Exploring Ideas For A Biophilic Home Design

23 December 2023

Biophilic design has become a popular global interior design trend. Pinterest Business reported a 100% increase in searches for “biophilic design bedroom” between 2019 and 2021.

This design approach is rooted in biophilia, humans’ innate affinity with the natural world.

Moreover, it has practical applications in design. Research indicates that it can positively affect productivity and well-being.

For instance, a study showed that people spent 11% more time in biophilic-inspired hotel lobbies.

Similarly, schools in Washington State saw a 5% increase in student test scores and a 15% reduction in absenteeism with a biophilic design approach.

Let us explore what interior designers suggest for a biophilic home and ideas that you must explore!

Understanding Biophilic Home Designs

The modern world of technology has taken a new direction towards nature. Robotics, AI, and the Internet of Things (IOT) have caused urban architects to incorporate biophilic designs.

These designs involve greenery and natural elements. It helps to improve air quality, airflow, circadian rhythm, heart rate, and human health.

Biophilic designs stimulate visual connection and enhance the multi-sensory experience using indoor plants and natural patterns.

Stephen Kellert and Edward O. Wilson, who founded biophilic designs, have made nature feel more accessible at home. He incorporates plants, sunlight, natural materials, and fresh air.

How To Make Your Home Biophilic?

Given below are the different aspects that you can add to your home for a biophilic design—

Add Plenty Of Greens

Integrating plants into your interior design can create a natural and inviting ambiance. Adding greens helps enhance the aesthetic aspects of a biophilic home, ensuring a calming environment. Moreover, indoor plants help purify the air inside your home.

However, this does not necessarily mean you must go overboard and transform your home into a tropical paradise.

You can opt for potted plants, hanging baskets, or even a simple vase with fresh-cut flowers. Match your live elements with the color scheme of your decor. Most home designing experts advise you to get more succulents for your home. These plants require less watering but look amazing in every setting.

Alternatively, nature-inspired artwork, botanical prints, or murals can bring the outdoors in.

The idea is to create a synergy between the artificial environment and the natural world. This home design can positively impact your mood, health, and well-being.

Therefore, incorporating natural elements into your interior design can create a more harmonious and balanced living. This biophilic element can be functional and beautiful at the same time.

Enable Natural Lighting

Incorporating natural light into interior spaces has numerous benefits.

Biophilic design emphasizes the connection between humans and nature. Therefore, it prioritizes light and space to create a healthier, harmonizing, and more comfortable environment.

Biophilic home designs use different components of warmth and sunlight. Natural light can blend the boundaries between the interior and exterior of a space.

For instance, large windows and skylights can allow sunlight to stream in, making a space more open and inviting.

Additionally, glass roofs and walls allow you to save electricity with natural lighting during the daytime.

If you can reduce your exposure to artificial lighting, you say goodbye to stress and fatigue. It helps invigorate the body and mind.

Therefore, we can design spaces incorporating biophilic principles to improve our well-being and strengthen our connection to nature. It creates spaces that promote well-being and encourage a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Use Organic Decor Items

Biophilic design is a concept that aims to connect people with nature by incorporating natural elements into the built environment.

To create a peaceful atmosphere and promote a sense of well-being in your home, incorporate natural materials like leather, wood, and stone for your decor items. This brings a natural touch to the textures, colors, and forms around your home.

Furthermore, using subdued and organic color schemes can also help to enhance the calming and stress-reducing properties of biophilic design. Handcraft your decor with jute ropes,

Therefore, you can create an affordable and easy-to-maintain space with these decor items. That is aesthetically pleasing and enhances your physical and mental health.

Maintain The Patio

Biophilia is an evolutionary concept that suggests humans have an innate affinity for nature. This idea is gaining traction in outdoor architecture and design as well.

Biophilic design is a concept that aims to create a connection with nature and its resources. To achieve this in your outdoor space, you can incorporate some major additions like the following:

Eco-friendly composite decking.
Vertical gardens.
Green screens in small spaces.

Native plants can help support wildlife and blur the boundaries between the territory and nature. Therefore, it is essential to consider factors such as sunlight exposure and irrigation when selecting plant species for your patio.

Furthermore, incorporating water elements like fountains or cascades can help create a tranquil atmosphere.

It is also important to choose outdoor furniture inspired by nature instead of plastic. Install fire pits made of natural materials like stone or metal. This can help create a comfortable and inviting outdoor biophilic space.

Let The Air Flow

Achieving a biophilic home design involves paying attention to the air circulation within each room.

You can start by determining the direction of the wind around your home. Next, open your windows accordingly to facilitate the flow of fresh air.

Additionally, you can enhance the airflow in your home by ensuring that your rooms are spacious and free of clutter.

Consider using furniture that provides ample storage space to keep your rooms organized and uncluttered. This allows the air to circulate freely throughout your home.

By creating a well-ventilated and spacious environment, you can enhance the biophilic design of your home. Therefore, bring nature indoors and improve your overall well-being.

Add Water Features

Adding water features like cascades, fountains, or reflecting pools to your outdoor space can incorporate a biophilic design. It helps create a serene atmosphere.

The sound and sight of water can instantly transport you to nature and induce a feeling of tranquility and relaxation.

You can go for a small pond or stream in your backyard if you have a generous budget. This addition can create a more natural and immersive experience.

However, a small water fountain in your garden, patio, or deck can do the trick if you prefer a simpler option.

It’s a quick and easy way to add elegance and calmness to your outdoor space!

Wrap It Up With A Fire Pit

Adding a fire pit to your outdoor space can significantly impact its ambiance and appeal.

By creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, fire pits can make your outdoor area a more comfortable and enjoyable place to spend time.

Furthermore, fire is a natural element that can uniquely evoke feelings of tranquility and connection with nature.

Therefore, incorporating a fire pit into your outdoor design can help create a biophilic environment that promotes relaxation and well-being.

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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5 Hotel Housekeeping Tricks You Need To Clean Your Bathroom

Keeping your clean bathroom reduces the likelihood of bugs living in there and spreading between members of your family and visitors. Of course, it can be difficult to stay on top of the cleaning when you’re already working, looking after children, and completing a host of other activities. However, by learning a few tricks from hotel housekeeping you’ll be able to keep the bathroom at home, or in the hotel clean in a fraction of the time. 1. Use The Right Products Companies spend thousands of developing products for specific areas of your bathroom. To make your cleaning as easy as possible you should purchase a selection of the best products from a reputable supplier of hygiene services. It’s also a good idea to use the right appliances. The finish of your toilet can make a huge difference to how easy it is to keep clean. It is also important to read the product instructions. They will all say how long they should be left in situ to work effectively, make sure you leave enough time for each product to work. This will help to ensure all the bacteria are removed from the bathroom. 2. Open The Window Opening the window allows fresh air into the room, this will help to remove any unwanted smells and give you more natural light. Natural light and the interior lights can work nicely together to ensure you clean every surface properly, you’ll be able to identify dirty spots more easily if you have plenty of light. 3. Empty The Room The idea is to empty the room, giving you a blank slate. This is the approach most hotels adopt and it works! Simply take all the towels, bathmats, washing products and anything else you can find, place them outside your bathroom. You don’t want to throw them away every time you clean the bathroom! You will then be able to wipe all the surfaces thoroughly which will prevent you from missing spots and actually make your cleaning job much easier. Don’t forget, wiping around products will leave ring marks that can be very hard to remove in the future. 4. Sweep Before Mopping Sweeping is generally preferably to vacuuming but it is acceptable to choose either method. However, you should do one or the other before you mop the floor. If you don’t the process of mopping will simply be moving debris and bacteria around the floor. Sweeping first removes the dirt, allowing you to mop with a disinfectant spray and leave the floor properly clean. You could eat your dinner off it! 5. Use A Toothbrush There are plenty of nooks and crannies in a bathroom and the best too for cleaning them is actually a toothbrush. Ideally, this should be one you reserve for cleaning, not your other half’s toothbrush. Toothbrushes allow you to clean the screws around the toilets and close to the taps on the sink, just make sure the toothbrush is cleaned between uses to ensure you’re not simply transferring bacteria from one place to another. As a final tip, you should keep all your cleaning products together in a box or cart, this will ensure you have everything you need to hand. Read Also: Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean In One Hour Or Less Considerations When Choosing The Ceramic Tile Bathroom Mirror Decorating Ideas To Style Your Bathroom

Everything You Need To Know About Harvesting Basil!

Basil is one of the most popular and versatile herbs you can grow in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, from salads and soups to pizzas and pastas. Basil is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants just like cilantro. It can benefit your health and well-being. But how do you harvest basil properly so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves? If these are some of the things you want to know, I have you covered! In this article, I will answer all these questions and more and give you everything you need to know about harvesting basil! So, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more… How to Harvest Basil Leaves? The first thing you need to know about harvesting basil is when to do it. The best time to harvest basil leaves is in the morning when the plant is still fresh and moist. Avoid harvesting basil in the afternoon or evening when the plant is dry and wilted. Also, avoid harvesting basil when it is raining or wet, as this can cause the leaves to rot or mold. Steps to Harvest Basil Leaves To harvest basil leaves, you will need a pair of scissors or a sharp knife and a basket or a bowl to collect the leaves. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves, but be careful not to damage the stem or the plant. Here are the steps to follow: Start from the top of the plant, and look for the stems with leaf clusters. These are called the terminal buds, and they are where the basil flowers will grow. You want to remove these buds, as they will make the plant stop producing new leaves and focus on flowering and seeding. This will reduce the flavor and quality of the basil leaves. Cut or pinch off the stem just below the terminal bud, leaving about a quarter of an inch of stem above the next pair of leaves. This will encourage the plant to grow two new stems from the leaf nodes and produce more leaves. You can also cut or pinch off any other stems that are too long or leggy and leave about four to six pairs of leaves on each stem. Repeat this process for all the stems that have terminal buds, and collect the leaves in your basket or bowl. You can also harvest some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow. You should not harvest more than a third of the plant at a time, as this can stress the plant and reduce its growth and health. After harvesting, rinse the leaves with water and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can use them fresh or store them for later use. How to Harvest Basil So It Keeps Growing One of the benefits of harvesting basil is that it stimulates the plant to grow more leaves and branches and prevents it from flowering and seeding. However, you need to harvest basil regularly and correctly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves. Here are some tips to follow. For instance, you must harvest basil: At least once every two weeks, or more often if you see the terminal buds forming. This will keep the plant bushy and compact and prevent it from becoming woody and bitter. From different parts of the plant, and not always from the same spot. This will ensure that the plant grows evenly and does not become lopsided or uneven. Before it flowers. This is because the flowers will reduce the flavor and quality of the leaves. If you see any flowers forming, remove them as soon as possible. You can also pinch off the flowers and use them as edible garnishes or decorations, as they have a mild and sweet flavor. Before the frost, as the cold weather will kill the plant. You can either harvest the whole plant and store it for later use, or bring it indoors and keep it in a sunny and warm spot. You can also propagate the plant by taking cuttings and rooting them in water or soil and grow new plants for the next season. How to Harvest Basil Without Killing The Plant? Harvesting basil is different from harvesting lettuce or other plants. The process is good for the plant and you, as you can enjoy the fresh and aromatic leaves in your dishes. However, you need to be careful not to harvest too much or too often, as this can harm and kill the plant. Here are some dos and don'ts of harvesting basil without killing it: Do harvest basil from the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure. Don't harvest basil from the main stem or cut it too close to the ground. This will damage the plant and prevent it from growing new stems and leaves. Leave at least four to six pairs of leaves on each stem and about an inch of stem above the ground. Do harvest basil gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and make clean and smooth cuts. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves but be gentle and precise. Don't harvest basil when it is stressed or unhealthy, such as when it is wilting, yellowing, or diseased. This will weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to further damage. Wait until the plant recovers and looks healthy and green before harvesting. You can also water and fertilize the plant to help it grow and thrive. Do harvest basil when it is young and tender, not old and tough. This will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Harvest basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown. How to Pick Basil Leaves? Picking basil leaves is another way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can pick basil leaves with your fingers or with a pair of tweezers, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some tips on how to pick basil leaves. For instance, you can pick it: From the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure. From the stems that have terminal buds, not from those that have none. This will prevent the plant from flowering and seeding and producing more leaves. You can also pick some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow. Gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use your fingers to pinch off the leaves or a pair of tweezers to pluck them off. Be gentle and precise, and do not pull or tug on the leaves or the stems. When they are young and tender and not when they are old and tough, this will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Pick basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown. How to Store Basil Leaves? Storing basil leaves is a great way to preserve and enjoy them for later use. You can store basil leaves in different ways, depending on how long you want to keep them and how you want to use them. Here are some of the best ways to store basil leaves: Refrigerate Them You can refrigerate basil leaves for up to a week, by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and placing them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. This will keep them moist and fresh, and prevent them from wilting or drying out. However, you should not wash them. Freeze Them You can freeze basil leaves for up to six months, by blanching them in boiling water for a few seconds, and then plunging them in ice water to stop the cooking process. This will preserve their color and flavor, and prevent them from browning or oxidizing. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel, and place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. You can also chop them and mix them with some olive oil, and freeze them in ice cube trays. This will make it easier to use them in soups, sauces, or dressings. Dry Them You can dry basil leaves for up to a year, by hanging them upside down in a warm and dry place, such as a closet or a pantry. This will dehydrate them and concentrate their flavor, and make them last longer. However, you should avoid drying them in direct sunlight, as this can bleach them and reduce their quality. You can also dry them in an oven or a microwave, but be careful not to burn them or overcook them. Once they are dry, you can store them in a glass jar or a spice container, and crush them or grind them before using them. Make Pesto You can make pesto with basil leaves, by blending them with some garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This will create a delicious and versatile sauce that you can use for pasta, sandwiches, salads, or dips. You can store pesto in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also customize pesto by adding other herbs, nuts, cheeses, or spices, according to your taste and preference. How to Cut Basil? Cutting basil is a simple and easy way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can cut basil with scissors, a knife, or your fingers, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some tips on how to cut basil: Wash and dry the basil leaves before cutting them to remove any dirt or insects. You can rinse them under running water or soak them in a water bowl with a few drops of vinegar. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel or spin them in a salad spinner. Cut the basil leaves just before using them, to preserve their flavor and aroma. If you cut them too early, they will lose their freshness and wilt. You can also bruise or damage the leaves if you cut them too roughly or with a dull tool. Cut the basil leaves according to the size and shape that you need for your recipe. You can either leave them whole or chop them finely or coarsely. You can also cut them into ribbons or strips, by stacking several leaves together, rolling them up, and slicing them thinly. This is called the chiffonade technique, and it creates a beautiful and elegant garnish. Cut the basil leaves with a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and not with a blender or a food processor. This will avoid bruising or crushing the leaves and releasing their oils and juices. You can also use your fingers to tear or pinch off the leaves but be gentle and careful. How to Use Basil Leaves? Using basil leaves is a fun and easy way to add flavor and aroma to your dishes. You can use basil leaves in different ways, depending on your mood and occasion. Here are some of the best ways to use basil leaves: Fresh You can use fresh basil leaves to garnish and enhance your dishes, such as salads, soups, pizzas, and pastas. Also you can use fresh basil leaves to make salads, such as caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, or Greek salad with cucumbers, feta cheese, and basil. You can also use fresh basil leaves to make drinks, such as lemonade, tea, or cocktails, with basil, lemon, sugar, and water. Cooked You can use cooked basil leaves to flavor and season your dishes, such as sauces, stews, curries, and casseroles. Also you can use cooked basil leaves to make dishes, such as tomato sauce with basil, garlic, and onion, or chicken with basil, cream, and mushrooms. You can also use cooked basil leaves to make breads, such as focaccia with basil, olive oil, and salt, or muffins with basil, cheese, and eggs. Preserved You can use preserved basil leaves to store and enjoy them for later use, such as freezing, drying, or making pesto. Also you can use preserved basil leaves to make dishes, such as pesto pasta with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, or roasted vegetables with basil, olive oil, and salt. You can also use preserved basil leaves to make snacks, such as crackers with basil, cheese, and honey, or popcorn with basil, butter, and salt. Wrapping It Up! Basil is a wonderful herb that you can grow and harvest in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, and a rich and nutritious profile that can benefit your health and well-being. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can learn how to harvest basil properly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves, how to cut basil, pick basil leaves, and store them for later use, and how to use basil leaves in different and delicious ways. Read Also: Some Facts You Need to Know About Rainwater Harvesting Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest? Exploring Ideas For A Biophilic Home Design

Repairing Your Roof – How Should You Get Started?

Your house's roof is its ultimate defense against harsh weather, pesky creatures, and infestations. If your roof is not in top condition, your entire house is at risk. It's crucial to schedule roof repair as soon as you notice a leak, even if it's small, as it can cause significant damage. Repairing your roof is more cost-effective than replacing it entirely and is vital to maintain its integrity. Left unaddressed, roof leaks can cost you tens of thousands of dollars. This article will discuss the basics of roof repair, what you need, and how to do it. Ensuring your roof is in top condition is essential to protect your home from the elements and ensure its longevity. Steps For Repairing Your Roof Given below are the steps that will guide you in the process of roof repairing at your home— 1. Examine The Damage Following a systematic approach is vital when searching for a leak in your roof. Begin by surveying the visible damage to your roof, including shingles, gutters, and roof edges. It's essential to start with the most obvious issues and progress to less apparent ones. Once you've assessed the exterior, examine the interior for signs of water damage. Look for indications of water stains, dripping water, sagging, pooled water, and dampness. Inspect during rainy weather, as some leaks are intermittent and only occur when there is enough rain. Access the attic using a flashlight to locate the water source through the roof deck. Check around all rafters for indications of water. Water can travel through the roof decking and rafters due to the force of gravity, which may result in dripping in different areas. If you observe water dripping, trace it back to its origin. 2. Find A Reliable Contractor After a thorough inspection of your roofing system by a professional roofing consultant, you will receive an accurate and detailed bid or estimate. The estimate will be based on the materials you choose for your roofing projects. Moreover, you must consider the unique measurements of your roof. The roofing consultant will also consider any special conditions that may affect the cost. This can include the complexity of the roof design or any existing damage that needs repairing. Once you receive the bid or estimate, your roofing contractor should provide a written contract outlining the details. This contract should include a comprehensive breakdown of the costs, the expected timeline for completion, and any warranties or guarantees included. Therefore, you must carefully review and understand the contract before agreeing to any work to ensure everything is clear and fair for both parties. 3. Select The Suitable Material It's crucial to have a complete set of roofing tools when undertaking any repair project. These hand tools have various uses throughout the house. They include the following: Roofing hammer. Pry bar. Nail puller. Utility knife. Shears. Tin snips. Handbrake. Tape measure. Chalk box. Roofing nails (also known as roofers). Speed squares. A pencil for notes or markings. A 10 oz clay gun. Choosing the right roofing sealant depends on the roofer's needs, but any kind will suffice. While shingles are optional, matching them is optional. For flashing work, it's recommended to use aluminum coil stock, which is available in various colors at most box stores. A tape measure is recommended for all measurements and layout work, and a chalk box is ideal for snapping reference lines and general layout work. Roofing nails, or "roofers," are recommended for their durability. The materials used for the roofing sealant, shingles, and aluminum coil stock are also essential. 4. Ensure That All Cracks Are Sealed Using an uncomplicated roofing sealant is important to seal any cracks on your roof. To apply a sealant, you must pierce a thin aluminum membrane with the tube, allowing the sealant to flow. Next, load the sealant into a caulk gun and aim it at the crack or hole to seal it. The sealant will dry in a few hours and be set entirely in 24 hours without intervention. Finally, you can cover the hole with shingles or flashing and move on to other projects. Ensuring that the roof sealant is compatible with your caulk gun is crucial. This is because some construction materials come in 28-ounce tubes that won't fit a standard 10-ounce gun. 5. Ensure The roof Is Insulated When planning to replace your roof, it's also a good opportunity to consider upgrading your insulation. However, if you opt for new blown-in insulation, your roofing contractor will install it while they remove the decking. This insulation process requires running a hose through the exposed roof and into your attic. It allows the insulation to be installed quickly and easily without causing any damage to your walls or ceilings. Therefore, with the new insulation, you can enjoy improved energy efficiency and a more comfortable indoor environment. 6. Leave It Clean After the roofing crew installs your new roof, they should clean up any debris around your home. This includes loose shingles and nails and leaves them in their original condition. They should also haul away old roofing materials for proper disposal. Additionally, you must ensure not to dispose of in landfills, which can contribute to pollution. The roofing expert must inspect the final product to ensure it meets all industry standards and building codes. They should also check for potential leaks or damage and address any concerns. It is important to address any concerns and take steps to correct any issues. Therefore, ensure you’re completely satisfied with the new roof and its reliable protection for years. Can You Repair Your Roof Yourself? Understandably, as a homeowner, you may want to save money. Therefore, taking care of some home maintenance tasks can help you save a lot. However, it is important to know your limits when it comes to your roof. You may be capable of handling minor tasks such as replacing caulking or cleaning gutters. On the other hand, leaving any roofing projects to the professionals is highly recommended. Moreover, roofing maintenance requires specific skills, knowledge, and equipment that only experienced and trained professionals possess. Even a seeming DIY project can quickly spiral into a much bigger roof repair if something goes wrong. Therefore, it's always wise to prioritize the safety of your home and family. Look for an efficient roofing service provider and explain the damage. You can get your roof cost-effectively repaired under expert supervision! Read Also: How Often Do You Need A Roof Inspection? Elevate Your Roof’s Health With Aerial Roof Inspections Choosing A Siding And Roofing Companies In Delaware

Exploring Ideas For A Biophilic Home Design

Understanding Biophilic Home Designs