As humans, we want to feel connected with nature. Sunshine lifts our spirits, light breezes cool our skin and the smell of jasmine delights us. Biophilic design lets us incorporate those natural sensations into our homes. As the creator of WELL DesignedTM homes, I encourage the celebration of harmony between yourself and the natural world by co-creating spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and nurturing to your soul.
Our bodies have a natural circadian rhythm that helps us know when to wake, eat and rest. The sun’s light keeps you active in the midday, and the sunset’s hues signal your brain to slow down, relax, and rest. With a biophilic design and LED bulbs using a programmable control system, you can mimic the gentle progression of the sun's movement throughout the day. Soft, warm lighting in the morning transitions to brighter, whiter light during the day, keeping you alert and focused. As evening approaches, the lighting becomes warmer and dimmer, preparing your body for restful sleep.
By recreating the natural light rhythm in your home, you can create an atmosphere that promotes balance and well-being.
Natural elements have the ability to inspire and uplift our spirits, in addition to light. Integrating these elements into your home can establish a deep connection with the outdoors. Organic shapes from tree slices can be incorporated into live-edge details for countertops, mantels, and dining tables.
To help my clients Cynthia and Paul feel connected with nature, I designed a stunning cocktail table from a fallen walnut tree slab. The wood was 6’ in diameter and 3” thick, featuring a natural hole in the center. By placing glass on top, the beautiful and interesting details of the tree are visible. This unique piece of furniture is both natural and aesthetically pleasing.
Incorporating boulders into the wall of a mountain home can create a buffet table that appears as if the house was built naturally into the mountain. Additionally, wool and other natural fibers can be used as design elements. Window treatments, pillows, and blankets made from natural materials can be chosen for your home design. Rugs in rich natural fibers with patterns that evoke canyons or sandstone patterns subtly bring nature into your home, creating a soothing environment.
By having deep conversations with my clients, I can implement biophilic designs that align with their lifestyles, creating comfortable and relaxing homes.
Enhancing your living space with nature is a wonderful idea, but taking it a step further by opening up your home to the outdoors can be even more breathtaking. Imagine panoramic views of majestic mountains or lush greenery through expansive floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall sliding glass doors.
Recently, my client Mary expressed her love for looking out at her backyard with all its trees and plantings. Her wall had two large windows bordering a fireplace, so as her interior designer, I suggested relocating the fireplace and enlarging the glass to create a seamless view of her lovely garden. Now, she can comfortably sit in her family room and gaze outside or open the sliding windows to let the outside in.
Similarly, Sherry's home boasts an incredible view of the Arizona mountains, but the ceiling was 12' tall, and the tops of the windows only reached just over half that height. By enlarging the sliding glass doors to 10' and allowing them to open fully across the room’s width she can now enjoy the magnificent view. Swivel chairs allow the family to gather around the fireplace or delight in the breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
Designing indoor-outdoor living spaces allows nature's sounds, scents, and sights to envelop you and enhance your daily living experience. It's truly a remarkable way to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home.
In Arizona, having indoor-outdoor living spaces is delightful. However, you may also desire to incorporate greenery into other areas of your home. Plants like Peace Lily, Aloe Vera, and Boston Fern not only purify the air but also provide a serene atmosphere for your soul. To enhance your well-being, consider incorporating natural elements such as a stone-cut sink.
For your pool area, opt for natural stone pavers instead of artificial ones. Rather than installing a roof to provide shade, choose laser-cut metal panels with leaf shapes. This will create a natural ambiance, as if you were sitting under a tree. The leaves will be reflected in the water, and their shadows will appear at your feet, creating a harmonious balance between hard materials and soft shapes.
Incorporating biophilic design into your home can transform it into a peaceful sanctuary for you and your loved ones. By embracing nature, you can create an environment that nurtures your well-being. You can program your lighting to follow the natural path of the sun, waking you up with bright morning rays and calming you down at night. Natural elements such as boulders, live-edge woods, and stone can bring you closer to the harmony of nature.
To enhance your connection with the outdoors, design indoor spaces that can be opened up whenever possible. This way, you can feel the breeze and enjoy the scents from outside. Surround yourself with plants and choose fabrics with organic elements to create a calming ambiance.
If you're interested in bringing the beauty of nature into your home or designing a space that focuses on creating soothing and inspiring environments, contact us at 480-275-2968.
Schedule your Design Discovery Conversation today!