2. STYLE: BIOPHILIC DESIGN

Biophilia refers to the human desire to be closer to nature— the term was first used by German social psychologist Erich Fromm in his book The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness in 1973 and later adopted by Harvard University naturalist Dr Edward O. Wilson.

According to Leung, biophilia can be interpreted by designers in various ways. “The physical method usually integrates natural elements with the space to bring nature within the built environment, blurring the boundaries between the indoors and the outdoors,” he explains. “This design practice commonly uses a rich array of natural materials such as wood, bamboo, stone, granite and marble. It tends to use an abundance of plants indoors, and also maximises natural light with floor-to-ceiling doors and windows.”

Leung adds that one can invoke a sense of the outdoors by incorporating “different wood patterns in smooth, ornamented textures that complement natural stones or a warm colour palette with a tasteful selection of wood and granite”.

Even if you don’t have a green thumb, the botanical influence can take the form of patterns inspired by nature. Kate

Deng, co-founder of Mr Shopper

Studio recommends incorporating wallpaper or framed artworks that feature plant life to create a calming, tropical feel in your bathroom.

This page: The Dekton Sasea surface from Cosentino is inspired by Caliza Sahel limestone; these Rêves de Rex porcelain tiles from Florim feature textures that mimic natural stone

Opposite page, clockwise from top: The Arles - French Soul glass panel from Synergraphic Design’s Earth Tales Volume II collection features patterns inspired by dazzling minerals; Axor Edge faucet by Jean-marie Massaud, from Hansgrohe; the Essence collection of bathroom fittings from Grohe; Stellar Works Frame towel bar by Nendo, from P5 Studio