How to Do Biophilic and Contemporary Decor Well

The fusion of contemporary and biophilia is officially a defining trend in modern design. 

This is partly due to the enticing nature of environments that are serene and sophisticated – something most enjoy looking at. 

Innovative design approaches are nothing new. Still, this particular style goes beyond adding two or three plants to modern spaces.

In essence, it emphasizes integrating natural elements to amplify the clean, minimalist aesthetic of contemporary design without overwhelming it. 

Here, we’ll discuss how to successfully marry contemporary decor with biophilia. We’ll also offer tips to help you create a nurturing and visually arresting space in a glimpse. 

Let’s learn!

What Is Contemporary Design?

Contemporary design isn’t really a style. This decorating approach reflects the current trends and innovations in interior design. In short, it evolves with the decorator’s tastes and the technologies of the present. 

Unlike styles like Art Deco and Bohemian, contemporary design isn’t bound to a single aesthetic. Instead, it’s a blend of many influences and prioritizes spaces that are stylish and functional. 

Contemporary design meshes approaches and distills the biggest trends into liveable looks that can transition. 

The best part about it is that these spaces are like chameleons: they lend well to new trends, accessories, and palettes. At the crux of it, though, is simplicity. 

Here are some of its key characteristics: 

• Clean lines and minimalism
• Functionality and adaptability 
• New materials and technologies 
• Mix of textures and patterns for juxtaposition
• Neutral color palettes like whites, grays, and beiges 

Why Do You Need Biophilia in Contemporary Spaces?

Humans have a primordial desire to connect with nature. 

This longing is something we’re born with, it’s rooted in our evolution. Since our ancestors had to rely on nature and the environment for survival, we’re now programmed to seek a deeper connection with nature. 

According to an article by the American Psychological Association (APA), exposure to nature is “like a balm” for our brains and bodies: it promotes cognitive development, improves working memory, lowers stress levels, and increases happiness and well-being. 

All this research feeds into one idea: adding natural elements to a contemporary space is helping more than just aesthetics. In many ways, you’re contributing to a space that’s nurturing and restorative for you, too. 

Biophilia emerged as a response to the psychological heritage of our ancestors’ survival instincts. 

The term itself translates to “love of life” and encompasses our impulse to belong to and collaborate with our environment. As such, biophilic design is the practice of connecting people to nature by way of human-made environments, thus helping us awaken a dormant part of ourselves.

How to Include Biophilic Decor in a Contemporary Space?

To breathe life into your contemporary space, you need a concerted effort. Sometimes, modern spaces are soulless, uniform, and lack personality. 

But they don’t have to stay that way, especially if you have something to say about it. Add new knowledge to your arsenal by learning how biophilic decor can help you create a refreshing and inviting space with:

Light and Air 

Whenever you think you can get the same effect with an overhead light as you would with a large window, you’re comparing the charm of a cave to a holiday resort. No matter how you spin it, natural light brings vibrancy to a space that artificial lighting can’t match in a hundred years or with a hundred lamps. 

Now, we know you won’t always have a say in the structural characteristics of a space, so just adding a window may be out of the question. But even so, focus on squeezing every bit of usability from the natural light you do have available. 

Propping up reflective surfaces like mirrors can guide the light toward dark corners and make the room appear larger and brighter. Ditching heavy drapes in favor of sheer curtains or blinds is almost always a smart choice. On the one hand, you get as much light as your eyes can handle, and on the other, you have all the outside air your lungs can take in. 

If you can have an open floor plan, do that. Choose occasional furniture with elevated legs to allow air to flow freely and invite spaciousness even in the smallest rooms. 

Foliage 

There’s no biophilia without the bedrock of nature – plants. Contemporary spaces, whether inadvertently or not, can sometimes be sterile. You may feel like you exist in a showroom, half-expecting a buyer to walk through your door and assess your furniture for their own needs. 

When you need a home, not just a house, plants can add the heart back into stark, minimalist interiors. The reason foliage works so well in modern spaces boils down to one thing: contrast. Vibrant green leaves juxtapose monochromatic or industrial elements and warm up spaces in a blink. 

Yet what if maintaining live plants isn’t feasible? 

It won’t be the end of the road – artificial plants are still a thing and can deliver the same emotional lift without the upkeep. For example, add sophisticated faux foliage, like artificial topiary, in strategic locations in your home. Put them in decorative pots and make them the dramatic focal points they’re dying to become. 

Natural Shapes 

Take a wider look at your room. Don’t focus on the decorations; take in the space itself. Think about how the design and the shapes within it contribute to the feeling of the room. If you have too many sharp lines, no amount of biophilic decor could soften them. 

Adhere to biophilia while keeping your contemporary aesthetic by prioritizing natural shapes and forms. These add a layer of warmth and authenticity that geometric lines frequently lack. 

For example, picture a coffee table with a live-edge wooden top highlighting the curves and knots of the wood. Or imagine a light fixture mimicking the flowing shape of a leaf that makes your space feel all the more grounded. 

Natural shapes soothe the rigidity of modern design and translate the appearance of nature into interior design. This will enrich the emotional experience of living in your home while giving you the freedom to enjoy modernity in all aspects.