Biophilic Design on a Budget: Bringing Nature Indoors Without Breaking the Bank

by Falak Arora March 11, 2024

Urban life can leave us yearning for a connection with nature. But what if you could bring the calming vibes of the outdoors right into your home, without a hefty price tag? Enter biophilic design!

Biophilic design simply means incorporating elements of nature into your space. It's about nurturing our innate connection with the natural world, and studies have shown that it can significantly improve our mood, creativity, and productivity. Imagine feeling more focused while working, or coming home to a space that melts away stress – that's the power of biophilia!

Budget-friendly Biophilic Elements :

Fortunately, biophilic design doesn't require a complete overhaul of your home. Here at Studio20, we believe everyone deserves the benefits of a nature-inspired retreat. So, here are some clever ways in which we have weaved biophilia into our designs, using readily available and budget-friendly options.

HARNESSING THE POWER OF NATURAL LIGHT

Natural light is a powerful mood booster! We always aim to maximise the amount of sunlight entering our space by keeping windows clean and uncluttered and considering sheer curtains or blinds instead of heavy drapes. When arranging furniture, we also focus on avoiding blocking windows or natural light sources.

PLANT POWER ON A BUDGET

Plants are nature's air purifiers and stress relievers. The good news? You don't need a rainforest in your living room to reap the benefits. We opt for low-maintenance, affordable plants like snake plants, bamboo, dracaena, jade plant, ZZ plant, peace lily, spider plant, monstera and many more.

The creativity lies in the placement of these plants! For instance, utilising hanging planters to save floor space or building a simple tiered plant stand using recycled materials.

NATURAL MATERIALS WITH BUDGETARY FINESSE

Bringing in natural textures and materials connects us with the outdoors. While we know that solid wood furniture may not fit the budget, but we mix it up a little with incorporating woven elements like wicker panels, jute rugs, or bamboo accents. Sometimes ditching the solid wood we also pair natural elements with natural veneers or natural textured laminates to give you the look and feel without burning a hole in your pocket.

Pro tip: Look for furniture pieces with exposed wood grains or natural stone details. Repurposed wood from old pallets can even be transformed into shelves or side tables with a little DIY magic.

NATURE'S COLOUR PALETTE

Colors have a profound impact on our mood. We aim to channel the calming influence of nature by incorporating colors found in the outdoors. Earthy greens and calming blues promote relaxation and focus. Don't need to repaint the walls? Opt for area rugs, or artwork that showcase these natural hues. Floral patterns or organic shapes subtly introduce a touch of nature without breaking the bank.

ENGAGE YOUR SENSES

Biophilic design isn't just visual! We can also subtly incorporate calming sounds of nature. A small water feature with trickling water can be surprisingly therapeutic. Essential oils, like lavender or cedarwood, offer a natural approach to creating a relaxing atmosphere. Diffusers are readily available at budget-friendly price points.

DIY YOUR BIOPHILIC OASIS

Embrace your inner artist and get crafty! Building a vertical garden using recycled materials like fabric pockets or PVC pipes is a fun and affordable way to showcase your favorite greenery. Create nature-inspired artwork by collecting leaves, pressing them, and framing them for a unique wall display. It worked for us, surely it will work for you.

Let Nature Inspire Your Home

Biophilic approach aims to create vibrant and breathable spaces that not only enhance our well being but also stimulate creativity and strengthen our connections with the environmnet. The use of plants, patterns and colours that evoke nature go beyond aesthetics. They are strategies that act as stress reducers , improving mood and increasing productivity.

Biophilic design doesn't have to be expensive. With a little creativity and these budget-friendly tips, we can transform any space into a haven of nature-inspired calm.

Ready to breathe life into your home? Contact Studio20 today for a consultation. We'll help you create a biophilic design plan that fits your style and budget, allowing you to bring the serenity of nature indoors.