Research has suggested that including biophilic design features within care home settings substantially improves residents’ well-being. A study from the National Institutes of Health highlights that biophilic interventions can improve relaxation, reduce stress and depressive symptoms, and provide pain relief. The research emphasises the importance of incorporating nature into residential environments to enhance therapeutic outcomes and overall well-being
In short, implementing nature-inspired decor and natural materials throughout care homes helps promote health, comfort, and connection to the outdoors. Combining biophilic principles and functionality, Acticare’s MODEN inspiration schemes are a range of design solutions that meet the space requirements of care homes, whilst addressing the challenges of modern-day residential care.
Biophilic Design in Care Homes
Biophilic design is an architectural and interior design premise that aims to connect building occupants more closely to nature. This is especially useful in care home environments where individuals may not always have the opportunity to access the outside world. Biophilic design creates a soothing and restorative atmosphere when adding windows for natural light, indoor plants, water features, and other natural, rustic materials such as stone and wood. Research indicates that these environments lower stress levels, boost mood, and improve overall health outcomes among residents.
Harnessing the Healing Power of Nature to Improve Well-being
Having plants is only one aspect of nature-inspired decor in care homes, it’s about creating holistic feelings that relate to nature in a relaxing and rejuvenating way. This can be achieved through:
- Natural Materials: Using furniture and fixtures made from wood, stone, or bamboo can bring warmth and texture to spaces, making them feel more inviting and homely.
- Colour Schemes: Incorporating colours found in nature, such as greens, blues, and earth tones, can have a calming effect and promote relaxation.
- Natural Light: Maximising exposure to natural light through large windows or skylights helps regulate daily rhythms, improving sleep patterns and overall well-being.
- Indoor Plants: Adding indoor plants not only enhances aesthetics but also improves air quality and provides sensory stimulation.
Acticare’s MODEN Inspiration Schemes
Acticare’s MODEN collection includes six design schemes based on biophilic principles, providing care homes with practical and stylish solutions that are easy to adopt.
- Emeraldo: This scheme features a harmonious blend of emerald green and blush tones, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. The use of rich green hues connects residents to nature, while blush accents add warmth and comfort.
- Dorado: Inspired by watercolour paintings, Dorado combines jade and citrus shades. The teal floral patterns mixed with vibrant citrus tones evoke a fresh and invigorating environment, stimulating the senses and uplifting moods.
- Saluto: Featuring indigo and willow hues, Saluto offers a calming palette reminiscent of twilight skies and natural landscapes. This scheme promotes relaxation and tranquility, essential for restful communal and private spaces.
- Silvano: With a combination of pewter and mustard, Silvano brings a contemporary yet earthy feel to interiors. The neutral pewter provides a grounding effect, while mustard adds a touch of brightness, fostering a cosy and inviting ambiance.
- Tangino: Drawing inspiration from warm Moroccan shades, Tangino incorporates copper and topaz tones. This scheme creates a vibrant yet comforting atmosphere, with fiery colours that stimulate energy and social interaction.
- Azulo: Azulo presents a mix of duck egg and mint shades, fusing floral and geometric designs with fresh pastel blues and greens. This scheme offers a light and refreshing environment, enhancing clarity and calmness.
All of the MODEN schemes embrace natural materials, textures, and colours that reflect biophilic design principles. By selecting furniture and decor from the MODEN range, care homes can effortlessly integrate these elements, enhancing the living experience for residents. View the full MODEN range here.
Addressing Care Home Challenges with Biophilic Design
Biophilic design can help overcome some of the care home challenges through:
- Cost Management: High-quality furniture and decor reduce the need for replacements. Moreover, biophilic settings have been associated with better health outcomes, which may reduce healthcare costs.
- Developing Quality Standards and Occupancy Levels: Having spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and promote health can create higher resident satisfaction and attract additional occupants. It also helps provide a good impression during CQC audits. Well-designed environments demonstrate the commitment to the mental, emotional and physical well-being of residents.
- Environmental Impact: Many products in the MODEN range highlight sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs that reduce their environmental footprint. With CQC expectations in mind, integrating these elements helps care homes achieve sustainability goals.
Implementing Biophilic Design in Your Care Home
To successfully integrate biophilic design using Acticare’s MODEN schemes, follow these steps:
- Assess existing spaces for opportunities to incorporate or improve natural features.
- Select MODEN schemes that match the intended atmosphere and functional needs for each location.
- Integrate selected furniture and decor to match existing features and meet accessibility regulations. Consider furniture placement to maximise natural light exposure and allow residents to move around easily.
Acticare’s MODEN inspiration schemes allow care homes to embrace biophilic design in a way that fosters growth and helps care staff overcome ongoing operational challenges. Not only does this benefit residents’ quality of life but this in turn helps the care home operate more sustainably and effectively.
For further information on the latest trends and design solutions for care homes, you may like our previous article about care home furniture and interior design trends.