Incorporating natural elements into patios and other living areas is a very common pursuit that can improve many aspects of our general health and wellbeing. There’s actually a scientific term for this phenomenon called Biophilia, which is defined as “a love of nature in constructed environments, shown via greenery and natural components.”
While having a patio and spending time outdoors is a good way to tap into these natural benefits, the team at Cairns Patio have put together five easy ideas for those looking to take biophilic design on their patios to the next level.
Mimic nature for a more natural patio
There are no real tricks or secrets when it comes to making patios look and feel more natural. Simply mimicking nature as much as possible is the name of the game, which can be done by:
- Using natural materials – It might not be so easy to change the materials used to construct your patio, but you can certainly control the materials you use to decorate it. In other words, use tables, chairs, benches, wall features and other furnishings that are made from natural materials like wood, bamboo, and stone rather than steel, plastic, and glass.
- Using natural textures – In nature, very few things are perfectly flat and almost everything you see has bumps, edges, patterns, and fibres. Displaying natural textiles and textural elements as much as possible through items like baskets, artworks, and even blankets can ratchet up those feelings of natural warmth and comfort.
- Using natural colors – Using natural colours is obvious, but what exactly are “natural” colours? Well, whatever occurs most abundantly in nature is one way of looking at it. Earthy colours like greens and browns can create a calming yet invigorating atmosphere (just like in a rainforest), while blues and greys help us reach a more peaceful, tranquil state (just like at the beach or lake).
Add natural elements for a more natural patio
In addition to natural colours and materials, the presence of living, breathing, or flowing elements is another effective way to make your patio feel less man-made. The two big ones in this regard are:
- Adding plants – Not only do plants provide natural beauty and aroma, they also tend to freshen a space and create a more vibrant living environment. Some recommendations for good patio plants in Australian conditions include golden cane palms, ferns, and bromeliads.
- Adding water – There’s nothing quite like the sound of running water to help you feel like you’re surrounded by nature. If you don’t have space on your patio for a fountain, consider adding a small tabletop or wall-mounted water feature. Besides water, natural elements could come in the form of ornamental pinecones or dried flower arrangements.
Cairns Pations – The Patio Experts
As you can see, there are plenty of quick and easy ways to bring a greater sense of nature to your home patio. All it takes is a bit of thought and you too can enjoy the relaxing, healthy atmosphere a more natural, biophilic patio can provide.
If you’re looking for more help with natural patio ideas in the Cairns area, please get in touch with the experienced and passionate team at Cairns Patios today. In addition to patio construction, we offer a range of award-winning custom carport solutions to keep your vehicles safe from the harsh Cairns climate. Plus, through our partnership with Mortgage Choice, we can also help you with fast and competitive patio finance options.
To learn more, reach out to us online or call us directly at 07 4249 3474.
