Biophilic Design, which prioritizes the integration of nature and natural elements into our living and working spaces, emerged as the dominant trend at the recent High Point N.C. Home Furnishings Markets. It aims to foster a harmonious connection between people and nature within indoor environments. With elements inspired by the outdoors, biophilic design plays a therapeutic role, offering a sense of calm, elevation, and stress reduction. Incorporating hues reminiscent of natural landscapes, such as earthy tones and sky-inspired blues, along with features like rounded walls, curved furniture, skylights, and natural materials, brings the essence of nature into the heart of the home.
Biophilic design harnesses the richness of outdoor environments, serving as expansive mood boards from which to draw inspiration. Imagine vibrant greenery, inviting wood textures, refreshing stone accents, and dynamic water and light elements. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, biophilic design has been proven to enhance mood, elevate productivity, and alleviate stress.
Nature’s Calming Influence
The rising prominence of Biophilic design stems from a growing appreciation of nature’s profound calming effect on our daily lives. In our quest for greater comfort and serenity within our homes, we’re turning to painted nooks, moody wallpaper, and the inviting warmth of natural wood tones. Additionally, we’re gravitating towards more vibrant upholstery that is intentionally uplifting. There’s a very clear desire for interiors that evoke nostalgia and make us feel closer to nature.
Nature’s Color Palette
We are seeing a cheerful bouquet of colors which will continue. Of course blues and greens are obvious colors for connecting with nature, but adding to those two popular colors are pink (See our most recent blog post about pink), and yellow undertones. For a calming, relaxed, and welcoming interior, earthy or nature-inspired tones are taking over. These tones include hues such as ochre, tan, taupe, light pinks, and light grey colors.
Classic floral and lattice patterns are mingled with textural solids and delicate small-scale patterns for ease of layering. The color palettes explore a variety of inviting tones including buttercup yellows, corals, sage greens, clean blues, and earthy neutrals.
Focus on the Details
Intricate details enhance a room and make it utterly unique and interesting. They are indicators of quality, identity, functionality, and care. They tell stories and create memories. Like jewelry for your wardrobe, intricate details are the final piece of a room’s design. There is a definite trend to focus more on detail in selecting furnishings.
Texture plays a big role in adding detail to a room’s design. In fabrics we’re using mohair and dimensional boucle to add a softer personality to the design. In the realm of metals, we’re seeing a shift towards burnished bronze and brown-toned alloys, departing from the traditional yellow or silver hues. Ironworks are adopting a distinctly hand-forged aesthetic, while stone surfaces exude a refined yet tactile quality with softer, smoother edges. Wood textures maintain their allure with pronounced grain patterns and wire-brushed finishes, fostering a palpable connection to the material itself. Natural materials are witnessing a transition from split rattan to rush weaving and seating, embracing a more organic feel. Glass designs are evolving with the introduction of ombre effects, subtle opalescence, and a vibrant spectrum of colors. Tinted, milked frosted, and ombre’ are the story for vases or tabletop pieces.
Soft Lines and Curves
This year, designers and homeowners alike are leaning toward furniture and home elements that embrace soft lines. Spaces continue to have curvilinear shapes and a cocooning environment. In a chaotic world, we look for our homes to be our safe-haven or refuge. Adding those soft lines and curves create a cozy, comfortable environment we’re all desperately seeking. Curved lines also represent the fluid movement of water. A great way to bring that fluid energy into your space is through a curved sofa, rounded coffee and side tables, as well as adding spherical vases and bowls as accents.
If you’re interested in incorporating Biophilic design into your home, Contact Andrea Rose Design Co. to help complete that New Year’s Decorating Resolution and let’s get started making something beautiful.
