently become a buzzword in social media. It means forming a sense of harmony between the outside world and your home and has become so much more than just a popular trend in the realm of design.

During, and even after, the COVID pandemic which has left many confined in their houses, creating a calming sanctuary which promotes health and wellbeing has become more critical than ever.

Talk to JarvisInteriors experts today to help you implement a nature-inspired biophilic interior design in your home!

Read related materials:

18 Ways To Incorporate Biophilic Interior Design into Your Home

Biophilic Interior Design: How to Get a Nature Inspired Home

And, for inspiration, watch:

Inside A Hidden Architect’s Own Family Home That Reveals A Gorgeous Haven and

Biophilic Design - 7 Principles to Better Connect Your Home with Nature.

 

How to integrate a nature-focused design in your home?

Consider these tips for a biophilic home interior:

1- Highlight plants as a design feature.

Live plants are one of the simplest ways to integrate biophilic design into your home. For a novice plant parent, start small with a set of potted spices on your kitchen’s window ledge or low-maintenance plants for your coffee table.

To enjoy the benefits of biophilic design, line your stairway with plants, set aside an entire wall to greeneries, or fill every corner of the room with your favorite flora.

2- Draw attention to the outdoor views.

If you're blessed with the opportunity to live in a location where there's rich nature, take full advantage of it through your home's architecture. Have a wide picture window without sashes or grilles that frame the views outside.

Whether you have a grassy backyard or live on a lakefront property, this technique allows you to use nature as wall art. Consider placing a skylight in a hallway, bathroom, or kitchen to provide views of the sky. This also lets natural light in your interiors.

3- Create an outdoor-indoor connection.

Connect your outdoor and interior living spaces to create a seamless flow between your house and nature. Install sliding doors that can be opened to connect your living area to an outdoor porch. Other luxuries that might make nature feel like an original part of your home's design include a patio that connects to your kitchen and a balcony off your bedroom.

4- Use natural elements to decorate your spaces.

Biophilic design can also be seen in less explicit ways. Other than putting real plants, you can achieve the same effect by filling your home with colors, textures, and shapes that resemble those in nature. Choose nature-inspired materials like natural stone, bamboo, rocks, reclaimed wood, shells, rattan, wool, cotton, and leather. You can also use muted, organic hues in your color palettes. Incorporating subtle hints of nature into your décor is a simple and often cost-effective way to foster the calming characteristics of biophilic design.

Check out these pictures for inspiration: An Award-Winning House in Melbourne Is Lauded for Its Biophilic Design.

For more ideas on nature-inspired home interiors, watch: An Eco-Friendly Home That Uses Biophilic Design Principles to Connect With Nature.

 

7 benefits of indoor plants backed by research:

Many like to live and work in cultivated green spaces, and most of them enjoy having beautiful flora around. But there's more to it. Here are seven positive impacts that science states indoor plants can bring:

1- Indoor plants can help reduce stress levels.

2- Real, living plants can help sharpen attention.

3- It is therapeutic working with plants.

4- Plants can help in faster recovery from illness.

5- Greeneries can improve your productivity.

6- Plant life boosts your general disposition about work.

7- Plants can help enhance indoor air quality.

But keep in mind to pick indoor plant species that are safe and non-toxic to children and pets –if they’re within reach. It's best to check with a reliable source to be assured that they are safe. A list of poisonous plants in your region may be published by your poison control agency.

Here's a short list of common plants that are hazardous to children and animals:

• azalea
• amaryllis
• aloe vera
• cyclamen
• chrysanthemums
• dieffenbachia
• English ivy
• jonquils
• jade
• lilies of many varieties
• monstera deliciosa
• mistletoe
• poinsettias
• philodendron
• pothos
• sago palm
• umbrella plant

Also check if a certain houseplant you wish to use as decor can trigger asthma or allergies.

Living in or near nature-rich spaces, and spending as much time as possible in both cultivated and natural gardens, has been shown in studies to reduce the negative effects of stress, improve mood, promote physical activity (and other positive behaviors), reduce aggression, improve mental activities, and enhance overall well-being in people of all ages under various circumstances.

It's easier to incorporate nature into our indoor lives by using biophilic design. Creating harmony and continuity between your home and the outside world is an effective approach to improve one's health and wellbeing.

If you wish to create a nature-inspired sanctuary in your home, call the experts from JarvisInteriors today!

To get more interior decorating ideas from JarvisInteriors, check out this article: Bedroom Trends in 2023 That's Designed to Boost Wellness.

 

 

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CONTENT Credits

11 Ways Plants Enhance Your Mental and Emotional Health

How plants promote better mental health and wellbeing

What Is Biophilic Design? How to Incorporate This Trending Style

A Hobby for All Seasons: 7 Science-Backed Benefits of Indoor Plants

Photo Credits:

What is Biophilic Design? An interior design trend here to stay