Using Natural Materials

It’s renovation season!

As you ponder your re-design options keep the benefits of using natural materials – wood, stone, linen and cotton, etc. – in mind.  Working natural materials into spaces is an important tenet of biophilic design.  Particularly positive results ensue from using materials—such as copper and leather—that develop a patina over time, with biophilic design, showing that you’ve aged gracefully is definitely a plus.

For a refresher on all the mental (related to both mood and performance) and physical benefits of designing biophilically, read this article.  LINK

The use of visible woodgrain has been studied in project after project, and it always gets good grades.  Seeing wood grain (on floors, walls, furniture, etc.) has been tied to:

• Feeling less stressed (regardless of age, this works for both youngsters and oldsters and those in between)—even reducing our blood pressure. Oak office furniture can be a great stress-buster.
• Being in a better mood and feeling less mentally tired.
• Better mental performance, in general, and enhanced concentration and also creativity, in particular.
• When bedroom light bounces off a wood grain ceiling we fall asleep faster.
• Finding a space more appealing and also comfortable.

Humans love glossy surfaces, but glossy floors can be perceived as slippery by the not-sure-of-foot, especially if light hits them in a way that leads to glare.

For best results, use wood with a warm finish, such as oak.

. . . but do not use too much woodgrain.  The benefits of seeing wood grain top out when about 45% of the visible surfaces (floors, walls, furniture, and elsewhere) feature visible wood grain.