3 Biophilic Design Ideas to Consider for Your Custom Home
May 18, 2023Building a custom home means everything is designed and built to your specifications and needs. In some cases, you may know exactly what you want. In other cases, you may still be figuring it out. Looking at different design themes and trends can help you determine what you do and don’t like. Here’s what to know about biophilic design and some biophilic design ideas to consider for your custom home:
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is a building concept that focuses on connection to the natural environment through space, place, light, and both direct and indirect nature. The goal is to connect people and nature within built and constructed communities. Its origins are in city planning and design, but it has started popping up in interior design as a method to center nature and the natural environment in home design.
As a residential interior design theme, biophilic design focuses on creating harmony between the interior of your home and the world outside of it. Not only does this show up in natural elements, nature-inspired shapes, and greenery around the home, but it also shows up in creating a more seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces or even merging them.
3 Biophilic Design Ideas to Consider for Your Custom Home
Here are a few biophilic design ideas to inspire you as you think about your own custom home design:
1. Prioritize Plants in Design and Decor
One of the easiest ways to add some nature to an indoor space is to add plants. There are many ways to decorate with houseplants. However, with biophilic design, instead of figuring out where plants fit as an afterthought in designing the room, prioritize them.
Consider plants one of the integral design elements of the room and consider them as you are planning the layout and design. The end result may still have some plants as a way to style a bookshelf, but the overall look of the room including plants will feel more natural and intentional.
2. Consider an Indoor Vertical Garden
An indoor vertical garden, or living wall, is a biophilic design idea that can bring in a lot of greenery, make a statement, and even become a focal point of your room design. There are some pros and cons of indoor vertical gardens to consider.
Because of the installation, waterproofing, maintenance, and other considerations, they don’t work well in every space. There are also several mistakes to avoid with indoor vertical gardens around these considerations. But, if they are right for you and they’re done well, they can provide many benefits while elevating your space.
3. Opt For More Windows
Another one of the biophilic design ideas that also works with a variety of styles is to opt for more windows or larger windows to highlight outside views. Thinking about the views available on your lot and how much light you want can help you plan window placement in your custom home design.
The type and number of windows make a difference in this design idea. Large picture windows, bay windows, or bow windows can be a good option to connect indoor and outdoor spaces visually. You can even choose a window wall to add more natural light and get a panoramic view.
Get Your Dream Custom Home With CHG
These are just a few biophilic design ideas to consider for your custom home. Regardless of the styles you like, an experienced custom home builder, especially one with an in-house design/build process, can help you get the custom home you want. If you’re ready to get started on your own custom home, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090. We can help bring your dream home to life!