How to turn your home into an oasis of nature this summer

A walk in the park, a breath of fresh air; these phrases have one thing in common. Their love for nature and, by extension, greenery. Nothing is more magical for your health and well-being than being around greenery. When you breathe in fresh air, your cortisol levels, blood pressure and elevated heart rate decreases, resulting in feeling more relaxed, helping to concentrate and focus better.

If only there were a way to bring a part of nature into our homes. Biophilia designs can do just that. Biophilic designs combine two words together: 'bio', meaning life, and 'philia', which is love in Greek. This type of decor trend refers to natural elements in the interiors of homes. It is more than decorating your homes with potted plants as biophilic decor can help us connect with nature by choosing natural materials, shapes and patterns. Think wide windows, wooden tables, earthy-toned cabinets, light curtains, bare walls, and, of course, plenty of foliage and flower vases.

These cohesive materials and patterns, when spread throughout our homes, end up making them welcoming. These elements help blend nature in everyday spaces. This style of decor also makes plentiful use of potted plants; turning them into the main characters when decorating homes. Apart from plants, biophilic design emphasises patterns found in nature, like foliage wallpapers, and marble countertops.

Scroll below to see 5 easy ways to include biophilic decor in your homes.

1. Opt For Natural Materials 

As evident by the above wooden dining table and chair set, wooden furnishings are an easy way to build the blueprint for a biophilic design. Decorating around such design elements makes it easy for the entire room to have biophilic elements. Apart from wood, you can choose leather and stone.

2. Deck The Walls 

Deck your walls with wallpapers that have foliage elements and opt for tropical or other natural themes. Leaves and floral elements are a plus. If such designs aren't for you, choose brick layouts to create an illusion of bare walls. Decorate your walls with more natural motifs such as botanical print artworks or crafts made of natural materials.

3. Light Up

Nature is full of light, and so should be a biophilic home. Opt for large windows, but if not possible, add as many lights as you can; especially in the rooms with no or fewer windows, such as bathrooms and walk-in closets, etc. Use warmer coloured lights, such as yellow, to create a false illusion of sunrays. Install skylights wherever you can for the best source of natural light. Stay away from blackout curtains; instead choose cream-coloured curtains made of light materials.

4. Green Fingers

This is the very first decor style that might come to our brain when thinking of biophilic decor. Opt for different kinds of potted plants. Choose smaller ones for windowsills and taller ones for corners of the rooms, and make use of hanging potted plants wherever you can. Think climbers and creepers near the window, such as the betel leaf plant. Place plants like cacti on study tables, dining tables and showcases, as these plants require minimal water and are perfect to add a touch of green in corners with no sunlight.