There are plenty of ways to welcome nature into your home. Jeid Studio’s showroom is a perfect example, using windows and natural light, artwork depicting nature, real and faux plants, and natural textures like wood or marble. Photo: Austin Day
Writer: Bryce Jones
In college, Jessi Economos learned about a study that compared hospital patients. Some could look out the window in their rooms for a glimpse of trees and greenery, while others faced a brick wall. The patients with the better views had shorter stays.
That’s stuck with her since, especially now that she is an interior designer. She founded Jeid Studio on the philosophy of “using every opportunity inside of your home or your building to try to connect with nature.”
“We weren’t made to look at concrete,” Economos said. “So with our designs, we try to use expansive glass all the time. We’re constantly pitching live or sometimes faux plants in the interior to bring that nature in.”
The notion of “biophilic” design — from “bio” meaning “life,” and “philic” meaning “love” — has gained popularity over the past few years and really caught on when the pandemic inspired people to give their spaces new life. People now see their homes as their sanctuary rather than simply a place to eat and sleep.
Even without adding a lot of plants, which can be finicky or even toxic to pets, there are lots of ways to introduce a bit of biophilic style into everyday living spaces to make them feel more tranquil.
LIGHT IT UP
Natural lighting makes any space feel more open and airy; it’s the closest thing to being outdoors when you’re not. Economos recommends adding window treatments and coverings that let in as much light in as possible, and avoiding shutters. In her own home, she places mirrors in spots that reflect natural light to optimize brightness. If possible, adding a skylight or two can make a big difference, too.
“We just finished [designing] a home with a kitchen where they have a large double-island setting, and then above that they have this 10-by-20-foot skylight, so daylight absolutely floods the entire space,” Economos said.
If live plants aren’t your thing, try adding photos or artwork of natural scenery instead. In the Jeid Studio showroom, a large landscape diptych acts as a window to the outdoors. Photo: Austin Day
BRING THE OUTSIDE IN
She also emphasizes choosing countertops made with natural materials, like quartz or marble. Not only does this give you a sense of nature, it also looks luxurious.
“The more natural materials you incorporate, the higher-end it feels,” Economos said. “I’m always saying, spend your money on your sectional or your sofa, so you get that really nice upholstery, but then throw in a couple of marble side tables that you find on Facebook Marketplace or HomeGoods. If you’re incorporating those less expensive items that have travertine or marble or even glass and raw nickel, that really elevates the space.”
If you’re not in the market for new furniture, you can bring in biophilia with your decor. Swap it out seasonally so your interior matches what’s going on outside. During the winter, for example, Economos likes to add fresh or faux garlands of pine and cedar, cranberries or dried oranges to give a home “an extra holiday punch.” You can also activate your senses by burning candles or incense with nature-inspired fragrances.
No matter your personal style or design aesthetic, everyone craves a connection with the natural world. It’s literally healing, as the study Economos discovered in college suggests, so embrace it however you can.
“At our studio, I think we had five trees delivered and probably 20 plants,” she said. “I have a hanging wall of cascading vines over our desks. All the top ones are fake, but most of them are living, and it really brings life into the space. I can’t ever have enough sunlight and access to green.”
