Simply put, biophilic (‘nature-loving’) interior design incorporates natural elements into indoor environments. With the current emphasis on sustainability and ecological awareness, it’s a trend we should all embrace.
Alexandra Champalimaud, Founder & President of Champalimaud Design, says “We must be mindful of a material’s origins and make the effort to use natural and sustainable materials that are locally sourced and recyclable. Natural materials are always preferred – organic & natural materials contribute to a healthy environment and good night’s sleep.”
The rising need to form a stronger connection to nature has seen the trend of biophilic inspired design coming into vogue with many interior designers. The approach means incorporating nature into indoor environments, making it more accessible and replicating the feelings natural spaces evoke. In doing so we celebrate nature and create a calming ambience in the places we spend the most time, along with promoting sustainable interior choices. This approach to interior design is extremely beneficial when it comes to creating a healthy living and working environment, so our spaces can still serve as a sanctuary, particularly needed if you find yourself living in a metropolis. Biophilic Interior Design can be seen through adding wooden features, natural materials and greenery into the design of a space.
Calming
Goddard Littlefair adopted the style in recent projects at the Conrad, Millbank, at Chelsea Barracks, at The Mondrian Shoreditch, and at The Kimpton, Charlotte Square. Jo Littlefair, Co-Founder and Director of Goddard Littlefair, says: “We saw this as a trend for the entire year, yet it really takes prominence in the spring months as the days get a little longer and our plants/ gardens get a little greener once again. There is emphasis on creating calming environments full of natural light and ventilation. By incorporating plants and natural tones we can create a visual connection with nature.”
For Chelsea Barracks, access to nature for its residents and the public is hugely important and their long term sustainability agenda has won the development LEED Platinum Status. The townhouse 3 Mulberry Square boasts a rooftop terrace, which is surrounded by green biodiverse roofing and bird boxes to attract and protect existing wildlife.
At Chelsea Barracks nature has been used to connect design narratives throughout. The Chelsea Barracks Rose has become the symbol of the development; the new breed of rose created by Phillip Harkin has been planted in the green public spaces, visible in the floral ironwork of the balustrades and railings of the Townhouses and is featured throughout The Chelsea Barracks Collection, the furniture, fabrics and homeware line designed by Albion Nord.
Elegant
La Manufacture Cogolin, the world renowned French rug atelier, has released a new Outdoor Rug Collection. Based on interpretations of some of its best-selling flat weave patterns, they are woven with sailing cords, providing a sturdy, resistant material that is as elegant for exterior areas as it is for indoor spaces – blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living.
Quick-Step’s floor designers have developed a technique by which the style’s colour and structure continue across the joins so that the laminate floor looks hyper-realistic. Thanks to the surface structure and the extra matt top layers, the laminate also feels genuinely like wood, albeit without the practical worries about maintenance. Quick-Step’s laminate floors can withstand hard knocks thanks to an ultra-resistant top layer and hard HDF core at the heart of each plank.
This core consists entirely of recycled wood collected, as an example from sawmills where it would otherwise be incinerated or destroyed. By making use of the waste streams of other industries, Quick-Step ensures that no new trees need to be felled. As a result, it became the first laminate flooring manufacturer to be granted the EU ecolabel.
You can even accessorise your home with the ‘green’ trend – if painting a whole room in olive is a bit too much for you, play around with accessories to tap into the trend. London based luxury linen specialists, The Fine Cotton Company have merino lambswool blankets and stone-washed cotton matelasse throws in shades including olive greens ideal for tapping into the biophilic trend.
See also: Getting Your Garden Back Into Shape
