There is a growing recognition among interior designers of the powerful impact the environment has on our health and wellbeing, and they are now designing homes with a focus on nature. Here are four trends that are a must for this year...

BRINGING NATURE INDOORS

The benefits of incorporating natural elements into the built environment is becoming increasingly popular. Research shows that being in a space that evokes nature can help reduce stress, blood pressure and heart rate, while increasing productivity, creativity and wellbeing.

A FOCUS ON LIGHT

The colour and light levels in a space can have a significant impact on the way we feel, from boosting our mood to disrupting our sleep. Companies such as Coelux, are now offering artificial skylights that mimic natural light, and are creating products for spaces with limited access to windows and daylight.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PEACE

A noisy environment can be stressful and distracting, so the acoustics of a space play an important role in our general wellbeing. In an ideal world, our homes should be free of unwanted noise from outside. Double-glazing is one solution, but it's not always suitable. When it comes to sound-masking, curtains and soft furnishings are a good way to plant partitions between spaces. Also think about avoiding hard materials and surfaces that bounce noise around. 

BE GREEN AND TIDY

From helping the environment to improving our health and reducing costs by recycling and conserving energy, 'going green' is becoming even more important – and cutting the clutter can really help.  A potentially overlooked aspect of living a more sustainable life is the importance of being mindful about our possessions – where they come from and how we store them. In turn, keeping clutter to a minimum benefits our psychological wellbeing. 

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