Biophilic Design Is the New Home Decor Trend

“Biophilic design” is a term used to describe the overall connection to nature in the composition of an interior space. Humans tend to be drawn to other forms of life, and biophilic design takes advantage of the inherent appeal of our ecosystem, even though our architecture often separates us from it. While there are many ways to interpret this design style, not all of them have to be expensive. Here’s how to achieve this result without spending a ton of money.

Become a plant keeper

Using plants for decoration is a good start to biophilic design. Choosing plants that match their natural surroundings and come in a variety of sizes and shapes can help enhance the effect of plant decorations. Searching for indoor plants in free social media groups or local garden clubs is one way to offset the cost of adding vegetation to your indoor space. Additionally, creating layers with plant stands or using window shelves can add drama to even small plants as they grow.

Use natural materials

Choosing natural materials such as rattan , jute , wood and dried herbs or flowers can help bring in the look. Adding rattan even as an accent—like a tray or cabinet door—can help achieve a natural look. without requiring a lot of money. Using wood accents or removing paint from wood furniture to show off the natural grain is another affordable option. If you prefer, dried herb flowers can be sourced from your own yard. Hanging the cuttings upside down to dry will help the flowers dry evenly. You can also try dipping them in wax if you want them to last longer.

Open the curtains

The cheapest way to bring a little nature into your home is to open the windows. Weather permitting, opening the curtains and allowing natural light inside is a great (and free) way to add a biophilic design element. If you don’t have outdoor vegetation, consider a window box filled with seasonal plants. If you’re not prepared to open the window all the way, you can use sheer curtains to cover the windows to reveal some of the view while still maintaining privacy.

Use natural colors

Incorporating nature-inspired colors into your home can help create an overall biophilic design look. Take your favorite green color from some of your houseplants, or choose a color common to your local natural environment to integrate natural design elements. You don’t have to paint the entire room to add color. You can paint an accent wall or even add nature-inspired textiles like curtains or upholstery. Choosing a color that already matches your current decor will save you from having to re-decorate or repaint your entire space.

Use natural shapes and patterns.

The use of natural shapes and patterns evokes nature, even when you’re inside. Spirals resemble natural shapes such as flowers or snail shells; soft curves can imitate waves or leaves blowing in the wind; and some patterns may appear as light shining through tree branches or spreading vines. Adding a rug with a nature-inspired pattern or wallpaper featuring plants or animals is a way to add biophilic patterns without redoing everything in your home. You can also choose art that depicts natural scenes.