Kitchen & Bath Business September 2021 - 32

THE NKB A LIS T
4 Trends in
Biophilia
An expert reveals
what's blooming in
nature-centric design
DESIGNING FOR WELLNESS IS CLEARLY more
than a fl eeting trend - it's here to stay. And biophilia,
the art of celebrating nature in the home
with plants and other natural inspiration, is a big
part of it. Th e pandemic emphasized how important
a comfortable and healthy home environment
is, and design trends are shifting to meet these
needs. Jamie Gold, CMKBD, CAPS, MCCWC,
a wellness design consultant and author of " Wellness
by Design " (Tiller Press, 2020), discussed how
biophilia is being implemented in design and the
trends that are emerging.
1. NATURE-INSPIRED ELEMENTS
People are bringing the outside in and creating
outdoor spaces that help them connect with the
natural world. Low-moisture plants in decorative
planters are showing up in bathroom
designs, and countertop planters are in the
kitchen. Homeowners with a private outdoor
area are extending the primary bath's shower
into it to create a rainshower eff ect. No extendable
space? No problem. Large windows and
doors are also being used to accentuate gorgeous
nature views.
" Other biophilia trends for bathrooms include
representations of nature in tile, wallpaper, art,
faucet and lighting shapes, as well as choices of
cabinetry fi nishes - especially in warm wood veneers, "
said Gold, who has also been seeing water
features like large showers with one or two
rainheads and sometimes a handheld unit with
soft-water eff ects.
2. INCREASE IN OUTDOOR LIVING
More outdoor entertaining and relaxation will be a
permanent lifestyle change. Th e pandemic proved
the value of natural surroundings and private outdoor
areas, and Gold sees this trend continuing.
" Builders are looking for ways to incorporate
outdoor living areas in even the smallest lots,
and homeowners are seeking ways to maximize
whatever outdoor space they have for relaxation,
entertaining, hobbies and even fi tness, "
she said.
32
ABOVE This trough planter in
the kitchen keeps herbs handy
and infuses the space with
live plants. Photo Courtesy
of BLANCO / " Wellness by
Design, " (Tiller Press, J. Gold)
RIGHT A wall of windows
brings expansive views of nature
into this ensuite bathroom.
Photo Courtesy of Duravit
/ Product Designer: Sieger
Design / " Wellness by Design, "
(Tiller Press, J. Gold)
BIOPHILIA
AT A GLANCE
Nature is your go-to
inspiration.
More outdoor
entertaining and relaxation
will be a permanent
lifestyle change.
Cabinetry fi nishes
are moving away from
paint and toward warm
wood tones to further
incorporate a natural,
earthy appearance.
The lines between inside
and outside are blurring,
as homeowners enjoy
nature closer to their
kitchens and bathrooms.
No space goes untouched in this new design landscape, and homeowners
will work to utilize any areas they can - especially those outside.
3. DOWN TO EARTH
Cabinetry fi nishes are moving away from paint and toward warm wood
tones to further incorporate a natural, earthy appearance in kitchen and bath
designs. Some cabinetry producers are even building plant features into their
products to cater to those growing herbs and produce in the kitchen. Th is
style also has the potential to be less toxic, depending on how the cabinets
are produced.
Tile, faucets, lighting and fabric designs are also featuring nature-inspired
looks as consumers shift to connecting their home spaces with nature. Homeowners
are also incorporating large, moisture-friendly plants in beautiful pots
that evoke a spa-like, earthy feeling.
By LOREN KESSELL,
NKBA Social Media
& Creative Content
Associate
4. HYBRID LIVING IS HERE TO STAY
Homeowners are saying " so long " to clearly defi ned indoor and outdoor
spaces. Gold sees the lines between inside and outside blurring as a continuing
trend. People will enjoy nature closer to their kitchens and bathrooms.
Other emerging trends she said to look out for are " more plant-growing
systems and appliances at more price points. "
/ SEPTEMBER 2021 / KBBONLINE.COM / Th e offi cial publication of NKBA (NKBA.org) and KBIS (KBIS.com)
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Kitchen & Bath Business September 2021

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