It is no secret that the typical American spends most of their time indoors. In fact, we spend nearly 90% of our lives inside according to a report by the EPA. Despite this, biophilia, which is a desire to interact with nature, is becoming far more commonplace among the general population. Thankfully, the urge to be closer to Mother Nature can be satisfied somewhat by bringing elements of nature indoors in the form of water, natural materials, and greenery. Here’s how you can go about getting in touch with the beauty of nature from the comfort of your home or office.
Invest in a Water Feature
Water features such as water walls, aquariums, and fountains make it easy to bring elements of nature indoors. These water features not only add to the aesthetic appeal of a room but can be of benefit to the health and well-being of its occupants as well. The soothing sounds of trickling water can help ease anxiety and depression and can even help combat insomnia. When water evaporates from an indoor water feature, negative ions are released. This improves the quality of the air inside the building. The cleaner air boasts a whole range of other health benefits. There is a vast variety of indoor water features available on the market ranging from traditional tiered, stone options to modern, smart units with sleek finishes.
Bring Plants into the Space
One of the simplest ways to bring the outdoors inside is through the addition of indoor plants. Live plants not only add calm and beauty to an indoor space but can help enhance the indoor air quality as well. Ornamental flowers, ferns, and grasses can generally be incorporated with ease into any room. If you want to get more value from your indoor greenery, however, opt for small vegetables, an indoor herb garden, or even dwarf fruit trees. While small and medium-sized plants provide a strong connection to Mother Nature, indoor trees are skyrocketing in popularity. Towering vegetation can be found everywhere from hotels and shopping malls to apartment buildings and single-family homes.
Make Use of Natural Materials
Another innovative way to incorporate elements of nature into the home is by making use of natural materials including wood, timber, stone, bamboo, rattan, cotton, and cork. These natural materials can be utilized in a number of different ways. Wooden floors and furniture remain a popular choice and are also being used extensively in decorative elements and artwork. When installing natural flooring it is important to refrain from using varnish and other treatment products that are laden with toxic chemicals. Natural stone such as marble, granite, and travertine can also be used for countertops, fireplaces, and flooring.
There are a number of ways in which elements of nature can be brought indoors. By bringing the outdoors inside, your spaces can not only be made more visually appealing but more beneficial to your health and well-being too.