![]() ![]() For example, if you want to evoke the spirit of a desert setting, you would choose different colors than those that would evoke the spirit of a redwood forest. Use colors that you see in nature around the spaces where you live or work to evoke a spirit of place in your design. ![]() Basically, you select two to five colors that are next to each other on the color wheel for use in your spaces. You can also use what’s called an analogous color scheme-it’s the kind of color scheme that’s most often found in nature. The idea here is that all of these things will remind you (whether consciously or unconsciously) that you are connected to nature. Colors like blue and green tend to be more soothing. This could be as simple as having a wooden desk and a wicker basket full of blankets. ![]() Decorate with natural shapes, patterns, colors, and textures This might be a small water feature you place on your desk or even just a soothing white noise machine that plays the sound of running water. Have water around that you can see, hear, or touch. The window is really the best because natural light encourages our circadian processes. Windows with a garden view, potted plants, and flowers use our sense of sight to remind us we’re connected to nature. This quote from Shane Totten sums it up so well: Within the business world, it’s even been shown to positively impact an organization’s financial well-being through increasing focus and productivity. Research on biophilic design reveals that incorporating natural elements that engage our senses… I teach my clients to check-in with their senses as they settle into meditation because it really does take you out of the flurry of thoughts and alerts and lists going off in our brains.ī: And the research backs that up. If we come back to the image of being at the beach we can think of the smell of the salty water, the feeling of the sand on our skin, the sound of the waves-sometimes you can even taste salt in the air! Tuning into our senses brings us into the present moment. J: When I imagine being outside, it makes me take a deep breath!ī: One of the reasons being outside can be so healing or relaxing is that nature engages all of our senses. ![]() Regardless of your unique memory, when you imagine being in your favorite natural spot, how do you feel? Maybe you envision sitting by the ocean, hearing crashing waves, or maybe you (like me) remember a time when you climbed to the top of that towering pine tree in your childhood yard and read your favorite book for hours. Now, imagine being in your favorite natural space. J: I could definitely feel some tension creeping in around my neck and shoulders.ī: Exactly. J: I feel stressed out! Get me outta there!ī: I know! Just imagining that kind of a space creates a physical response. Try this: picture you’re in a classroom with bare, white walls and rows of uniform desks, no windows, facing a chalkboard. The spaces we are in can greatly effect our mental and emotional states. J: I didn’t know until hearing you speak that there’s a whole branch of interior design devoted to this concept of bringing nature indoors.ī: Yes! It’s called biophilic design-that basically means we’re letting the science behind the healing connection we have with nature inform the design decisions we make indoors. ![]()
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