A new wave of structural and interior design has changed the way that we approach living and workspace. Although, Biophilic Design is not a new concept. Put forward in the 1980s by the Harvard professor and researcher biologist, E.O. Wilson. His book outlined the importance of nature and its effects on human beings, showing how people have an innate affinity to natural forms and structures.
Since then, many other professional fields have added support and research into this philosophy. Numerous scientific research studies have shown the benefits of bringing nature into our living spaces and its profound effects on our health and mental health.
What are the benefits?
As well as grounding us, implementing Biophilic Design aspects into our domestic and professional environments can reduce anxiousness, lower blood pressure, increase our well-being by about 15% and boost productivity by about 15%.
What are its key elements and how to introduce them into your life?
The main principles are natural light, a well-ventilated area, a room with a view, and living plants.
Now that more of us are working from home, it can be extremely difficult to motivate ourselves to get on and get things done, especially in the darker winter months. Rearranging your furniture will not only give a fresh feel for the new year but also help your productivity. If you can, separate your living and workspace by using a screen or large potted plant as a divider.
Place your work desk next to your window or with a view out onto the world (even if this overlooks rooftops or a car park, there are always natural elements to be seen). A great tip is to use mirrors to reflect back into the room your outside view.
Next, introduce the living world into your home. Invest in a range of houseplants in different sizes. For example, a larger ‘bamboo’ or ‘the Swiss cheese plant’, will give bigger coverage of green with just one plant pot and will complete an awkward corner space. Wicker makes great pots for houseplants while keeping the natural theme.
Hanging plants will add a more dynamic feel to the room. The ‘Boston Fern’, ‘Devil’s Ivy’, and ‘String of Pearls’ are great examples of hardy easy to manage plants that look absolutely beautiful hanging along your curtain rail, or dividing space up. We would suggest Milam London’s kraft paper pots for houseplants as they have a gorgeous rustic look to them and are made from sustainable plant-based materials.
Little plants are also a great shout, a collection of small plant pots on your work desk or mantlepiece will add personality and softness to your home. We would suggest our 10cm eco-friendly plant pot covers for ‘Cacti’ and ‘succulents’. With an attractive vegan leather outer bag and waterproof inner lining, they ensure a mess-free gardening and watering experience but will also give an edgy modern look to your home.
Other tips include hanging a bird feeder outside your window, then just await the visits from our feathered friends throughout the day. Herb pots for a kitchen windowsill are not only a healthier and better value choice than buying in the supermarket but also another way to seamlessly introduce nature into the home. For a herb planter, we would highly recommend our 16cm Kraft paper waterproof containers, as they are a perfect size and completely customizable. You can actually write on the side of the pots what is planted inside; Mint, Basil, rosemary etc. The perfect personalized plant pot for you!
