Everything You Need To Know About the Biophilic Bathroom Trend
The newest bathroom trends 2020 includes decorating bathroom interiors to feel more connected and more in tune with nature. This has caused a wellspring of stimulating design themes which include wellness bathrooms that exude a calming ambiance. These types of bathrooms will feature soaking tubs, water therapy (whirlpools, rain showers), backlit mirrors, upholstered seating, diffused essential oils, and heated floors.
Taking the bathroom as a wellness center one step further is the purpose of biophilia bathroom design - the integration of natural materials in countless ways to include nature as a focal point of the interior design. Biophilic housing, for example, will embrace nature in countless ways using furniture, walls, and flooring constructed of biophilic materials to emulate the various shapes in nature - flowing curves and organic shapes like those found in water, hillsides, trees, and flowers.
What are Biophilic Materials
A biophilic material is any material harvested from nature. But they also include interior features that assist in creating a natural environment:
- Reclaimed wood, timber
- Large windows, glass doors
- Tree bark, driftwood
- Plants, flowers, grass
- Stone, clay, bamboo
- Earth, sand
- Water features
- Natural fibers
In addition to the above natural materials, a Biophilia decor will use the shades, colors, and pigments found in nature to elevate the occupant's sense of outdoors. For kitchens, this may be marbled countertops, and for bathrooms consider desert shades or any inspiration gathered from forest floors, the sky, or oceans.
A Biophilic Bathroom Design
When planning a bathroom renovation that embodies biophilic materials and biophilia decor, consider any of the above materials when choosing bathroom textiles, furniture, accessories, flooring, wall materials, and even the bathroom fixtures should be soft patina metals like copper and brass, instead of shiny chrome. A biophilic bathroom design will also boast certain patterns that reduce stress and improve creativity.
The decor you choose should feature forms and patterns that will emulate nature in texture, contours, color, or pattern. The goal is to strike a rich sensory connection to nature. A well-placed potted plant, a window seat with curtains pulled back, floating shelves, natural wood cabinets, and decor with botanical motifs, leaves, clouds, animal prints, or even seashells.
Also, consider traditional flooring styles that are dynamic and feature patterns that seem to move. These include parquet wood flooring, or luxury vinyl tile with a herringbone or chevron pattern. Another great material option for bathroom floors is plank wood tiles in brown and spiced tones.
Sinks and Tubs in Organic Shapes
So what about the larger picture in your biophilic bathroom renovation, such as the bathroom cabinets, sinks, toilet vanities, and tub. Bathroom fixtures can follow a biophilic bathroom design when you choose fixtures with shapes and materials from nature. Consider vessel sinks that are oval or organically shaped instead of round or rectangular. Brushed bronze is an excellent finish for a natural bathroom decor.
Today, you will find a large variety of innovative bathroom technology that can invite a sense of nature and elegance. Homeowners can choose fiberglass tub and shower liner materials that look as if they are made from natural stone or nuanced ceramics. The trend is to have a freestanding tub as part of the bathroom decor, and a separate whirlpool or hot tub for relaxation. Like nature, you will want a step-in shower with multiple water features and heating zones for maximum pleasure.
Take-Aways
- A biophilic material is any material harvested from nature
- Biophilic furnishings will emulate the various shapes in nature
- Found items, reclaimed wood, and water features can be biophilic
To discover how you can transform your bathroom into a wellness center and incorporate biophilic materials, contact RWC Windows, Doors, and More to consult with a bathroom design specialist.
Choosing The Right Plants For Your House [Infographic]
No matter the size of your home or the amount of space you have in your place, chances are, there's room for a plant or two. The trick is, finding the right plant—and the right area to let your greenery showcase all of its glory. With this in mind, we've come up with some tips to help you choose the right plants for your house.
Best Air Purifying Indoor Plants
There are a number of indoor plants that can help purify and detoxify the air inside your home.
- Barberton Daisies. Bright, vibrant, cheerful bursts of color that come in red, yellow, orange, or pink, these plants are known to remove the toxins of benzene, which is found in plenty of household products, including paint and synthetic fibers. Barberton daisies need plenty of natural light and moist-but-not-wet soil.
- Snake Plants. A large, yellow-tipped succulent, snake plants have a habit of filtering all kinds of bad stuff out of the air, such as formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene, and trichlorethylene.
- Chrysanthemums. If you love color, chrysanthemums might be your saving grace. They need to be placed near windows that are drenched with sunlight so they can remain happy and healthy as they filter out ammonia, benzene, and other toxins that are found in everyday plastics and detergents.
Best Indoor Plants for Allergies
Allergies are no fun for anyone, but luckily, there are a few plants that are known to combat the icky things that live in the air.
- Peace Lilies. Beautiful and easy to care for, peace lilies don't need a ton of water or light to be happy. They'll let you know it's time to water them when their leaves begin to droop a little. Like some of the plants listed above, peace lilies particularly enjoy ridding the air of benzene, formaldehyde, and trichlorethylene. They also absorb mold spores and keep them from growing. Remove the center of the blooms if you're worried about pollen getting into the air.
- Chinese Evergreen. Known for being super easy to take care of, Chinese evergreen plants are fine in low light. Cut off any flowers before they open to ensure this plant stays as hypoallergenic as possible.
- Corn Plants. If you're looking for indoor plants that can grow to an impressive size, consider the corn plant. They have long, colorful leaves that grab allergens out of the air and absorb them. They can grow six to ten feet tall, making them a focal point in any room that needs to be allergy free and aesthetically pleasing at the same time.
Bathroom Plant Ideas
Don't overlook the space you have available in your loo because some plants have special properties that are perfect for this room. The benefits of plants in bathrooms extend beyond the simple aesthetic pleasure they bring to their spaces; they also offer positive health and wellness elements.
- English Ivy. The English Ivy is said to have the ability to reduce airborne fecal particles, making it a perfect air purifier for the place where you do your personal business.
- Aloe Vera. Aloe has a good tolerance for temperature swings, which means it can withstand the hot, steamy showers that it might be subjected to in the bathroom.
- Asparagus Fern. This plant particularly enjoys the humidity that's stirred up in bathrooms. They can grow up to two feet high and can actually have branches that sprawl up to six feet wide.
When you're looking for ways to beautify your home, a little greenery on the inside can do a world of good. It's all about figuring out the best house plant organization. Of course, those plants will need some natural sunlight, which is why it's important to have great windows that welcome those warm rays inside. At RWC Windows, Doors & More, we know the importance of great windows because we've built our business around them. Reach out to our RWC Windows team to learn how we can help you bring the bright days in while keeping the cold outside!