Where Design and Interiors Meets Happiness and Wellbeing
Oliver Heath is a biophilic design consultant, architect, interior designer, writer and TV presenter who has worked on programmes for numerous channels including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 in the UK and Norway’s TV2.
He kindly agreed to this interview to talk about biophilic design, the benefits it can bring into our lives, as well as share some tips on how to to make your home more biophilic.
Sometimes, in the depths of winter, when it’s really cold and the rain is pouring down outside, I dream of being in a little wooden cabin where it’s cosy and warm. A haven and shelter from the elements.
This retreat would have an inviting fireplace, comfortable areas for sitting, and big windows overlooking wide open spaces with a beautiful lake below. I’d sit inside next to the fire and write, while enjoying stunning panoramic views of nature from the comfort of that warm interior.
I think Cabin Norderhov might be that cabin of my dreams.
I rotate my plants from time to time, sometimes placing them on the kitchen worktop to catch some sun. Although, up until now, none of them have been permanent residents.
However, when I saw this month’s topic for Urban Jungle Bloggers – Kitchen Greens – it occurred to me that yes, the kitchen is the ideal place to display plants. Especially edible ones.
In addition to adding some green decoration helping to make your home feel more biophilic, you also get to enjoy your home grown produce. What could be lovelier than growing fresh herbs in your kitchen to enhance your dishes?
Architectural shapes have always fascinated me. Especially when they are juxtaposed with nature.
I never realised there was a name for this synchronicity of design and the natural world working together. But then I learnt about the concept biophilia, and it all made perfect sense.
When you set architecture against the sky, like the Anish Kapoor installation above, or Santiago Calatrava’s Chords bridge (below) the effect is quite dramatic.
Your bedroom is the most personal space in your home and although it isn’t on display as much as other areas of the home, how you choose to decorate it is really important. Perhaps even more so in the winter.
On cold, dark wintry evenings your bedroom should become an inviting haven to cosy up in. And on gloomy mornings, be an invigorating space in which to wake up and boost your mood for a great start to the day.
Incorporating nature into the decor of your bedroom by using elements of biophilia can do just that.
Here are some beautiful bedrooms inspired by nature which may give you ideas on how you can incorporate elements of biophilic design to enhance your sleeping area, turning it into a space that lifts the spirit.
If I was to ask you to list the main criteria you would like for your dream home, what would they be?
I’m guessing that high up on your wish list might be for your home to be situated in a location with a breathtaking view. (Perhaps by the sea, in the mountains, countryside or in a forest.) And to be able to enjoy the scenery with a panoramic vista of it through your windows.
Plants appear to be everywhere right now. Open almost any design magazine or blog and you’ll find interiors filled with plants.
Increasingly, they are becoming an integral feature in the home. As more and more people rediscover the beauty of greenery, and how it can be used to enhance the decoration of any room.
But plants are so much more than just another interior trend. Because as well as looking attractive, there are many more benefits to having them.
So here are ten good reasons to have plants in your home.
One of the best night’s sleep I ever had was when I once stayed in a hotel where each hotel room was an individual wooden chalet.
Simply furnished, but very cosy, I’ve rarely felt so rested and refreshed upon waking up. While the clear country air certainly helped. It was pointed out to me that it probably also had a lot to do with the entire structure being made out of wood – a natural material.
That was the first time I made the connection between the effect of our bedroom environment and its ability to help us sleep well. And the importance of bringing more nature and natural materials into our homes. I didn’t realise at the time that there was a name for this: Biophilia.
Various research studies have shown that there are clear links between biophilia and well-being. So introducing some elements of biophilic design into your bedroom could go a long way to helping you get a better night’s sleep.
This month’s topic for Urban Jungle Bloggers brings together two of my favourite things: Plants and Coffee. The theme instantly brought to mind images of sitting outside surrounded by nature and greenery, sipping an aromatic cup of coffee. It’s always a simple, but blissful pleasure to savour. Whether sitting on a balcony, in a garden or at an outdoor cafe
But since the weather is still too cold for sitting outdoors, I had an idea: why not bring the outside in and turn an area of my lounge into an extension of the balcony?
The trend for bringing more biophilic design into our homes just keeps on growing (literally!)
It began with the resurgence of house plants. For a while considered a bit outdated, plants have now become almost essential home accessories, that no stylish interior can be without.
But you may have noticed that the trend has recently gone a step further – with indoor trees.
