City life can be exhilarating, but sometimes you crave a breath of fresh air and a connection with nature. Thankfully, you don’t need to pack your bags and head for the woods. Create the tranquillity of nature without even leaving the city by incorporating biophilic design principles.
1. Welcome Natural Light
Embrace the energy of the sun by maximising natural light. Open up your curtains, and install skylights and lightwells to create a bright and airy atmosphere, mimicking the openness of a forest. Additionally, strategically placed mirrors can help reflect and amplify the light, making the room feel even brighter and more spacious. Natural light brightens your space and boosts your mood and energy levels.
2. Greenery Galore
Houseplants are the heart of an urban forest escape. Bring the outdoors in with a variety of plants — from leafy greens to cascading vines — to create a lush and verdant atmosphere. Whether you have a green thumb or are new to caring for plants, there’s a wide variety of low-maintenance options, such as snake plants, pothos, and spider plants. Not only do they purify the air, but also reduce stress and improve focus.
3. Embrace Natural Materials
Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone and bamboo to create a tactile and earthy feel. Use furniture, accessories and flooring that are made of these materials to add to the aesthetic. These materials promote a sense of warmth and grounding.
4. Water Features for Tranquility
The gentle sounds of flowing water have a calming effect. Consider incorporating a small tabletop fountain, a decorative water wall, or even strategically placed fish tanks to create a soothing ambience reminiscent of a peaceful forest stream. You can also introduce natural elements like rocks, pebbles and driftwood to enhance the tranquil atmosphere.
5. Biophilic Patterns & Artwork
Nature-inspired patterns and artwork can transport you. Opt for wallpapers featuring natural motifs, hang botanical prints, or display artwork that captures the beauty of the outdoors. Experiment with textured wallpapers that mimic the roughness of tree bark or the smoothness of pebbles.
Consider fabrics with organic patterns like swirling leaves or winding branches. Hang woven tapestries with natural fibres or incorporate throw pillows with different textures like faux fur or woven wool.
6. Strategic Use of Colour
Earthy tones like green, brown, and beige evoke a sense of calmness and bring the outdoors in. Explore the palette offered by the natural world. Paint your walls in calming sage green, add pops of emerald green with throw pillows, and introduce a touch of forest green with an accent chair. Experiment with colours that reflect the natural world – think sky blue, earthy yellow, or forest green.
How Can Arrivae Help?
By incorporating these elements you can transform your home into a haven of peace and tranquillity, offering a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. For some design inspiration, read our blogs or follow us on Instagram for more tips from our design experts.