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Green up – Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is about bringing nature into our built environment in order to improve our health and well-being. By incorporating natural elements into our homes, we can reduce stress, boost productivity and creativity, and live healthier, more sustainable lives. At originalhome, we celebrate the beauty and benefits of biophilic design and offer a sustainable and stylish way to bring nature into your home.
Biophilic Design
In today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by concrete buildings, traffic-filled streets and screens of all shapes and sizes. It is no surprise that when we think of a space where we feel most happy, calm and relaxed, our minds immediately conjure up images of natural environments such as pools of water, trees, flowers, grass and blue sky. As human beings, we have an innate affiliation with the natural world. Our bodies and minds have evolved in close connection to nature, and we have a genetic inheritance that recognizes natural landscapes as such that will allow us to survive and thrive. Biophilic design is a philosophy that aims to incorporate natural elements, such as fresh air, light, greenery, and natural materials, colours, textures, and patterns that mimic or evoke a feeling of nature, into our built environment in order to improve our health and well-being. We are happier, healthier, and more productive when we have a direct or indirect connection to nature.
In addition to making our spaces more pleasant and productive – natural and biophilic design can also help save the environment. For example, rewilding cities by incorporating more greenery and natural spaces can cool down the city, improve air quality, prevent flooding and enhance biodiversity. By valuing nature, we can support our own well-being while also protecting the planet.
Health Benefits
Studies show that incorporating natural elements into our spaces can have significant positive effects on our health and well-being. Biophilic design has been found to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve cognitive function and boost productivity and creativity. In fact, research shows that people who work in biophilic environments are 6% more productive and 15% more creative than those who don’t.
How to Incorporate Biophilic Design in Your Home
So how can we incorporate natural and biophilic design into our daily lives? It’s not just about going on nature walks or vacations. We need to find ways to connect with nature on a day-to-day level. Fortunately, there are many ways to incorporate biophilic design into our spaces. It is easy and most ways are even completely free! Here are some ideas:
- Bring in natural light and fresh air
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- Make the most of natural light by keeping windows uncovered or using light, sheer curtains. Open windows to let in fresh air and bring in plants to help purify the air. Fresh air boosts feelings of happiness and relaxation and increases immunity. Natural light helps to support your circadian rhythm, allowing you to get better sleep and in turn maintain better health. It is also known to boost productivity.
- Add greenery
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- Directly experience nature in your home by incorporating plants. Indoor plants not only look good and bring colour into your interior. They also help improve air quality by eliminating air pollutants, increase creativity and reduce stress.
- Incorporate water
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- The sound of water can have a calming effect. Consider adding a small fountain or water feature to your home or outside space.
- Use natural materials and colours
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- Choose materials that evoke a sense of nature, such as timbers, stones, and plant fibres. Keep the base of your interior natural and neutral to create a calming atmosphere. Try to stick to earthy tones or subdued colours. The easiest way to incorporate pops of colour into your home is through textiles and small accessories such as candles or flowers!
- Embrace outdoor spaces as functional rooms
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- Make the most of your outdoor spaces by turning them into functional rooms. Create an outdoor dining area, a reading nook, or a space for yoga and meditation. You can hang lampshades, place furniture, and even set an outdoor table. This allows you to easily live your life outside and connect with nature directly.
Originalhome: Biophilic Basis
The originalhome collection is based on the principles of biophilic design and is designed to be sustainable from origin. We consistently use materials with the smallest footprint on the planet. Our collection celebrates traditional crafts and is designed to connect you with nature, inspire you to be creative and be 100% original. Our organic yet modern and minimalistic designs emanate nature and preserve the authentic character of the materials. This offers you a range of sustainable products that improve your physical and mental well-being and allow you to incorporate biophilic design principles in your home, while being the most earth and people friendly choice.
Let’s embrace the beauty and benefits of nature-based spaces and design, and make it a priority in our daily lives.
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