URBAN BIOPHYLIC DESIGN

NATURE-INSPIRED URBAN PLANNING IN INTERIOR DESIGN

2/2/20242 min read

You know, there's this fascinating shift happening in interior design these days, one that's all about bringing us closer to nature. It's called biophilic design, and it's all about reconnecting us with the natural world through the stuff we use to build our spaces.

Now, when we talk about biophilic design, we've got to talk about natural materials—they're the bread and butter of this whole movement. Take wood, for example. It's got this warmth and texture that just screams nature, reminding us of the sturdy trees out in the forest. From polished hardwood floors to those exposed ceiling beams, wood brings a bit of the outdoors right into our homes, grounding us and making us feel at one with the earth.

Then there's stone, with its timeless beauty and rugged charm. Whether it's used for countertops or left raw as a feature wall, stone gives our interiors a sense of permanence and strength, like we're surrounded by the mountains and cliffs that have been here since forever. Its cool touch and unique patterns make us feel connected to the natural forces that shape our world.

And let's not forget about bamboo—this stuff is amazing. It grows crazy fast and is super sustainable, which makes it perfect for eco-friendly design. Whether it's in the form of flooring or furniture, bamboo brings a lightness and openness to our spaces, like we're sitting in a breezy meadow on a sunny day.

Now, cork is another one of those materials that just feels right. It's soft underfoot and has this natural ability to absorb sound, which makes it perfect for creating cozy nooks in our homes. Plus, it's harvested from cork oak trees in a way that's totally sustainable, so we can feel good about using it in our designs.

Then there are natural fibers like jute and wool—they add texture and pattern to our spaces, bringing a bit of the outdoors inside. Whether it's a plush rug or a woven chair, these materials make us feel connected to the earth and all its richness and diversity.

And finally, there's clay and earthen materials, which have this raw beauty that speaks to our primal instincts. Whether it's in the form of adobe walls or rammed earth floors, these materials make us feel grounded and connected to the land, like we're living in harmony with nature.

So, when we bring all these natural materials together in our designs, we're not just creating beautiful spaces—we're creating spaces that make us feel connected to the world around us. It's about bringing a bit of the outdoors inside and reminding ourselves of our place in the natural order of things. And that's something pretty special, if you ask me.

Designed in Partnership with Ivy's design