Biophilic Interior Design That Embraces Nature
Interior design is the art of crafting both spaces and experiences. When architects and interior designers sit down to create, there are a galaxy of factors to consider. Industrial and commercial design, of course, always begins with function.
The architect and interior designer must ask themselves:
- How will this space be used?
- What are the regulatory requirements?
- What type of people will inhabit this space? What is important to them?
- Will people be moving through the space regularly? Where will the flow of traffic go?
- How do we want people to feel when they spend time here?
Once the function is established, the pieces begin to fall into place — but we are still left with a nearly blank canvas with some sketches to guide the hand. Here is where the art meets the science of commercial interior design.
Why Inviting Nature Inside Your Restaurant, Bar or Nightclub Makes Sense
Humans are fascinating creatures. Sometimes fickle by nature, our tastes and interests naturally evolve with time. But — there are certain constants that always remain in place. One of them is the sense of comfort and safety we get from references to the natural world. It has been said that green is the only color on the spectrum that humans can never tire of.
That is because human beings are all hardwired with an innate love of nature. Even if you’re not a very woodsy person who enjoys hiking and sleeping beneath the stars — nature gives you something you need. Something nothing else can. Tapping into that visceral, primal need and affection we have for the natural world is at the core of biophilic and nature-embracing interior design.
Incorporating natural light, materials, and plants makes sense because it:
- Gives your restaurant or bar’s interior design an inviting, oasis-like quality.
- Directly affects how people feel in a salon, spa, or retail environment.
- Nature never goes out of style, interior design that embraces it ages gracefully.
- Natural cues are enchanting on the subconscious level and encourage people to remain and return to your restaurant or bar.
How to Incorporate Nature into Interior Design for Restaurants, Bars, Hotels and More
Restaurants, hotels, and bars are all locations where people seek to rest and collect their thoughts, recharge, or celebrate. Bringing nature inside of these environments through interior design helps you fine-tune the experiences your guests will have. But — where to begin?
Here are some natural interior design ideas and prompts:
Let There Be Light
Use skylights and windows creatively wherever you can. Pay attention to where the light will fall at different times of the day. Be sure to avoid the possibility of glare, especially during the hours when your restaurant or hotel lobby will be the busiest.
Think outside the box — elements like clerestory windows can brighten up a space and create an airy ambiance. Light shelves positioned above eye level on windows can be used to bounce light deeper into the space — this is particularly helpful in a restaurant or bar that has windows on only one or two walls.
Living and Leafy Green
Certainly, artificial plants require no maintenance aside from period dusting and they do make some very convincing facsimiles of real plants now — but there is no substitute for the genuine article. Plants not only make beautiful decor, they keep the air fresh as well. Consider bringing live plants into the space where possible.
Low maintenance choices include snake plants, ZZ plants, and pathos, all of which thrive indoors. Ficus trees also work well, if there’s adequate light and space. For a restaurant, consider dual-use plants. If you have a space indoors or out where some vegetables and herbs can be grown for use in the kitchen this lends your restaurant an air of authenticity and charm.
Natural Materials and Surfaces
Commercial interior design is leaning hard into nature at the moment — but pay no mind to the trends. The truth is that natural materials and earth tones never go out of style. Nor does the effect of enchantment that can impart on your guests when combined with natural light and flourishing plant life.
Use stone like granite, marble, or quartz for bars, tables, and floors. Stone evokes security, permanence, and elegance. Rough-hewn or reclaimed barn wood can be repurposed in an astounding number of ways. Earth-toned cotton and linen communicate authenticity and purity.
Water Features
The sound of falling water is naturally relaxing, almost hypnotic. It powerfully references nature, even if it is found in a man-made waterfall or other water feature indoors. Water features not only create atmosphere and help relax guests to your restaurant or bar — they also broadcast luxury and opulence, just as they did in Renaissance Europe when only royals and nobility were privileged enough to enjoy them.
New World Design Builders and K2 Studios: Creativity Manifested
New World Design Builders and K2 Studios are a team of gifted artisans, builders, and interior design specialists. We work with both modern and biophilic design and everything in between — but never stray from timeless elegance and grandeur.
Both architecture and interior design unite in harmony in the partnership between New World Design Builders and K2 Studios. This synergy makes us uniquely qualified to create comprehensive commercial interior design solutions.
Let’s begin a conversation about creating your ideal space.
