A Cue from Nature

Biophilic design weaves natural elements into your home

By Andrea Lavigne, Andrea Lavigne Design

Biophilic Design—where nature and natural elements take center stage in our homes and workplaces—is a leading trend interior designers have seen at the recent High Point, N.C. Home Furnishings Markets.

It’s about connecting people and nature within the home environment. Biophilic design elements play a therapeutic role, as they are thought of as calming, uplifting and anxiety-reducing.

The best room designs are those that include hues that mimic the natural surroundings and bring those elements into the home, such as adding curved furniture, while also considering nature-inspired curves during renovations. This can be in the form of rounded walls, skylights, natural materials and colors.

Biophilic design uses outdoor inspirations as gigantic mood boards that allow you to select from a multitude of colors, materials, shapes, and patterns. Think lush plants, warm wood, cool stone and water and light features. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also has been proven to boost our moods, increase productivity and reduce stress levels.

The emphasis on biophilic is based on the growing appreciation for nature and its calming influence on our lives. People are seeking more comfort and coziness at home in the form of painted nooks, moody floral wallpaper, warm wood tones and rich, colorful upholstery. There is a rise of soft, warm nuances that are spirit-lifting and dopamine-enhancing. We want spaces that bring nostalgic moments to mind, fond recollections from our past that elicit a sense of warmth, comfort and longing.

Blues and greens, of course, are obvious colors for connecting with nature. Adding to those two popular colors are pink and yellow undertones. For a calming, relaxed, and welcoming interior, earthy or nature-inspired tones are taking over. Hues such as ochre, tan, taupe, light pinks and light greys are taking over bedroom and dining room schemes.

Classic floral and lattice patterns are mingled with textural solids and delicate small-scale patterns for ease of layering. The color palettes explore a variety of inviting tones including buttercup yellows, corals, sage greens, clean blues and earthy neutrals.    

More emphasis on details         

Intricate details enhance a room and make it utterly unique and interesting. Like jewelry for your wardrobe, intricate details are the final piece of a room’s design. There is a definite trend to focus more on detail in selecting furnishings.

Texture also adds detail to a room’s design. In fabrics, we see mohair and dimensional and mixed yarn boucle to add a softer personality to the design. There is also continued interest in Chenille and shearling. In metals, we see burnished bronze and brown-based metals versus yellow or silver -based metals. In ironworks, there is a more hand-forged look. In stone, a more honed feeling, with softer raw edges.  In wood, there continues to be raised grains and wire-bushed looks, which creates a feeling of being close to the material.

In natural materials, there is a move from split rattan to rush weaving and rush seating. In glass, we are seeing more ombre’, some opalescence, and more color. Tinted, milked-frosted, and ombre’ are the story, whether through urns and vases or tabletop.    

This year, designers are leaning toward furniture and home elements that embrace soft lines. Spaces continue to have curvilinear shapes and a cocooning environment. Cozy, comfortable living rooms and family rooms are on trend. Curved lines represent the fluid movement of water and again, another opportunity to embrace biophilic design.

Furniture designers have spotted the opportunity to bring people back together; a curved sofa, for example, can do that. The key to these trends is the focus on calm, comfort and connection and with the vast resources of Decorating Den Interiors, we are able to cater to all tastes and budgets.

If you’re interested in incorporating biophilic design into your home, check out Charleston-based Andrea Lavigne Design at 843-654-4806 to schedule an in-home design consultation.