4 minute read
Biophilic Design
n n n BIOPHILIC DESIGN IS an interior design and architectural concept that was developed in the 1980s, and was founded on the principle that people have an innate need to connect with nature. Biophilic design is linked to better health and wellness in that bringing elements of nature inside the home helps to relieve stress and promotes relaxation and a calm atmosphere. Whether you are working on a small redecorating project or are looking to renovate your whole house, consider using these techniques to connect more with nature.
Natural Wood Furniture and Finishings
Natural wood furniture looks great in both classic and modern themed home designs and is a simple way to make your home feel more connected to nature. Look for furniture that is constructed of solid wood and showcases all of the cracks, blemishes, and knots you would find in pieces cut down in the wild. Log cabin style furniture is among the best for achieving the natural look. To save some money, pull out your saw and hammer, and try constructing your own furniture pieces in your spare time. You can also use natural wood to create accent walls, floorboard trim, and wall decorations.
Add More Windows
Natural lighting is another key element of biophilic design. During your home renovation, consider adding bigger windows to various rooms
The furniture above, and the wood piece at the top of the page, were designed and created by Wood Station Co-op of Cambridge and Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. www.woodstation-coop.com
Kathy’s Shade Shop llc
RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL
Shutters ~ Motorization ~ Custom Draperies & Hardware ~ Wood & Aluminum Blinds
Roman Shades ~ Natural Fiber Shades ~ Mylar Sun Shades ~ Sheerweave Sun Shades Custom Roller Shades ~ Pleated and Cellular Shades ~ Custom Graphic Shades ~ Vertical Blinds Repairs for most blinds & shades
QUALITY SERVICE AND COMPETITIVE PRICING $100 OFF Any order over $1,000 One order per coupon $250 OFF Any order over $2,000 One order per coupon $400 OFF Any order over $3,000 One order per coupon
Hunter Douglas ~ Lafayette~ Levolor-Kirsch ~ Somfy Motorization~ BTX Motorization Graber ~ Techniku Motorization ~ Window Quilt ~ Comfortex ~ Draper
9034 W. National Ave.‚ West Allis, WI 53227 ~ 414.321.1850 ~ www.kathysshadeshop.com Monday~Friday 9:30 am~5:30 pm; Saturday 9:30 am~1:00 pm
Rive view Antique M
ket
19 TH
YEAR
Anniversary Sale SEPTEMBER 18 – OCTOBER 18 Thank you for the privilege of providing you with the unique, the hard to find and the beautiful. 2045 W. St. Paul Ave. ~ Milwaukee Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm; Sunday, 11 am- 4 pm. Closed Monday. www.RiverviewAntiqueMarket.com ~ 414-278-9999
rooms of your home in an effort to maximize sunlight exposure and enjoy beautiful views of your exterior landscaping. Sunrooms are an excellent way to bring the beauty of outdoor gardens into your living space without all of the rain and other weather elements. Install large windows that can be opened so you can let in the warm spring and summer breeze.
Indoor Gardens and Fountains
Having plants in your home will provide a relaxing ambiance and will actually keep the air within your home cleaner. Plants act as natural air purifiers that do not require electricity or expensive air filters. For maximum air quality, make sure you have one plant per every one hundred square feet of space. Look for ferns, aloe vera plants, succulents and flowers that are low maintenance. Also position planter boxes near the windows or in your sunroom and enjoy the calming effects of an indoor garden. Water fountains are also great for indoor living spaces because they offer tranquility. Find a water fountain that features natural stones and has relaxing glowing lights. Fountains are perfect for living rooms and bedrooms, as the sweet lull of the running water will drift you off to your happy place.
Natural Sounds and Smells
While natural furnishings and live plants are important elements of biophilic design, so are the smells and sounds of nature. You can make your home smell more like the great outdoors by adding scented candles, potpourri, or even flowers like lavender that have strong heavenly scents. You can also incorporate the sounds of nature into the design of your home thanks to surround sound speakers. Find recordings of peaceful jungle sounds, waves crashing on the shoreline, or birds singing in the woods.
Colors of Nature
Natural colors are paramount to biophilic design. Choose paints, stains, and fabrics that mimic the colors found in nature so that you can maximize the feeling of bringing the outdoors inside. If you have flower producing plants outside that are visible from your windows, take some of those colors and incorporate them into the decorations indoors so that your outdoor living space and your indoor living space compliment one another. Invite the look and feel of nature into your home and reap the rewards of better health and wellness. When you give in to your innate need to connect with nature, you will get to enjoy an indoor living space that feels like a true sanctuary.
