Why Biophilic Interiors are a yes!
This year has come with its boon for self-reflection. Hibernating at home, I delved into the idea of well-being. With time, I realized a strong correlation between my mental health and the way my house looked.
Yes!
Decor for many is about a destination. But it could also be a reflection of your inner world, a journey that you could embrace. Whether it’s the corners of our room or the walls of a palace, our homes define us.
But how do they define our emotional well-being?
Neuroaesthetics helps us understand how our brain functions according to spaces. It essentially studies how decor impacts the functioning of the human brain. For example, the hypothalamus responds better when we are in a clean and organized room. While watching a series of home improvement programs, I found my mind at ease. I was calmer, inspired, and open to learning. Aesthetics was at work.
The peace within came from interior shows that promoted a restraint of minimalism. The green elements reflected tenets of Biophilic interiors. This new style appealed to me with its muted neutrals, aping the external topography of nature indoors. Embossed couches and accent walls provided me with a haven where design and peace co-existed. The feel-good factor of symmetry and clear tones put me at ease and recharged my batteries just like the crisp white walls of a Thailand spa.
As my studies deepened, I realized we all have an innate style of decor. Whether it’s Scandinavian or mid-century glam, one can truly work with design to create a sense of organization that may be lacking in our world. As we take this moment to re-energize our minds, let’s evaluate how we feel in our homes.
Having experimented a little at home, I found four-pointers that helped calm my inner world.
Zen through elements of Earth
There are times when we retreat to a book for escape. For its art that makes us realize that we can feel beyond our daily routine. Imagine retreating to a space that provides you that escape? For me, it was about escaping to a zen corner at home. Cushions, boho stools coupled with family photographs were my objects of renewal. Working with elements of nature made me feel grounded. I felt connected to a source. A waterfall and some beautiful candles on my shelf mimicked nature. I felt safe here.
Understanding textures and fabrics
Recently, I found myself gravitating towards cotton fabrics. I consciously replaced dark textured upholstery with brighter yet earthy textures. Soft woolen cushions, woven rattan baskets, glazed ceramics with planters replaced bulky artifacts at home. I met a sense of lightness but also understood how color affected our mindset. Scandinavian interiors in particular work with this mindset. Their houses are usually light & airy. They use bright colors with furniture that are functional yet minimalistic. A respite against the dominant cold weather that brings with it the gloomiest of colors.
Simplicity is Elegance
As a child, I would observe subtle singular pieces of jewelry stand out on certain women. With time this image symbolized simplicity and value. The idea of less being more was true. One could work with big pieces to understand this better. Big handicrafts usually make statement pieces as compared to multiple small pieces tucked in a corner. For example, a Terracotta pot could symbolize your roots and love for historical traditions. Visualizing a singular vessel in a corner could give you space. A mental and physical space of being enough.
Lighting is key
Lighting provides a personality to the room. Lighting can either serve to function or provide ambiance to a room. Areas designated for work and cooking would require stronger light. But one would also need dim lighting to suit the mood of the day. Festoon fairy lights are a permanent installment of wonder in my balcony. Lighting makes things whimsical and transports you to spaces within the confines of your home.
As I reflect on my interiors, I realize my space represents what is inside me. My home with minimal items resonated with a need for structure in my life. Floral prints and wooden antiques could also give peace. It could reflect someone’s love for history and maybe their quest for defining their heritage. Your style could be what you want it to be.
What makes interiors most exciting is how it is willing to change with time and space. What you see around can be visually appealing, but how you feel in a particular setting is yours to explore. For peace truly resides within.
Let your space resonate with you and provide you a medium of comfort and style!