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In the last few years, commercial interior design has become more focused on sustainability and promoting well-being, which is a welcome change, considering that it’s important to take care of the environment and be more in tune with nature. So, it’s not surprising to see the rise of biophilic design in commercial spaces.
For those who aren’t informed, the biophilic design looks to incorporate nature and natural elements indoors, which results in more energy-efficient and eco-friendly offices. The main reason behind the success of this design is mainly its effectiveness, but it’s important to mention that professionals from many fields, including architecture, are pretty much on board, so if you’re planning to add more green solutions to your commercial space, here are some tips that will help you.
Open up to the beauty of the sky
A lot of people stay in the office for 10 hours or even more which means they often lack the opportunity to experience the beauty of natural light and sky unless they go out to grab lunch. Therefore, it’s definitely a great idea to keep the sky visible through your ceiling. In case that requires too much work, then installing large windows and letting the natural light in will surely contribute to a better working environment.
Use sustainably-sourced and eco-friendly materials
Nowadays, there are too many places that sell cheap furniture but adding biologically-designed furniture and construction elements will provide you with green space that is sustainable and pleasant. When it comes to natural materials, using reclaimed wood such as oak, maple, teak and pine can be a great solution for office furniture, mainly tables and chairs. The reason for that lies in the fact that wood is the central part of biophilic interior design.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Redesigning your office to make it greener and more sustainable is not an easy job especially if you lack any significant experience in this area. Having a biophilic commercial space isn’t about decor only, because it requires a bit of knowledge regarding recycling, waste reduction, energy efficiency and green purchase policies, to name a few. Therefore, if you’re unsure where to start, then it would be wise to hire a sustainable building consultant who will help you learn the basics and implement new changes in the best possible direction. Despite what you might think of initial costs, asking for professional help can save you a lot of money and truly transform your commercial space.
Whenever you feel in doubt, add more plants
Decorating your office space can be fun, but when talking about sustainability, it’s important to keep things luscious and green. The easiest way to achieve that is to add plants whenever you see fit. For example, building a moss wall is always a nice idea, and if that’s too much work, you can always add potted plants to open spaces such as reception areas and dining cafés. However, it’s important to use plants that are long-lasting and easy to maintain.
Pay attention to colour combinations
Colours can definitely change the way your office looks, so be sure to take your time when picking them. Earthy tones and organic-looking palettes are always a great choice if you’re planning to bring nature into your workspace. So, pay attention to individual colours and their relation to nature: blue and its variants, for example, tend to mimic sky and water, while greens and browns often represent plants and trees. These tones are also quite neutral and easy to combine with more bright colours, which is what makes them a great solution for the nature-inspired office.
Feel free to utilize outdoor areas
Spending time outdoors can be truly beneficial to one’s health, so if you’re planning to increase the sustainability of your workspace, then utilizing outdoor areas is a great place to start. Being lucky to have outdoor space means your employees will have more exposure to natural sunlight and fresh air, which will, therefore, improve their productivity and make them feel better. Therefore, creating an outdoor work lounge can be a great way for everyone to relax and work at the same time.
Final thoughts
Keeping your commercial interior eco-friendly and sustainable is something worth considering, especially now when everyone’s shifting their attention to the environmental issues. Biophilic design can help you a great deal, so if you’re planning to incorporate some changes, then adding more plants, using natural materials and allowing access to natural light will surely contribute to a happy, enjoyable and healthy work environment.
