Welcome! In today’s blog post, we will explore soothing and sustainable sanctuaries, guided by the expertise of biophilic design-certified interior designer Erica McLain. In case you aren’t aware, a “biophilic design” approach imbues interiors with natural elements, which helps to connect a space’s occupants with the benefits of reconnecting with our earliest, primal, most comforting instincts. In other words, bringing natural elements inside can make us feel safer, healthier, and happier. 

As passionate advocates for biophilic design, we infuse every project with a deep understanding of how access to nature and natural patterns enhances our living spaces. Join us on this journey as we dive into the intricate world of biophilic design and its transformative impact on our homes and well-being.

Integrating Nature Into Design

At McLain by Design Interiors, our biophilic design expertise shines as we seamlessly incorporate natural elements, patterns, lighting temperatures and color frequencies into interior spaces. From the moment you step into one of our designs, you’re greeted by an environment that feels alive and vibrant while also being soothing and familiar. Through thoughtful, holistic design treatments, we can mimic the biological benefits of time spent in nature, such as regulation of healthy blood pressure and cortisol levels. Given that we statistically spend 90% of our time indoors, with the vast majority of this time being in a residential environment, we firmly believe that our homes should be a reflection of the natural world. We bring this philosophy to life throughout all of our design choices.

Take, for example, our design of a suburban “cottage” in Celina, TX. Our clients sought a personalized haven that would be adaptable for family growth, along with a home that would be conducive to fluid gatherings of loved ones and friends. Our collaborative vision was “perpetual glamping,” which required tasteful curation of natural materials. In addition to incorporating special vintage pieces, we prioritized using raw elements, a tonal color palette, and various injections of fractal patterns to emphasize the natural world in our design.

Imagine walking into a room filled with lush greenery and harmonious color frequencies, where the air feels fresher and the atmosphere serenely cohesive. This is what we do; our use of no- to-low maintenance indoor plants and expert application of color theory and lighting schemas enhances the aesthetic appeal of each space we touch, while also improving air quality and bringing a sense of vitality indoors. As a whole, our designs aim to positively affect the three pillars of the neuroaesthetic experience: cognition, behavior and emotion. In other words, with every space we design, we aim to positively affect the mood, productivity and relaxation of the inhabitants.

Fostering Wellness and Creativity

Through our expertise, McLain by Design demonstrates that integrating nature into our living spaces is not just a trend, but a necessity for a healthier, more harmonious life. Research has shown that our environment significantly impacts our psychological state, and we leverage this understanding to create spaces that foster wellness and creativity.

The organic sanctuaries we craft are designed to be restorative environments. By incorporating elements like water features, natural textures, and views of greenery, we create spaces that encourage relaxation and reduce stress. These designs promote a sense of calm and tranquility, making them perfect retreats from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

To demonstrate how we design spaces to foster wellness and creativity, take a look at our redesign of a client’s downtown San Francisco apartment. Our clients wanted to update their compact, uninspiring apartment into a vibrant living space while preserving their existing furniture. Our collective vision for this space was Biophilic Maximalism—or, bringing in as many natural elements and complementary color schemes as possible. Inspired by a Bohemian lounge, we incorporated removable nature-inspired wallpaper and floating grow frames to maximize the space and incorporate biophilic elements into the home. 

Embracing Eco-Friendly Practices

Erica McLain’s commitment to eco-friendly practices extends beyond aesthetics to actionable sustainability. We understand that true biophilic design is not only about bringing nature indoors but also about preserving the environment outside.

We are committed to incorporating recycled materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable furniture into our designs. We source materials and furnishings that have a minimal environmental impact, such as reclaimed wood, recycled metals and vintage treasures. Our use of energy-efficient home maintenance systems reduce the carbon footprint of our projects, making them more sustainable in the long term.

Moreover, we advocate for the use of sustainable furniture, often selecting pieces made from responsibly sourced materials, manufactured through environmentally friendly processes and sourcing vintage and antique pieces, as appropriate, for client projects. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that our designs are not only beautiful and functional but also kind to the planet. In our redesign of a client’s cozy office lounge in Sherman Oaks, CA, we prioritized retaining their vintage plaid couch and tiled table as integral elements of the design. We transformed their space to help cultivate feelings of focus, inspiration, curiosity, and relaxation, all while embracing eco-friendly practices by using furniture the client already owned and loved while accessorizing with vintage and antique finds. 

What Biophilic Design Can Do for You

Science-backed sanctuaries are more than just spaces—they are environments that nourish our souls, inspire creativity, and contribute to the well-being of our planet. Together, let’s embrace the beauty of soothing, biophilic sanctuaries and their ability to transform our lives. 

By incorporating biophilic design principles into our homes, we can create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also promote wellness, foster creativity, and support sustainability for future generations. 

If you’re ready to begin imagining your scientifically soothing sanctuary, reach out. We are so excited to make your dreams a reality! Together, we will craft a home that is not just a place to live, but a space where you are truly “Whole at Home™.” Welcome to McLain by Design Interiors—where every space has its own tale to tell.

READY TO BRING YOUR SPACE TO LIFE?

Our ultimate goal is to help you create a nurturing home environment where you can thrive – a true sanctuary. We firmly believe that your home should be a haven, and we are committed to transforming that belief into reality. Together, let's design spaces that nurture and ignite inspiration in your everyday life! Inquire here to learn more!