An expert reveals what’s blooming in nature-centric design.
By Loren Kessell
Designing for wellness is clearly more than a fleeting trend — it’s here to stay, and biophilia, the art of celebrating nature in the home with plants and other natural inspiration, is a big part of it. The pandemic emphasized how important a comfortable and healthy home environment is, and design trends are shifting to meet these needs. Jamie Gold, CMKBD, CAPS, MCCWC, a wellness design consultant and author of Wellness by Design (Tiller Press, 2020), discussed how biophilia is being implemented in design and the trends that are emerging.
1. Nature-Inspired Elements
People are bringing the outside in and creating outdoor spaces that help them connect with the natural world. Low-moisture plants in decorative planters are showing up in bathrooms designs, and countertop planters in the kitchen. Homeowners with a private outdoor area are extending the primary bath’s shower into it to create a rain-shower effect. No extendable space? No problem. Large windows and doors are also being used to accentuate gorgeous nature views.
“Other biophilia trends for bathrooms include representations of nature in tile, wallpaper, art, faucet and lighting shapes and choices of cabinetry finishes, especially in warm wood veneers,” Gold said. She’s also been seeing water features like large showers with one or two rain heads and sometimes a handheld unit with soft water effects.
2. Increase in Outdoor Living
More outdoor entertaining and relaxation will be a permanent lifestyle change. The pandemic proved the value of natural surroundings and private outdoor areas, and Gold sees this trend continuing.
“Builders are looking for ways to incorporate outdoor living areas in even the smallest lots and homeowners are seeking ways to maximize whatever outdoor space they have for relaxation, entertaining, hobbies and even fitness,” Gold said.
No space goes untouched in this new design landscape, and homeowners will work to utilize any area they can—especially those outside.
3. Down to Earth
Cabinetry finishes are moving away from paint and toward warm wood tones to further incorporate a natural, earthy appearance in kitchen and bath designs. Some cabinetry producers are even building plant features into its products to cater to those growing herbs, produce and more in the kitchen. This style also has the potential to be less toxic, depending on how the cabinets are produced.
Tile, faucets, lighting and fabric designs are also featuring nature-inspired looks as consumers shift to connecting their home spaces with nature. Homeowners are also incorporating large, moisture-friendly plants in beautiful pots that evoke a spa-like, earthy feeling.
4. Hybrid Living Is Here to Stay
Homeowners are saying “so long” to clearly defined indoor and outdoor spaces. Gold sees the lines between inside and outside blurring as a continuing trend. People will enjoy nature closer to their kitchens and bathrooms.
Another emerging trend, she said, is “more plant-growing systems and appliances at more price points.”
Biophilia at a Glance
• Nature is your go-to inspiration.
• More outdoor entertaining and relaxation will be a permanent lifestyle change.
• Cabinetry finishes are moving away from paint and toward warm wood tones to further incorporate a natural, earthy appearance.
• The lines between inside and outside are blurring, as homeowners enjoy nature closer to their kitchens and bathrooms.
