Hosted by Paula Kennedy CMKBD, CLIPP, CACC
Inspirational Speaker. Writer. Designer. Creativity Guru. Educator. Serial Entrepreneur.

Beyond basic hygiene, the bathroom is an important space where we execute self-care, escape from the world and nurture ourselves. Within the category of wellness design, the concept of Biophilia takes us deeper into bringing the outdoors in and increasing our human connection with nature.
“Biophilic design is a concept used to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions.”
Biophilic design makes us happier and healthier by increasing our connection with the natural world, even indoors, whether we are at work or at home. It is said to promote productivity, too, which is why employers are sitting up and taking notice.
I have used Wellness and the Four Elements; earth, water, fire, air, (as well as wood and metal) to guide my discussion with clients as to how we can design bathroom spaces utilizing biophilia. These spaces nurture our souls and keep us connected to the earth which supports our mental and physical wellbeing.
- Biophilic design creates healthy, happy built environments.
- Decreased stress, enhanced creativity, and accelerated recovery from illness
- Biophilia is not just about plants.
- The use of patterns and fractals in design is commonly referred to as biomimicry.
- Light is a part of our rhythm.
- Lighting systems that either naturally or artificially changes throughout the day to mimic our circadian rhythm helps link people to the outdoor environment
- Our minds and bodies appreciate the presence of water.
- The presence of water in spaces lowered blood pressure, lowered heart rate, and memory restoration.
- We can feel nature in the air.
- Studies show that airflow stimulation has been found to keep people awake, also naturally improving focus and performance.
- Appealing to multiple senses makes more sense.
- In order to most effectively reach people with biophilic design, it’s best to aim for multi-sensory stimuli.
- Faking nature has some payback, too. “Biomimicry”
- Elements that mimic nature are not without some benefit, too.
“IT DOESN’T HAVE TO LOOK LIKE A JUNGLE!”
Please keep the conversation on the bathroom so we can remain on topic.
Question 1: What are the benefits of biophilic design?
Question 2: What surfaces support biophilic design?
Question 3: What plumbing fixtures support biophilic design?
Question 4: How do we use light in biophilic design?
Question 5: What other materials support biophilic design?
Question 6: What shapes and textures support biophilic design?
Question 7: How are plants used to support biophilic design?
Question 8: What elements of biomimicry can be utilized in the bathroom?
Join this Twitter conversation
at 2pm ET on Wednesday 1/18
by adding #KBtribechat to your tweets.
Other hashtags that apply to this conversation include #biophilia #bathroomdesign and #timelesskitchendesign.
Where you can find Paula online:
Paula Kennedy CMKBD, CLIPP, CACC
Timeless Kitchen Design
Twitter @TimelessKitchDz