Well-being takes more than a visit to the gym and eating healthy food. Since so much of our time is spent at home we should be surrounding ourselves in a space that promotes happiness and reduces stress. That is where biophilic interior design comes in. Biophilic design is design that reconnects us to nature. A house designed with biophilic features will create a calm atmosphere for us to unwind at the end of a long day.
One of the most important rooms to incorporate biophilic interior design is in the bedroom. This is where we go to recharge at the end of the day so that when we wake, we are energized and ready to take on the day.
Bringing natural elements into the bedroom will create a calm sanctuary that allows us to unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate nature into bedroom design.
Related: 10 Small Changes to Reduce Stress and Create More Calm at Home
But first, a quick intro to Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is design that reconnects us with nature. Biologist Edward Wilson popularized the term Biophilia in the 1980s, saying that humans have an innate desire to connect with nature.
It has been found that connecting with nature will reduce stress, improve cognitive functions and creativity, and allow us to heal faster when we are sick.
So many of us live in cities where a connection to nature is hard to come by. And of course it doesn’t help that most of us spend the majority of our days indoors.
Our society has become disconnected with nature, making us more stressed and less happy. This is why bringing nature into our homes is so important. Through biophilic design, we are able to reap the benefits of nature when we can’t actually get outside to explore it. Now let’s get to it…
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How to get a better night’s sleep naturally with biophilic design
Plants:
One of the easiest ways to bring nature into your bedroom is with plants. Plants bring life into your space and help boost your mood. They also create oxygen, providing fresh air for better cognitive function. And some plants are even known to reduce toxins in the air.
Snake plants, spider plants and Boston ferns are three easy to maintain plants that have toxin-fighting powers.
Paint Colors:
Get ready to wind down each night by choosing soothing paint colors for your bedroom. Cooler paint tones help you relax. Soft blues, greens and purples are best for creating soothing vibes.
When choosing wall paint, go for zero-VOC paint like Benjamin Moore Natura and AFM Safecoat.
Open Windows:
Providing a connecting to nature isn’t just about what you can see. Feeling and seeing natural elements will also help lower your stress levels and help prepare you for sleep.
Opening your bedroom windows will bring fresh air in, allowing you to feel the breezes across your skin. Open windows will also let you hear the sounds of nature. Falling asleep to the sound of crickets is a peaceful way to end your day.
Creating Sounds of Nature:
If opening your windows at night means you’ll be listening to the sounds of sirens all night long, then incorporating a water feature or sound machine is a good alternative.
Try this nature inspired sound machine to help you drift off to sleep. it is nice and compact while offering quality soothing sounds. Sometimes it’s fun to listen to the sound of crashing waves when you live no where near the ocean! There are 8 sounds to choose from, but the waves and the rainstorm are two favorites.
Natural Views:
If you have views of nature outside your bedroom windows, don’t hide them! Forgo heavy curtains or shades so that you can maintain the visual connection to nature.
Pictures of Nature:
But if you don’t have views of nature outside your window, bring nature in with photos, paintings and wall paper.
Make sure to avoid vinyl wallpaper and choose a healthier alternative. Here are some great examples of healthier, eco-friendly wallpaper.
Spoon Flower Wall Paper
You can even use abstract images since your mind still perceives abstract natural art and patterns as a connection to nature.
Fine artist Mehnaz Khan uses nature to create her gorgeous paintings. Not only is she helping to bring nature into your room, the colors she uses are specifically chosen to help create calm. Check out her work here.
Learn more about color psychology and why choosing the right color in your bedroom is so important for your happiness and well-being here.
Natural Objects:
Another great way to bring nature into the bedroom is by incorporating non-living natural elements such as pieces of drift wood, sea shell wind chimes, or tables made of tree stumps.
Natural Finishes and Furniture:
Incorporating natural furnishings and finishes will make your bedroom feel soft, warm and cozy. Bring wood into your room with wood flooring, a wood headboard for your bed, or even a wood ceiling.
Be sure to choose natural bedding as well to ensure healthy air while you sleep. Pure Living Space carries everything you need to create a healthy, natural bedroom from pillows to bedding and mattresses. This is my go-to resource for healthy home products.
Use this link to receive 10% off your Pure Living Space purchase. The discount will be applied at checkout.
Stone is another soothing natural element. If you live in a warmer climate, a stone floor will remind you of walking barefoot on a rocky beach. You can also add a stone finish to your walls to surround yourself in the comfort of nature.
Bonus! The Right Kind of Light.
Nature is a perfect way to create a calm environment for sleep, but you also need to make sure the lighting in your bedroom is allowing you to get the best rest.
Your body wants warm, orange-colored lighting in the evenings to settle down and get ready for sleep. Stay clear of bright white and blue light to avoid tricking your body into thinking it’s day time.
My favorite bedroom lighting is the Bedtime Bulb. This light bulb is designed specifically to promote relaxation and get you ready for sleep.
Final Thoughts
Creating a bedroom sanctuary will rejuvenate you so that you are well rested and ready to take on each day feeling energized. These ideas will help you get a better night’s sleep naturally. So if you want to create a calm escape and get better sleep, trying incorporating some of these design elements into your bedroom. Your mind and your body will thank you.
What are some ways you bring nature into your bedroom for a calming retreat?
Looking for more ways to create calm in your home? Find out how to transform your home into a calm retreat here.