Designing your home with biophilic principles will not only make you happier but also likely increase it’s value. One of the principles is so straightforward, you can implement it in your home right now, but you need to take some considerations under advisement.

Use Natural daylight 

One of the most common approaches to increasing biophilic performance is utilizing the natural light available and adding more with skylights, windows and solar tubes. It’s so important that you do that while considering your home’s exposures, and your ability to control temperature after the changes.

Daylight releases the hormone serotonin, which boosts mood, and light helps promote relaxation, increases productivity and improves learning. Yet, extreme heat or cold can harm mental performance and exacerbate mental disease, so it’s critical that temperature impacts be considered. If you are making changes to the shell of a home, it’s time for an architect. In my region, Los Angeles, it cools off every night but those western windows need window treatments, so the details need to be carefully planned.

In the summer heat of places where views prevail, like Calabasas and Woodland Hills, 10% openness solar shades provide a good solution as they cut UV by 90% but the view is still visible through the closed shade. On the hottest days, more will likely be needed. So before you go nuts on those solar tubes, think about the impact on your ability to control temperature, and always consider contacting an architect!

Unnatural light! Consider Urban Light Leaks

Because we are creatures, too- it’s important that we follow the rules of nature to feel our best. Light leaks can disrupt sleep and the digestive process, with weight gain as a side effect. Look around at your device plugs, your outdoor lighting, and your clocks and make sure they are not seeping light into a space that needs to be dark for your best quality of sleep. Melatonin, a hormone that plays a role and sleep and how we adapt to seasonal changes, is negatively impacted by light leaks . 

Dark Skies Areas 

Here in the mountains of Malibu, in in other rural or wilderness urban interfaces (WUIs) we have an ordinance to protect the night skys. Urban lights do not allow for star gazing, and in these areas there are protections around keeping it dark. This has benefits to our wildlife and our own health, as well so when you go to put up those patio lights, consider shielding them, and putting them on a timer or switch and skip the uplights in your trees in Dark Sky areas.

For thousands of years, humans have understood the power of nature. Now science is backing up that belief with studies that show biophilic environments promote creativity and learning, reduce stress levels and improve mental health. Let in some natural light while controlling temperature and keep out the urban light leaks as steps toward a healthy home.

We’re here to help make any space indoors or outdoors more conducive to peace through our full-service interior design services. 

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