biophilic design: flower and greenery arrangements for fall
in biophilic design
Designing a home in sync with nature has a lot to do with change. Also mentioned among the principles of biophilic design, appreciating natural changes is a powerful step to reconnect with the natural world. Welcoming those changes at home goes one step further, making us feel part of nature rather than just external observers.
Seasons are among the most evident examples of change in nature, and can be incorporated indoors with flowers and greenery. Today, we’re exploring the options for fall.
colours
Speaking of colours, autumnal landscapes are characterized by a warm palette, with leaves turning somewhere between red and yellow. Mixing these colours with neutrals and a hint of green in an arrangement will paint a seasonal reminder in a vase.
When dried, certain flowers take deeper earthy colours that fit perfectly within a fall palette. Dried grass can also be added in a rich tonal arrangement.
The advantage of tonal arrangements is that – in having little colour variation – they bring all the attention onto textures and shapes. This introduces an unusual way of appreciating an arrangement – since colour changes stand out more than subtle texture variations. An unusual and slower appreciation, that calls the viewer back into the present moment.
shapes and textures
Even though fresh flowers are often the heroes, they’re certainly not the only possibility. The typical colours of fall come from leaves. And leaves can be part of an arrangement as well, both mixed with flowers or by themselves. Dried flowers and grass are also great options, which create an everlasting arrangement as a plus. As a note, branches and leaves are sometimes a more sustainable choice than flowers, which brings me to the next point…
sourcing locally
Sourcing locally is a sustainable move in that it saves on transportation. But it is also valuable in terms of biophilic design. Just like other local materials, local flowers and greenery establish a stronger bond between interior spaces and their surroundings. Branches and leaves can also be foraged during a walk in the woods. In this way, they won’t only add a touch of nature, but also be a reminder of a pleasant experience. And don’t be stopped by thinking you need to find perfectly shaped branches. Even the oddest shapes can be styled into gorgeous seasonal arrangements!
In short, flower and greenery arrangements can be more than a pretty centrepiece. They can make us feel part of the natural world, create a bond with the local environment, and even invite us to a moment of mindful contemplation.
