Natural Elements in Interior Design: Including Mother Nature Into Our Homes
As a New York interior designer, I often talk about how much I love bringing nature into our homes, especially in urban settings like a Brooklyn loft apartment or a Manhattan loft. While the idea of adding greenery and natural elements to our living spaces has become popular, thanks to its supposed benefits, it’s worth taking a closer look. Embracing nature by integrating natural elements in interior design into living spaces creates a serene atmosphere that promotes tranquility, reduces stress, and encourages a sustainable lifestyle. Creating a peaceful retreat in the middle of a bustling city like New York sounds incredible, but some are skeptical about whether a few plants can genuinely transform their environment.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m all for adding greenery and earthy vibes to your home, especially in NYC apartments (studios, loft apartments, or brownstones!), but it’s important to approach this trend thoughtfully. Sure, everyone’s excited about how it’s supposed to make your home healthier and happier (myself included), but I’ve encountered a few clients who are hesitant to dive into the ferns-and-stones aesthetic wholeheartedly.
Imagine living amidst towering skyscrapers and the nonstop energy of the city, and then being encouraged to bring the outdoors inside your small loft apartment in Queens or a Brownstone in Brooklyn. It sounds lovely—having a mini oasis amidst the urban chaos—but let’s be realistic: placing a few succulents on your windowsill may not instantly transport you to a serene forest. And that’s okay; I understand why some are skeptical. Incorporating nature into your home design is much more than just adding a few plants here and there. It’s about how these natural elements can impact your everyday life, affecting your routines and mental health in a positive way.
The Benefits of Incorporating Natural Elements in Interior Design
Incorporating natural elements into interior design can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health. By bringing the outdoors in, individuals can experience a range of benefits that improve overall well-being.
Improved Air Quality and Physical Health
Incorporating natural elements in interior design, such as indoor plants and natural materials, can significantly improve air quality and physical health. Plants are known to purify the air, removing toxins and pollutants, while natural materials like wood and stone can help regulate humidity levels. This can lead to a reduction in respiratory problems and other health issues. Additionally, natural light, which is often associated with natural elements, can boost vitamin D levels, essential for bone health.
Stress Reduction and Improved Mood
Incorporating natural elements into interior design can also have a profound impact on mental health. The natural world has a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and anxiety levels. Exposure to natural light, in particular, can regulate the body’s circadian rhythms, leading to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression. Furthermore, the use of natural materials and earthy colors can create a sense of warmth and coziness, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
Understanding Biophilia and Its Influence
Biophilia, a term coined by biologist Edward O. Wilson, refers to the innate human affinity for nature. This concept has a significant influence on interior design, as it highlights the importance of incorporating natural elements into living spaces.
The Concept of Biophilia
Biophilia is based on the idea that humans have an inherent desire to connect with nature. This desire is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation, as humans have spent most of their history living in natural environments. As a result, incorporating natural elements into interior design can help to satisfy this desire, promoting a sense of well-being and connection to the natural world. By understanding biophilia and its influence, designers can create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also support cognitive and emotional health.
Incorporating natural elements to include in your home
Beyond simply bringing in lush green plants to brighten up your living room, consider elements like a cozy reclaimed wooden coffee table that adds warmth to your NYC loft or a stone accent wall that can bring a touch of rustic charm to your bedroom. And let’s not forget the importance of maximizing natural light—keep those windows clear to let sunlight flood in, connecting your loft space with the outdoors even when you’re inside. Incorporating these elements can mimic nature, creating a calming atmosphere that promotes well-being.
Integrating more natural elements like bamboo or reclaimed wood is not only a great way to add texture and color but also represents a sustainable choice that aligns with the eco-friendly values many of my clients appreciate. For those looking to make a bold statement, adding water features could be the perfect touch—a small indoor fountain can bring the calming sounds of nature right into your Manhattan loft apartment, creating an environment that feels like a true escape from city life.
It’s clear there’s real merit in exploring the benefits of integrating natural elements into our living spaces. (Did you know that it also may be seriously good for our health? Check out this Washington Post article about Bringing Nature Inside.) Beyond their visual appeal and eco-friendly advantages, incorporating greenery and organic textures can add depth and character to NYC lofts, brownstones, and even small condo lofts. However, it’s important to approach this thoughtfully, avoiding the temptation to follow the latest trend without considering its long-term impact on your space.
Water: Other Natural Elements in Interior Design
What about those looking to expand beyond greenery, the element of water can be transformative. You could even consider incorporating an indoor water feature, like a sleek waterfall wall or a tabletop fountain into your space. I know if the space is on the larger side this may seem more practical. But it’s not necessarily the case that bigger is better here. You can do things with water on the smaller side as well. This will not only add a visual focal point but also infuses your home with the calming, meditative sounds of flowing water, which are natural components that enhance sleep quality and overall well-being.
So, this design choice can also help create a tranquil atmosphere in the middle of a busy city, turning a Manhattan or Brooklyn apartment into a more peaceful retreat. Whether it’s the soothing presence of water or the freshness of lush plants, these nature inspired elements can make these spaces more of a refuge.
Of course, I’m not saying let’s turn our living rooms into indoor jungles just because some Instagram influencer said it’s the next big thing and put some real thought into the overall design. But, I do love creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also contribute to the overall well-being of my clients. And I seriously think that in a home (particularly urban environments such as New York, London, Paris, etc.) using natural elements makes a difference. I hope you consider this. It’s an important part of interior design in that it keeps us connected to the Earth. Remember, it’s about finding that delicate balance between style and substance, ensuring that your NYC loft apartment or Brownstone design choices resonate with your individual preferences and lifestyle. Decorating with natural elements is a way to achieve this balance.