Refined by nature

Nature's Embrace:

Crafting Adapted Homes for Modern Living

In the ever-evolving landscape of interior design, there exists a niche that demands both innovation and empathy - the world of adapted homes. These homes, carefully tailored to meet the unique needs of their occupants, represent the future of comfortable and inclusive living. In the context of adapted homes, where residents often spend the majority of their time indoors, the incorporation of biophilic principles takes on a profound significance. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about enhancing the quality of life.

At the heart of biophilic design is the idea that human beings have an innate connection to nature. We are wired to seek out natural elements, whether it's the feel of warm sunlight on our skin, the sight of lush greenery, or nature inspired colour scheme. These elements, when thoughtfully integrated into our living spaces, have the power to improve our well-being, boost our creativity, and reduce stress.

In adapted homes, this connection with nature takes on added significance. For individuals with varying needs and abilities, the home is not just a place to live; it's a sanctuary, a source of comfort and support. Biophilic design provides a means to foster this sense of comfort and support by bringing the healing touch of nature indoors. It's a delicate balancing act, blending form and function, aesthetics and accessibility, in order to create living environments that are not only highly functional but also deeply personal.

But why is this design niche so important, and why should we all pay attention? The answer lies in the profound impact a well-designed adapted home can have on the lives of its residents. These homes are more than just physical structures; they are sanctuaries of comfort, self-expression, and empowerment.

In this series of videos, join ***Jana, founder of The Emerald lounge* and Anava, founder of *Design for Independence*** on a journey into the world of adapted home design. A journey that is not about limitations but about endless possibilities. We will explore the principles, the processes and the passion that drive this specialized field.

So, join us as we venture into the realm of designing adapted homes with biophilic bliss. Together, we will discover the art of creating spaces that not only meet the diverse needs of their occupants but also celebrate the healing beauty of the natural world.

Welcome to the future of interior design, where accessibility meets aesthetics and nature meets nurture.

Biophilic design for people living in adapted homes - part 1

In Part 1., we delve into the concept of infusing homes with natural energy, while simultaneously capturing the distinct personalities of our clients. Biophilic design establishes a vital link between the outdoors and indoors offering particular advantages for those who spend a significant amount of time indoors. Our goal is to extend the uplifting outdoor experience and seamlessly integrate it within indoor spaces. The beauty of Biophilic design lies in its complete flexibility, enabling the expression of clients' personal styles, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind home.
A conversation with Anava from DESIGN FOR INDEPENDENCE on the transformative potential of biophilic-inspired interior design for her clients' adapted homes. Anava leads a private housing occupational therapy company designing and adapting homes for individuals with varying abilities. Her in-depth understanding of her client's challenges allows her to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions.

Biophilic design for people living in adapted homes - part 2 process

How do you transform a functional, adapted new build into a home that not only serves your practical needs but also aligns with your aesthetic preferences? Anava Baruch's team at Design For Independence excels in crafting functional spaces for their clients but with one additional step, we can ensure your highly functioning new build doesn't end up feeling like an uninspiring white box that leaves you uncertain about how to engage with it. This is where biophilic design truly shines. It not only fosters a sense of personal fulfillment within a space, reflecting your individual values but also acts as a guide for shaping the anticipated ambiance of each area. As an interior designer, my approach involves delving deep into your preferences and inclinations. One simple question often reveals much: "How do you enjoy entertaining?" This seemingly unrelated inquiry reveals a lot about a personality but our exploration doesn't stop there. We'll swiftly engage in creative dialog, navigate through your vision and make your newbuild home an environment to thrive in.

Biophilic design for people living in adapted homes - part 3 Colour

In part 3 of this mini-series with Anava from Design for Independence, we dive deeper into the significance of colour within our environment. Colour happens to be one of my favorite topics as it subconsciously evokes memories, influences our behaviour and above all can be harnessed to our advantage. Through my Seasonal Personality Profiling document, we uncover which colours naturally resonate with you more than others. Colour is an inherently personal facet of interior design, and discovering your affinity for certain hues is always an enjoyable journey. So whether you lean towards vibrant and bold shades or prefer the subtlety of pastels, there's a colour palette for everyone. No need for white/ grey or beige interiors any more. And what occurs when there are different personality traits in a household, each with varying colour preferences from yours? By offering a space for both parties to share their preferences, often unexpressed before, I blend their inputs to create a personalized colour scheme. Anava's team is dedicated to crafting adapted homes that seamlessly align with their clients' daily requirements, and colour further enhances the desired atmosphere within each space. By opting for the colours in your home that bring you joy and understanding their positive traits, you can begin integrating colours you have always loved but might have been uncertain about how to achieve a seamless balance.

Biophilic design for people living in adapted homes - part 4 - Bathroom, Cost & Outside_In

You need to design this right because you are designing my prison" - sobering words from one of Anava's clients, director of Design for Independence, a private housing occupational therapy company. Imagine spending up to three hours in a bathroom, a time when vulnerability is often heightened but what if you could have a bathroom that helps you escape? We frequently overlook our connection with the outdoors, yet we should strive to bring nature closer to those who spend the majority of their time indoors and bathrooms are no exception. Anava's wise words" If all the rooms are the same - white and full of equipment - and there is nothing reminding you of the outside world then we are not really changing the client's environment. We are only moving them from one room to another in our heads but they all look and feel the same." I am here to help create an environment that entices people to move from room to room, encouraging a variety of activities from socializing to creativity and this is done through selecting colours & materials that are not only familiar to us but also stimulating and evocative of nature. So far, this episode is my favorite, especially the ending 😉.