[UPDATE] Beyond Aesthetics: New and Innovative Trends in Biophilic Design

With a growing need for sustainability and eco-consciousness across industries, integrating plant life into business spaces has become standard practice in workplace architecture. Biophilic design is an exciting and dynamic facet of interior design that’s always on the rise, which is why we like to keep a close eye on the latest and most innovative trends in biophilic design.

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design merges nature with architecture and interior spaces, aiming to boost human wellness by fostering a connection with the natural world. This approach taps into "biophilia", our innate attraction to nature, by weaving elements like greenery, water, sunlight, and natural materials into various built environments, from private establishments to workplaces, hotels, and beyond.

Biophilic design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, checking all the right boxes for businesses looking to: 

• reduce their environmental impact
• improve employee wellbeing
• elevate their brand appeal

But the best part of biophilic interior design is that it continues to grow and expand in new and exciting ways. We’ve been taking note of some key green building considerations and interior plant design trends that have popped up in recent months. But, what’s likely to stick out in the new year? Here are our predictions:

1. Honoring Aesthetics in Biophilic Plant Design

Don’t underestimate how easy it is to transform your space with  well-placed plant installations. Many of our corporate, retail, and hospitality clients use our landscaping and interior plant design services to add a touch of class and luxury to their aesthetic. This is easily accomplished by incorporating trending design elements that are as low maintenance as they are striking and dramatic, like:

• Going Monochrome

Using checkered patterns or even white-on-white as your primary interior color palette does wonders to offset the bold greens of larger-foliage plants (like a ficus lyrata) or statement plants (like open weave marginatas). 

Sleek, modern office buildings and boutique hotels easily pull off an air of grace and luxury with this trend, and we’re starting to see some black, grey, and rich golden-brown walls and containers coming through in the monochrome movement.

• Putting Plants on Repeat 

While variety may sometimes be the spice of life, using statement plants as focal points has become quite trendy of late and repeating statement plants can have quite a dramatic effect on aesthetics when done correctly. Repeating the same plant variety in a single plant installation gives off the kind of ultra-modern, understated glam that only the most luxurious spaces have to offer.

And, in keeping with the rise in popularity of low-maintenance plants, we use plants like sansevierias for this effect. They boast a sharp, clean aesthetic and can handle low light environments. We like to consider them in understated spaces that could do with some high-end elegance.

• Livening Up Your Walls

Living walls are the best-kept secret of green building design. Not only are they impactful as a statement piece, but they’re cost-effective, aesthetically bold, and functional. Green walls are especially efficient when it comes to absorbing white noise, purifying the air, and reducing energy costs. 

Green living walls and vertical gardens also range in shape and size, and they’re effective both indoors and out. Use them to transform bare and barren walls, or add a touch of class to your lobby, reception room, or entryway. 

Freestanding plant walls are especially effective as cubicle dividers in shared workspaces. Using green installations in this way can effectively direct movement in a room, while making small spaces feel less cramped.

•  Keeping Things Clean

Bringing the outdoors inside to beautify a space shouldn’t be a messy endeavor and, if we have anything to do with it, it never is. That’s why we use Natura-PON™, a sustainable potting soil alternative, in all our installations. This unique blend of natural minerals keeps all our plants well hydrated and looking fresh. And, the fact that it's made of white, granular pebbles also eliminates the mess often associated with alternatives, like soil, keeping your space and its aesthetic clean and pristine. 

However, enhanced aesthetics are not the only thing that indoor landscaping has to offer. This is why we’re highlighting a holistic approach to biophilic design as another top key trend to look out for, and implement, in the new year.

2.Taking a Big-Picture Approach 

Natura is all about creating environments where people thrive. Yes, we care about plants. But, more than that, we care about people which is why we support a holistic approach to biophilic interior design.

We work with the International WELL Building Institute and assist with the implementation of parts of their WELL Building Standard. This is how we ensure that when we bring plants into a space, we are helping improve the health and wellbeing of the people who are going to occupy that space.

We’re always aware of how employing biophilic design principles positively impacts the mood and productivity of building occupants. A recent study on the impact of biophilic design in the workplace has highlighted biophilia as crucial for employee health and wellness.

Biophilic design in hotels and the hospitality industry is just as important, improving the wellbeing of hospitality staff and hotel guests. Incorporating natural elements, like plants and water features, throughout your hotel; in lobbies, private rooms and communal areas; absorbs noise, purifies the air, reduces stress/anxiety, and boosts productivity, which all work together to establish a calm and tranquil environment. 

3.Thinking Green

With climate change and carbon footprints top of mind, your business’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices has never been more important. But, there is a bonus to proving your commitment to climate change mitigation. Thinking green will automatically boost guest satisfaction which ensures that customers/clients keep coming back to your establishment.

Using plants and eco-friendly solutions to reduce your business’s energy consumption isn’t just the right thing to do. It meets the rising demand for sustainable business practices. In a world of overconsumption, sustainable businesses(in particular) are always under the watchful gaze of eco-conscious consumers In this case, doing the right thing not only saves the planet, but it also earns you customer loyalty and boosts your bottom line. And, what could be better for business than that?

4.Staying Open to Growth and Change

Green building design is a concept that’s always changing, which makes it exciting. It also means that your business’s approach to biophilic design principles should be just as flexible and open to change, growth, and opportunity.

Remember, incorporating plant life and other natural elements into your place of business is an opportunity. It gives you a chance to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space, and its functionality, in so many exciting ways. And, Natura is here for all of it, with customizable and flexible plant solutions that will meet your aesthetic and functional needs, as well as fit within your budget.

Ready to take action? Consult with a Natura specialist today to find out how we can best meet your business’ needs.