Why we need Natural Materials

In biophilically designed spaces there are plenty of natural materials, slate and stone on floors, for example, and wood with visible grain on floors, walls, table tops, wherever it might be.

Using wood with visible grain has been extensively researched and shown to be a powerful de-stressor, boosting mental and physical wellbeing—we’re not only more relaxed in spaces featuring wood surfaces, but also better able to concentrate in them.  It seems at a certain level, we’ve always known that looking at wood grain is good for us.  In many years of watching home design shows on TV, for instance, I’ve only heard people say a couple of times that they want to rip out hardwood floors to put in something else, but I’ve listened to hundreds and hundreds of people on the same shows state that they want to rip out whatever is underfoot and put in hardwoods.

If you’re adding visible wood grain to a space, go with a warmish finish for the biggest positive impact, but whenever you’re finishing or re-finishing something remember that you need to be able to clearly see the wood grain to benefit from its presence.

Also, even if you get a really good deal, don’t cover all of the surfaces in a room with wood with visible grain.  Research has shown that when half or more of the surfaces in a space are covered with visible wood grain, combining all the wood that can be seen on floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, some sort of primordial equilibrium is thrown out of whack and we don’t benefit as much from the wood as we would with less.

Our positive response to the patterns in wood grain is consistent with the fact that we find curving shapes, patterns, forms, etc., relaxing to look at and comfortable to see while more rectilinear angular ones bring to mind thoughts of functionality and efficiency.  When we look into a room where the sofa and/or chairs have gently curving legs or arms, for instance, we think we’ll be more comfortable and relaxed there than when those pieces of furniture feature impressively tailored sharply box-y forms.  So, a paisley sort of carpet can be great for the family room where you want everyone to relax and the geometric rug can work well in the long hallway that people should move through briskly.