Trying to breathe new life into your outdated, dull kitchen? Or to bring some organic and natural accents to the centre of your home? Then biophilic interior design is the ideal solution for you.
This principle is actually one of bringing the natural world back into your life, both in a visual and functional sense. Think of a kitchen that breathes, with elements that bring natural serenity within the boundaries set by your four walls. With this approach, biophilic designs have captured the imaginations of designers everywhere by turning spaces into tranquil, peaceful environments.
So, if you’re looking to incorporate a corner of nature into your humble abode, here’s how to start your biophilic kitchen design adventure.
1. Install A Natural Stone Benchtop
The benchtop is the centre of your kitchen — it accounts for so much kitchen space and immediately catches everyone’s eye. So get in touch with speciality stonemasons in Melbourne, Brisbane and cities across the country, to incorporate biophilic design principles by choosing a natural stone benchtop that brings a bit of organic beauty into your kitchen.
Granite, marble, or butcher block materials will hold up over time but also welcome a variety of natural textures and colours. Granite and marble come with natural patterns that imitate the randomness of nature’s landscapes. But you can also opt for more unusual, darker choices such as quartz and slate for added depth.
In addition to appearance, consider the maintenance side of your natural benchtop choice so you know how much work is involved and ensure it stays looking amazing once installed.
2. Choose Natural & Sustainable Building Materials
Beyond your benchtop, there are tons of elements in your kitchen that could benefit from a natural touch. Whether it’s cupboards or flooring, using natural and sustainable materials all over your kitchen will make a huge difference, both aesthetically and functionally.
Perhaps the most basic eco-friendly consideration is opting for cabinetry crafted with solid timber or plywood, over laminate, MDF and PVC. Shop for reclaimed wood if you want a kitchen rich in character and history. Or, select bamboo – one of the most renewable timber plants on Earth.
There are a million choices for flooring. But topping the list of biophilic-friendly materials are stone and cork. The addition of stone tiles creates a rustic, authentic look that will add texture to your kitchen. Meanwhile, cork is sustainable and soft underfoot, to ease those longer cooking experiments. By opting for natural and sustainable materials, you’ll satisfy your biophilic kitchen dreams whilst contributing to environmental conservation.
3. Embrace Natural Light
A basic feature of biophilic design is natural light. Making the most of it in your kitchen can make a bigger difference than you might think. That means big windows, skylights or glass sliding doors that allow sunlight to trickle in. Natural light has a multitude of physical and mental health benefits and brings an inviting warm glow into your kitchen.
If larger windows, sliding doors or skylights are not practical due to space constraints or expenses, the next best thing is sheer curtains and pale blinds that can be easily adjusted to let in as much light as possible. Even bright white walls, high gloss surfaces and glass or steel appliances help bounce the light around.
By utilising plenty of natural light in your kitchen design you can really open up the space and keep it feeling fresh and vibrant.
4. Incorporate Natural Textures
The sleek and shiny uber-minimalist kitchens that have graced glossy pages for the last decade are now making way for spaces rich in texture. Texture will be your best friend if you’re creating a biophilic kitchen.
Texture can be incorporated in backsplashes, woven baskets for storage, and waffle or hemp tea towels. The juxtaposition of smooth surfaces like marble, and rough textures such as wood, can visually spice up a room with minimal effort.
Using different materials can also make your kitchen feel more tactile and homely. By introducing some natural linen or cotton for window treatments, chair cushions, napkins and table runners, you can dramatically increase the cosiness of a space in one fell swoop. By mixing different textures, you’re creating a kitchen that is not only visually appealing but also rich in sensory experiences.
5. Harness Houseplants & Home-Grown Herbs
Easy and straightforward, houseplants are a perfect way to incorporate biophilic design principles into your home spaces. Not only do they bring the outdoors in, many are also beneficial for purifying indoor air. With the right plants — some hanging, potted herbs on your windowsill or a small vertical garden, you can turn your kitchen into a green oasis.
Basil, rosemary and mint are herbs you can easily grow indoors in small containers. They’re gorgeous plants that provide a farm-to-table experience you can enjoy even from an apartment in the city. In addition, bigger houseplants like peace lilies, monsteras or snake plants for the floors and counters will bring height and visual interest.
Incorporating plants into your kitchen design will transform it from an ordinary room to a living, breathing area connected with nature.
6. Use A Nature-Inspired Colour Palette
Never underestimate the power of a pop of colour! Colour is truly one of the most simple and effective ways to establish ambience in any space, your kitchen included. Choose earthy tones like greens, browns and soft blues for your walls, furnishings and appliances to invoke all those natural earthy vibes.
If you want to go big and bold, consider a forest green backsplash or terracotta-coloured tiles to add more warmth. The best part about working with colour is that you can take it to an extreme, or just add a hint. By choosing colours inspired by nature, you’re creating a kitchen that feels oh-so-serene and cohesive, enhancing the overall biophilic effect.
7. Don’t Forget About Sounds and Smells
Finally, the sensory experience of a biophilic kitchen extends beyond vision and touch — sounds and scents are just as important! This is where you could add in natural sound elements, such as a small indoor water feature or even an ambient nature sounds playlist that will make your place feel super zen. Soft, soothing sounds like the gentle fall of water or birdsong can take the edge off what can otherwise become another evening spent slaving away cooking or cleaning in your kitchen.
Smells are just as important, especially since our olfactory systems are so closely linked to emotions and memories. Essential oils, herbs or fresh flowers have a way of invigorating the senses and enhancing your atmosphere. You could install a relaxing lavender-scented diffuser, a lemongrass-scented candle, or a bowl of fragrant lemons to fill your kitchen with a delicate perfume.
By utilising sounds and smells, you’re completing the sensory experience, making your kitchen a true sanctuary.
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Incorporating biophilic design elements into your kitchen isn’t just about following some viral trend — it’s about creating a space that supports your well-being and connects you to nature.
Take a few of these tips onboard and transform your kitchen into a haven of tranquillity and natural beauty.
