The conversation around wellness and wellbeing has been gaining momentum over the last few years. More recently, the value of health, both mental and physical, has been brought into sharp focus by Covid-19, further accelerated by the effect of numerous lockdowns and the push for us all to stay at home. This shift has seen a significant change in the way we live our lives, including the need for our homes and workspaces to feel calming, enhance mood and improve our general wellbeing.

There has been much discussion and promotion of the connection between how we treat our bodies, how we exercise, what we eat and how we feel emotionally and mentally. Exercising and working more in our homes has emphasized the need for more multifunctional, yet beautiful spaces which calm the mind.

A recent research report from Goldman Sachs has revealed that 68% of surveyed homeowners believe that their home influences their overall sense of wellbeing, with 40% stating that they plan to spend more on home improvements in the coming months and less on technology (21%), demonstrating the shift in attitudes.  

Biophilia, meaning love of nature, focuses on a human’s inherent connection to the natural environment, which when incorporated into the built environment, has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and increase productivity.

Design in 2021 is taking its cues from the natural environment, bringing the best of the outdoors inside to forge a connection with nature. Natural fibres and colours, textures which mimic the natural environment and thriving plants and greenery are being used to improve the spaces in which we live and work.  

There have been many studies over the years on the benefits of biophilic design within different spaces:

• Office design: productivity can be increased by 8%, rates of well-being up by 13%, increases in creativity, with reduced absenteeism
• Hospitality design: guests willing to pay 23% more for rooms with views of Biophilic elements
• Homes: can become more calming & restorative, with 7-8 % less crime attributed to areas with access to nature and can command an increase of 4-5% in property price.

Summary from Oliver Heath Design.

Surrounding ourselves with interior fabrics made from wool is one of the most natural, sustainable and comforting things we can do to enhance our wellbeing, providing the textures and colours we crave naturally.

Last June we launched three Interior Fabric Trends for the year ahead, two of which are now even more in focus as we look ahead to 2021.

View Plant Based and Natural Origin.