Biophilic Design

We’ve all been there—moving into a new space or even looking at our current one with new eyes and wanting something…more. If you’re looking to renew your aesthetics, all of us at Altra Home Décor serving the greater Phoenix area will be happy to help. One popular place to start is by considering biophilic design—the art of bringing nature into the human-built space. Read on to learn more and get some ideas for bringing this design principle to life in your home!

Distance From Nature

In the not so distant past, humans lived intertwined with nature, surviving off the land, living in forests or near streams, sleeping and rising with the sun. But in our modern lives, we’re much more distant from nature, living in a built world that can frequently be cold. Numerous studies have shown that, with contact with nature, people can be more productive, happier, less stressed, better able to function cognitively, and more creative. So it only makes sense to come up with ways to connect with our “roots.” Enter biophilic design.

Principles of Biophilic Design

One of the world’s most renowned architects, Frank Lloyd Wright once said “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” He followed this idea in his own design, incorporating the environment into his structures. From that has come biophilic design, which holds to several principles. Incorporate the natural environment with things like earth tones and images of animals and nature. Add natural shapes like water paths, arches, and vaults. Refer to natural patterns like the grain in granite. Bring in living elements of nature like plants. Rely on natural sunlight.

Using Window Fashions in Biophilic Design

Hunter Douglas window treatments can play a large role in your new aesthetic. You can find natural elements in treatments like Provenance® Woven Wood Shades, which are made from natural reeds, grasses, and bamboo. Or choose simple Designer Roller Shades in earth tones to reflect a natural element while maintaining a minimalist look so as not to detract from the window. And consider adding PowerView® Automation to your window coverings. With PowerView, you can set your treatments to open and close with local sunrise and sunset times, so that you can be firmly in touch with natural rhythms. Or use it to ensure that your window treatments close at the sunniest times of day, to protect from harmful UV rays, even when you aren’t at home. To see all of these options in person, be sure to speak with one of our consultants today!

Principles of Biophilic Design in the Greater Phoenix Area

Altra Home Decor is your source for window treatments, custom drapery, flooring, and more! We serve the greater Phoenix area, including Peoria, Sun City West, Glendale, and Scottsdale, with a showroom in Surprise. Stop by our locally owned store to view our full-size window treatment displays and sample books. Contact us today to schedule an in-home design consultation!