The love of aesthetic design comes naturally to everyone, despite each person having different preferences. But why are we so drawn to good design?
Design is as much of a science as it is art, and it has now been proven that beauty and design are essential to our health and wellness. Living and working in a beautiful well-designed space can do wonders for our mental health and focus.
Explore the science behind our love for design and its many health benefits!
How Design Affects the Human Brain
We have all experienced it. When looking at something beautiful, our bodies are filled with a rush of serotonin, the brain's mood-stabilizing hormone. Serotonin not only impacts the brain and our moods but flows throughout our nervous system helping with sleep, anxiety, depression, and even digestion.
On the other hand, when looking at something unappealing our brain receives cortisol, the stress hormone. Said to be our brain’s “alarm system”, too much cortisol can impact our health in many ways including negatively affecting our sleep, causing anxiety and depression, and even contributing to gut issues.
“Architects and designers have a greater ability to improve public health than medical professionals.”
- Dr. Claudia, UT School of Medicine
The Powerful Effects of Nature
For years now, Japan has been utilizing the concept of “Shinrin Yoku”, which means “forest bathing”. This is the idea that spending time in natural areas can be used as preventative medicine. The concept is now a pivotal aspect of Japanese medicine.
We take inspiration from around the world for our interior designs. Expanding on that idea, the art of connecting people with nature inside of buildings is known as biophilic design. Interiors that connect us with nature doesn't just mean greenery. Invoking a natural feeling aesthetic can also come from incorporating wood, stone, and warmer lighting throughout the entire space.
They go hand in hand, you can feel the powerful effects of nature inside by creating a serene natural feeling in community and living areas.
Design is as much of a science as it is art. The right aesthetic doesn’t just impress you visually, it heals you in more ways than you would think possible.
A Deeper Dive into Biophilia
Etymologically, the term Biophilia originates from the Greek "philia" translating to "love of." Therefore, Biophilia literally refers to love of life or living things. The human condition of a deeply engrained love of nature is imprinted into our DNA and our history. Studies have found that when asked to imagine a place where they felt calm and tranquil, over 90% of people visualized a natural environment.
This research has lead many architects and designers to explore the connection between common modern ailments and the congested and stuffy effects of many current buildings and office spaces. With evidence suggesting immense positive benefits of human interaction with nature- including improved productivity, lowered stress, and and even faster recovery post-illness- interior designers are recognizing the importance of design with Biophilia in mind.
Biophilic design places emphasis on incorporating aspects of the natural world that have contributed to human health and evolution into our functional spaces. It focuses on sustainably blending man-made environments into natural habitats, reminding us of our existence as one small fraction of an entire ecosystem.
Biophilic design features consistent engagement with nature, rather than random occurrences of superficial natural elements.
Simple ways to bring nature into an interior space include inviting in countless plants, experimenting with skylights to add more natural light, and decorating with sustainable materials and nature-inspired patterns.
However, for a deeper dive into true Biophilia, consider installing a system that creates variability in sensory stimulation with changes in humidity, temperature, and texture. Renovate your home with a healing zen garden in the center or build a new property around the hills and trees rooted in the land. After all, the trees were there first.
A Healthier Workplace
As commercial interior designers, we’re noticing more and more companies are learning the power of thoughtful design and implementing it into their workplaces. Not only are they helping to boost their employees’ moods but bringing natural elements into the workplace has shown to improve productivity.
For example, Apple’s 2.8 million-square-foot headquarters shown above may have turned heads due to its size but looking inside you can tell they focused on the positive effects of a natural, open workspace.
As more companies look to improve the well-being and productivity of their employees, we should see more workplaces with awe-inspiring biophilic designs.
Experience the healing benefits of design > Be inspired by some of our stunning interiors!
Bring Nature Inside with InterLux Interiors
The right aesthetic doesn’t just impress you visually, it heals you in more ways than you would think possible. The next time you stop to stare at a beautiful design that makes you feel great, remember the science behind that feeling. That is what has driven humanity to create art for thousands of years.
The world of design has always been more than making something “look good” or “look right”. We recognize what one person loves, another person may not. That is the true magic of design, as it’s entirely customizable to anyone's preferences.
Meet Our Designer
As an internationally recognized interior designer, Angie Wetzel has over 15+ years of experience in designing projects for commercial and residential clients. We strive to bring our love of great design to each client’s unique space, creating harmony, balance, and beauty.
Get in touch with our designers today, and see for yourself what thoughtful nature-inspired interior design can do for you.