biophilic moodboards: natural textures
in biophilic moodboards
Textures add dimension and depth. Nature-inspired textures – those preferred in biophilic design – make the space feel warmer, more welcoming and stimulating, recalling the experience of being outdoors.
In this episode of Biophilic Moodboards, we’re taking a closer look at natural textures…
natural textures and wellbeing
Even if the reason is yet to be fully explained, people have a general preference for shapes, patterns and textures that recall natural ones. Studies* have also observed positive effects on wellbeing, from stress reduction to increased concentration.
Additionally, textures stimulate the most ancestral of our senses and the first one we develop: touch. Tactile stimulations cause a very strong emotional response that, together with other sensory elements, makes the space compelling and interesting. Rich natural textures also create more light-shadows effects. This makes them particularly interesting to watch, stimulating another one of our senses.
finishes
Walls, floors and ceilings are the biggest surfaces in a home, and enriching them with a textured finish makes a huge difference.
The options are endless, from wood floors and walls to natural stone cladding.
accessories
Accessories give identity to a space; they can be used to incorporate personality, colour, and texture.
Vases, baskets, textiles…all of these items are occasions to bring natural textures in. They also can help to enhance the connection of the space with the changing seasons and build a stronger local identity.
natural elements
Real natural elements also bring their textures with them. Think about a plant in front of a plain wall to add interest and dimension, a vertical garden to literally rewild a wall, a water feature and more…
imitating nature
Whenever using a real natural material is not possible, natural textures can be reproduced; what biophilic design calls natural analogues.
interactive natural textures
Writing on the sand, caressing the grass… Taking inspiration from how we interact with nature, bringing interactive textures indoors will make a space richer and more soothing.
The term interactive natural textures refers to how engaging textures are to the 5 senses and how actively one can interact with them.
Zen gardens are a good example, as they’re a way to bring the activity of playing with sand indoors.
Textures engage deeply with our senses, bringing the mind back to the present moment. Incorporating them in designed spaces makes for more interesting and grounding spaces, while restoring a stronger connection with the natural world.
* Sources
- Joye, Y. (2007). Architectural Lessons From Environmental Psychology: The Case of Biophilic Architecture. Review of General Psychology, 11 (4), 305-328.
- The 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design is a framework conceptualized by Terrapin Bright Green
