For better mood and health, bring the outdoors in with biophilic elements like natural materials, colours of nature, greenery and more.
11 August 2021
Text by Janice Seow
Studies show that even illustrations of nature (or what’s termed indirect biophilia) are stress-reducing and can have a positive influence on one’s mood and overall well-being.
One high impact way to bring biophilic elements into the home is with the use of nature-inspired wallpapers and murals. Featured here (top image), Blooming from French brand Ananbô is all about Spring and the celebration of life. This panoramic wallcovering is hand painted, which gives it a special quality. The artwork is then digitalised, and printed on non-woven paper with an ultra-matte finish.
Ananbô wallcoverings are available at Tatum Company
Choosing furniture that are made from organic, natural materials is certainly one of the best ways to introduce biophilia into the home. Better yet if they come from sustainable sources. Consider FSC wood, bamboo, linen, cork and ceramic. Avoid plastic where possible.
This cabinet is part of the Coco collection by d-Bodhi. The furniture pieces are built from reclaimed teak, with iron elements and handmade weaves that are derived from the midrib of the coconut palm leave. They are done in a natural colour and finish for a rustic yet refined aesthetic.
Coco collection by d-Bodhi is available at Journey East
Don’t forget your floors when incorporating biophilic elements into your space. This GUSHKA wool carpet mimics the look of a grassy field. It’s made in Ukraine from 100 per cent wool derived from local farms. Each GUSHKA rug is hand-woven by local artisans using traditional techniques. They are also washed in clean mountain river water and dried naturally with fresh mountain air which is said to enhance their durability, fullness and colour.
GUSHKA rugs are available at MOKKOMOKKO
Ceramic is a beautiful and natural material that adds warmth to the home. This handmade Flambe Glaze serving plate in blue ravine features a minimalistic form, and its smooth concave surface is better designed to hold and serve food. The glaze design itself is inspired by natural sceneries and brings a sense of calm to the dining experience.
Flambe Glaze serving plate (blue ravine) from OhLeaf
Plants are a quick and obvious way to create a biophilic home. For those with small apartments but who still desire somethings substantial, vertical gardens are good options. And these days, there are many great and innovative choices around.
This one by Vertical Green features a HyGro™Wall, said to be one of the thinnest structure of its kind here in Asia. The felt system allows for unrestricted root growth, allowing plants to continuously grow bigger. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor conditions with automated irrigation and fertigation system for low maintenance.
Other benefits of HyGro™Wall include low water consumption, soil-less media, and the fact that it’s customisable and easy to install.
Featured here, a vertical garden in an apartment, by Vertical Green
No green fingers and no time? You can consider terrariums, which are pretty much self-sustaining ecosystems. Simply mist lightly every two to three weeks with filtered/distilled or rain water (only if dry). When the lid is closed, the terrarium provides a self-sustaining environment which helps cycle water and retain humidity levels.
Featured here, terrariums from Moss in Garden
See full home feature here
Pollutants reside in our homes unseen. Besides dust and bacteria, one of the biggest culprits are harmful chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene – all commonly found in everyday objects that surround us all the time in our furniture, building materials, and cleaning and household products.
In 1989, the NASA Clean Air Study found that the power of plants went far beyond absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen; many have air purifying qualities that help clean the air.
So even as you beautify your biophilic home with greenery, consider ones with great air purifying properties like peace lily, snake plant, spider plant, Chinese evergreen and the rubber plant.
You’ll need to go big on quantity to get the best effect, and it’s still best to have an air purifier around.
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