An Introduction to Biophilic Design

Biophilic Design, what is it? According to pebblemag.com, “biophilic design is the practice of creating a closer connection to nature through the ways buildings and landscapes are created and built”. Derived from the term “biophilia” meaning “a love of nature”, this design principle is more than a trend.

The connection to nature through design can be achieved in many ways. Houseplants seem to be the first thing most people think of, but the design encompasses so much more than just indoor plants. 

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, a single, green plant can completely transform a room!

Image Credit: Katherine Carter

Note: If you have curious paws in your household, it is a good idea to do research on the best plants to bring home. Many common houseplants are actually pretty toxic to dogs and cats! The ASPCA has a complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants for animals.

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Biophilic design can include natural lighting and fresh air, neutral colors, water features, organic materials (sustainable wood, cork, bamboo, stone, rattan, etc.), and carefully selected decor choices that take our minds back to their most innate and primitive frame of reference: nature. 

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There are numerous benefits to biophilic design, including improved air quality, better moods, reduced stress levels, increased focus and engagement, higher productivity, and an overall improved sense of wellbeing. 

Implementing biophilic design is easy, as it is a relatively neutral style that can be mixed with other interior design styles. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes to open the blinds each day, adding an indoor plant to to your office desk, and choosing sustainably sourced natural materials when looking for new furniture. With so many benefits, we will likely see more offices, schools, public areas, homes, and even cities create a closer connection to nature in the next few years.

According to the Global Wellness Summit, biophilia is not a passing trend, but rather the long-term future of architecture and design.

What do you think of this design style? Would you implement it in your home? How do you feel about seeing it in hotels, offices, and schools?

Designing Kitchens for a Healthy Lifestyle

As we approach the second anniversary of Covid-19 entering our lives, it feels appropriate to reflect on how we can become the best, healthiest version of ourselves. Since the start of the pandemic, the focus on our wellness has been more prevalent than ever. Most of the general healthy living advice is simple: eat mostly whole & nutritious foods, exercise regularly, sleep well, and manage stress.

In recent years, Americans have stopped cooking at home and it is costing us. Obesity has been labeled an epidemic in the United States since the 1990’s. It is a multifaceted issue with many contributing factors, but the most important ones include lack of activity, a shift in dietary patterns (including larger portion sizes and unprecedented food marketing), and overall busier family lives than ever before. This combination of factors has made healthy, homemade meals feel out of reach for most families. To make matters worse, only 10% of American enjoy cooking!

Sometimes, the most daunting part of cooking a meal includes the preparation and cleanup. Luckily, there are many products available to simplify the process. The goal is to make your kitchen work for you, instead of fighting it! Here are a few examples of how you can accomplish just that:

●      Ensure your countertops stay free of clutter to allow you to start preparing food right away.

●      Keep spices close by! You can keep them organized in a drawer, a cabinet, or inside of a door to easily add flavor to every meal. Balanced, healthy meals do not have to be boring or bland!

●      Designate about an hour of your time for preparing produce once a week. This allows your family to have washed, sliced, and ready-to-eat snacks.

●      Put knives, utensils, and cutting boards in the same spot with this handy organizer.

●      Take another step out of the preparation process with this cutting board drawer. There is a stopper that can be removed to allow you to dispose of the produce scraps directly into the trash bin below.

●      Keep pots and pans organized so you can always access exactly what you need without needing to rearrange your entire cabinet.

●      Finally, restore some order to your kitchen by organizing your food storage containers! Having accessible bases and lids means no more rummaging around for a place to keep your leftovers.

These products will all help simplify the food preparation process, from start to finish. Some other helpful tips: maximize storage space and visibility with clear plastic containers in your refrigerator and pantry, plan out your weekly meals to simplify grocery shopping, and (most importantly) be realistic. If you eat out for most meals right now, then gradually scale that number back each week. Remember, perfect inconsistency is better than inconsistent perfection when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. The foundation of these good habits begins in the kitchen.

What are your favorite tips for healthy eating? Do you have any must-have products for preparing meals at home?