As the New Year begins many of us find ourselves making resolutions for a healthier lifestyle. Health can be affected by our eating habits, exercise, and good lifestyle habits such as getting plenty of sleep, no smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, etc. We are surrounded by marketing through media sources promoting diet programs, Yoga plans, lean recipes, and numerous other offerings to help get us back on track. One of the things that often gets overlooked, though, is the impact that our designed environment has upon our health and mental well being. As a surface pattern designer my work is focused upon Biophilic Design Principles. This concept shows us how infusing elements of design with a connection to nature not only adds beauty to our homes and work spaces but promotes health and well being. I would go even further by saying that I think it all starts here. I have always believed that a well cared for home affects our mindset. Adding archetypes of nature into our homes can give us a healthier mindset acting as a catalyst that spills into the other areas of our lives. Jung is quoted in an article on the subject of Nature Archetypes expressing his belief that there were certain archetypes of nature that can induce feelings of happiness (and also fear) but if chosen wisely can be beneficial. Each of us can choose those that speak to us and satisfy our own unique recollections to create peaceful and happy environments.
He also claimed that human beings have a need to be in natural environments in order to stay whole and healthy. Especially for our mental health, he argued, it is important to have contact with nature: “Natural life is the nourishing soil of the soul” he said, and: “Human existence should be rooted in the earth” and: “Nature is an incomparable guide if you know how to follow her” (Sabini, 2008).
AUTHOR=Ottosson Johan, Grahn Patrik
TITLE=Nature Archetypes – Concepts Related to Objects and Phenomena in Natural Environments. A Swedish Case
JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology
Having a healthier mindset can lead to better eating habits, regular exercise, and a healthier lifestyle. So, here are some helpful ways you can begin to design your surroundings for a healthier 2023.
There are many ways to use the principles of Biophilic Design to infuse nature into our homes and I have written an overview of how you can incorporate them here. This article will focus upon motifs in textile design and the many ways that we can effectively use them to improve our connection to nature with reduced stress and well being as the byproduct of adding beautiful home decor!
Botanical Motifs
This is perhaps the category with the most to offer. Flowers, leaves, plants of all kinds, trees, stems, insects, and animals are all motifs that can be made into patterns that can evoke a connection to nature. Pillows, rugs, wallpaper, bedding, curtains, and any other textile home decor product can help you bring more botanical motifs into your space. The possibilities are endless and here are a few examples from my own work and that of other artists to show the wide variety of styles that can be used to get there. This first design is one of my own and was inspired by the paintings of Vincent van Gogh. The Starry Night, The Cafe Terrace at Night, and Sunflowers inspired the color palette of beautiful blues and yellow tones.
This next example by artist Fern Leslie shows a mix of the bees and plants mingling together in a beautifully designed pattern on a dramatic black background.
This is a simple modern vine I designed to work with a variety of design styles.
Insects can be beautiful too! Here is one from Spoonflower by Misentangledvision
Landscape
Mountains, trees, and sea waves are obvious examples that can be displayed in a literal way. This folk design is a great example that incorporates all 3 in one beautiful pattern design from Merritt Baynes Scarlette Soleil
… and in a more abstract way in this design entitled Fingerprint of the Land by Autumn Musick resembling a topography map, a wood growth cross section, or maybe a human fingerprint. There is something I find very satisfying and universal about this pattern. Don’t you?
Motifs of rain, sun, snow, pebbles or stones are all examples too. Motifs that mimic the flow of water can also be effective such as this abstract design of waves in watercolor.
Abstract art that evokes the same feeling as a horizon or lines that are organic in form is another way.
Beige and black Wave Motif rug by Bychkova Evgeniia Society 6
Texture
Texture is another important way that we can bring those things that remind us of nature into our home. Some fabrics have a texture that is apparent in the feel or the “hand” of the fabric. Others may just be the illusion of texture such as a skillfully applied digital pattern. Both are beneficial.
Although this is polyester twill it looks like a time worn vintage antique natural wool in the skillful design of this artist.
Here is another design for a rug that is printed with a photo realistic design of rocks and pebbles.
Color
Color can be an important element in many of the Biophilic Design principles but for textiles I find it most effective for it’s ability to mimic nature’s own palette. I usually start my designs with a photo from something I have seen and thought beautiful and photo worthy. This is a good example of how design can capture the feel of the landscape. I took this photo while on vacation in upper Michigan.
…and here is the design it inspired using the colors made from the photo color palette.
Composition
Composition plays a role in Biophilic Design in two ways. The artist uses nature many times to create pleasing placement in their work but the subject matter itself (nature) is also a masterpiece in composition. Let me explain.
The Fibonacci Sequence is the fascinating mathematical formula that you may be familiar with. If not, here is a link to a TED talk featuring mathematician Arthur Benjamin that does a great job of explaining what it is but here is a really basic overview. It is the sequence of numbers that seems to have originated in ancient India but was introduced to the western world by Italian mathematician Leonardo Pisano. The series has applications in art and science. Nature is abundant with examples of the Fibonacci series. The plant structure of of leaves and petals in flowers formed in the Fibonacci sequence turn in such a way that each leaf or petal gets maximum sunlight and rain making it a most efficient design in the universe. There are studies showing the use of this principle to improve solar technology, mathematical algorithms in computer science, and even the financial markets to try to predict outcomes. Once drawn out in form the Fibonacci Sequence forms the Golden Ratio thought to be the key to beauty, harmony, and balance. Artists such as Leonardo Di Vinci, Michelangelo, Salvador Dali, and many more used the Golden Ratio in their work. The human face is an example of the Golden Ratio as is the spiral of the nautilus shell and the seemingly simple sunflower. Some believe it is the key to unlocking all of the secrets of the universe.
That may or may not be true but there can be no denying that it is a mystery that we are just beginning to unravel. Being mindful of how Biophilic Design can plan a role in all aspects of our lives is a good start. Infusing your home with motifs conveying natural flora and fauna provided by Mother Nature can bring you calm, beauty, and delight -all good for a mindset to put you on a path toward greater health and wellness for 2023 and beyond.