Biophilic Design

from Southpoint Living - Boomer edition 2022

How To Put The Fun In Funerals

What it is and why you should incorporate it into your home

by Kat Tiessen

Biophilic Design, in the simplest of terms, is designing and connecting indoor spaces to natural outdoor spaces.

The number one reason to add Biophilic Design into your home is that it improves health and wellbeing. Want to lower your blood pressure, increase concentration, reduce irritability and lower stress levels? Read on to learn how you can easily integrate it into your home. Kat Tiessen, Designer

Kat & Co. Interiors www.katcointeriors.com

First, let’s find your happy place. I want you to take a moment with me. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Now, I want you to imagine that you are in a very special place, a place that makes you feel relaxed, calm and rejuvenated. The air is clean and feels good as you take a deep breath in. The scent in the air is lovely and the sounds around you are calming.

Where are you?

Did you know that 90% of people will find themselves in one of three places: a mountainous area, near a body of water (lake, pond, stream or ocean) or in a green space (park, garden, woodland). 90% of people put themselves outdoors! Now that you know your personal happy place, it is important to incorporate natural elements from there within your home. For example, if your happy place is a beach by an ocean, you will want to incorporate some of the following in your home: soft tidal colours, sand coloured woods, decor with shells, beach glass, driftwood, artwork depicting your special place, etc. Here are 6 simple ways you can incorporate a bit of Biophilic Design into your home to have you living healthier and happier today!

NATURE

Items that have the same shape, texture, pattern and colour as those found in nature. Think light fixtures with leaves, a bowl in the shape of a shell, grasscloth wallpaper, a toss cushion with a floral print, artwork of a landscape. Anything that looks like or represents things found in nature. PLANTS

Plants can clean the air, big leafy ones offer sound absorption, plants create visual interest and did you know that getting your hands dirty in the soil repotting your plants or gardening is an antidepressant? The microbes found in healthy soil may stimulate serotonin production which makes you relaxed and happier. Make sure to include a plant or two that would occur naturally in your happy place.

Add a water fountain, feature water wall, aquarium, or even the view of water out the window. The view could be something small like a bird bath, backyard pool/ pond or a large body of water.

SCENTS

Add fresh flowers or flowering potted plants to your home. You can also use an essential oil diffuser or naturally scented candle to connect with nature.

Flowers from The Flower Shop at Thiessen’s. Photo by Vicki Bartel.

Pets of all kinds including cats, dogs, birds or even a fish aquarium have healthy relaxing benefits. Don’t want a live pet? Add an animal print throw blanket or a fury toss cushion.