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Biophilic design is a concept in architecture that incorporates natural elements into built environments, creating spaces that are more in tune with the natural world. Biophilic design has been shown to have a number of benefits, from improving mental health to increased productivity. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the many benefits of biophilic design in real estate. 

One of the primary benefits of biophilic design is its ability to improve mental health. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Biophilic design incorporates natural elements such as plants, water features, and natural light, which can have a calming effect on the mind and body. In addition, biophilic design facilitates a connection to the natural world, which can be particularly beneficial in our modern world where we spend the majority of our time indoors. For a city like Vancouver where it rains for the better part of the year, bringing outdoor elements inside can keep us connected to nature while we stay dry. 

Biophilic design also has the ability to increase productivity. Studies have shown that consistent exposure to nature can improve cognitive function, creativity, and concentration. Biophilic design can help to create a more stimulating and inspiring environment, which leads to increased levels of creativity and productivity. This is an especially useful design practice if you regularly work from home, and need to make changes to your environment – biophilic design makes for less distractions, and can invoke more inspiration for projects. 

There are also a number of physical health benefits. Exposure to natural light has been shown to improve sleep quality, regulate circadian rhythms, and reduce the risk of health problems such as obesity and diabetes. In addition, biophilic design improves indoor air quality, which can be particularly important for individuals who suffer from respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies. 

By incorporating natural elements into built environments, biophilic design can help to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. For example, plants can help to improve air quality and reduce energy consumption by providing natural insulation. In addition, biophilic design can help to create more sustainable buildings by incorporating green roofs, rain gardens, and other sustainable features.

Natural light is a key element of biophilic design. Not only does natural light provide a crucial source of Vitamin D, but it can also help regulate our circadian rhythm. When designing your home, be sure to consider the placement of windows and the amount of natural light your living space receives. If your home doesn’t receive a lot of sunlight, consider using soft artificial lighting that closely mimics natural light. 

How Does This Tie into Real Estate?

Biophilic design is shown to have a direct impact on the perceived value of a property. Much like staging adds this same perceived value, natural elements such as plants, natural light, and water features make potential buyers more likely to view your property as desirable. This is because biophilic design is associated with a number of positive emotions, such as tranquility, relaxation, and happiness, which can help to create a more positive impression.

Biophilic design also has a tangible impact on value. Properties that incorporate natural elements are often more energy efficient, which can lead to lower utility costs and increased savings for the property owner. For example, a building with large windows that allow for natural light to enter can reduce the need for artificial lighting, resulting in lower electricity bills. Similarly, a building with a green roof can help to reduce heating and cooling costs, as the plants help to regulate temperature and provide insulation. 

Properties that incorporate natural elements are often more visually appealing and create a sense of connection to nature, which is powerful in urban environments where access to green spaces may be limited. Properties that offer a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of city life tend to be highly sought after, and can command a premium price as a result.

In conclusion, biophilic design is a powerful tool that can be used to improve the general well-being of its’ occupants, and increases the value of a property.

It’s important to optimize your living space to suit your lifestyle and personal aesthetic. Whether you’re living in a small studio or a spacious home, here are some various tips and tricks to help modernize and maximize your space so you feel comfortable, light, and content in your home.  

Mount Floating Shelves and Cabinetry

Wall shelving and cabinetry looks very chic and modern, and is a great way to free the rest of your space from clutter. This simple design tool offers many possibilities; you can drape greenery, display your photos and knick knacks, while saving precious floor and countertop space. This will also help you feel more organized, contributing to a greater sense of peace.

Use Mirrors

Mirrors serve many functional purposes, and can really assist in creating an illusion of space. Especially if you’re in a bachelor or one bedroom apartment, strategically placed mirrors will help the space feel larger. By reflecting light, they also make your home brighter. Try placing on walls, doors, and cabinets to expand your space.

Choose Light Colors

Dark paint colors, though they look nice, tend to make a space feel more claustrophobic and dim. Choosing lighter colors like beige, eggshell, cream, or light gray can make a big difference in how you perceive your space. These colors can create a sense of openness and serenity, while making your home appear brighter. You can also incorporate lighter tones in your furniture, decor, and curtains to fully exemplify an open and airy feel.

Utilize Vertical Space

While having to store some items in your space is unavoidable, you can use methods that will take up a minimal amount of space. Installing floor to ceiling shelving or cabinets can act as a makeshift pantry, closet, or just ample storage space so you can effectively minimize clutter, and organize everyday items you need in a controlled space that isn’t on display. Vertical space can also be used to create a sense of height and airiness in a small room, making it feel larger and more open. 

Choose Furniture with Legs

Furniture that’s slightly elevated creates the illusion of more floor space, along with serving an aesthetic purpose. Furnishing your home with pieces that have legs opens the room instead of suffocating it with items, and nicely blends vintage and modern styles. In addition to this, choosing furniture composed of natural materials such as wood, stone, and metal add warmth and texture to a space. 

Focus on Simplicity

When it comes to organizing and modernizing, one of the key elements is simplicity. Modern design is all about clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on functionality. To achieve this look, it’s important to choose furniture and accessories that are both stylish and practical. For example, a sleek and simple desk can be a great addition to a modern home office, while a minimalist dining table and chairs can create a chic and sophisticated eating area for you and your guests. 

Maximizing space is all about being creative, and utilizing the available space efficiently. By incorporating multipurpose furniture, wall-mounted shelves and cabinets, mirrors, light colors, and creative storage solutions, you can easily create a living space that is both stylish and practical, even if you have limited space to work with.

With climate change and environmental degradation becoming more and more severe, it’s essential we all take steps to reduce our carbon footprint, and adopt more sustainable practices. This blog will focus on the growing trend of sustainable living, and how homeowners can make their homes more eco-friendly to reduce their carbon footprint.

Reduce Energy Consumption

Reducing your personal energy consumption can be accomplished with a few simple changes. You can start small by replacing old light bulbs with LEDs, for example. LED lights use significantly less energy than traditional bulbs, and last longer. This will be energy efficient, cost-effective, and time-saving.

You can also install a programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature in your home based on the time of day, and your typical schedule. This prevents heating and cooling systems from running all day when they’re not necessary, and saves money on energy bills.

Reduce Water Consumption

We tend to use a lot more water than we actually need. In fact, the average Canadian consumes 6400 liters, or 1690 gallons, of water per day. A lot of this consumption is embedded in food, clothes, and products. Additionally, 10% of homes that have leaks waste 90 gallons of water or more per day from things such as dripping faucets. This is why it’s so important to perform regular maintenance on your home, and if you notice a leak, have it resolved immediately.

Even small changes in consumption make a big difference! Try reducing the amount of time you spend in the shower, and not running the tap while you’re brushing your teeth. You can also take more intentional steps by installing low-flow shower heads and faucets. 

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Many traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that are harmful for the environment, and bad for your health.

There are many great alternatives that clean well, disinfect, and aren’t unhealthy. Even combining simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda in a spray bottle makes for an excellent cleaner that leaves your home spotless. This is both an eco-friendly and cost-efficient solution to keeping your home clean!

Buy Decor Made of Sustainable Materials 

Furniture and accessories that are made from sustainable materials such as bamboo or reclaimed wood are a great way to not only be more environmentally conscious, but are often a subtle way to add more touches of character to the interior of your home. Try to avoid synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon, and go for natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool for your bedding and curtains. These materials are far more sustainable than the former.

Buy Second Hand

Thrifting secondhand items is a mutually cost-effective and environmentally friendly practice. Clothing is massively overproduced and recycling anything you can helps a ton! You can find high quality items at almost every thrift store, as well as decor, books, and a lot of other miscellaneous items. These can make for great decorations and accent pieces. Also, consider making donations to secondhand stores when you do your closet clean outs – many people will likely have a use for items you no longer like or need!

Reduce Your Waste Production

We tend to waste a lot without even realizing it. The number one best thing you can do is cut down on single use items, particularly plastics like water bottles, cutlery, straws, plastic produce and grocery bags, and coffee cups. Investing in a good water bottle, tote bags, and stainless steel straws can help reduce your impact.

Recycling plastics and containers and composting your food waste are also important components to a sustainable lifestyle. You can make this easy by setting up designated, color coded bins around your home so all waste ends up in the designated bin. 

In conclusion, there are many simple and effective ways to make your home more sustainable. By reducing your energy and water consumption, switching to eco-friendly products, acquiring decor with sustainable materials and picking up secondhand when you can, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and actively contribute to a more sustainable future. 

Are you interested in other effective ways to change your home environment for the better? Check out our blog ‘Creating a Home Environment that Promotes Well-Being” here.

Buying or selling a property is a complex, and often overwhelming process. This is why many people engage the services of real estate agents for guidance and expertise. While some may think paying the fees for an agent is an unnecessary expense, there are a multitude of benefits to working with a professional. In this blog, we’ll explore why working with an agent can provide you with more than just monetary success on the transaction side; agents have a fiduciary duty to you that comes with several benefits. Continue reading to learn the top 5 benefits of working with a real estate agent.

Home staging has become one of the most critical aspects of preparing a home for sale. The primary goals of staging any property are to depersonalize, aesthetically separate the space from the current owner, and make the home more attractive and appealing to the potential buyer pool. The idea is to create a space that people can see themselves living in, and getting as close to the ‘showroom’ look as possible.