Two design trends have taken the centre stage in Sydney homes: the Australiana Aesthetic and Biophilic Design.
According to residential construction consultants, these two styles captured the hearts of many for they evoke our unique connection to Australia’s natural landscape and cultural heritage.
What exactly are the Australiana Aesthetic and Biophilic Design? Is your home ready for them? Let’s explore some of their key features!
Australiana Aesthetic
The Australiana Aesthetic is characterised by the use of earthy colour palettes that mirror our landscapes. Think orange ochre, eucalyptus green, and clay pinks, offset by deep blacks and vibrant reds. These colours create a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s quintessentially Australian.
Natural materials and textures also play a crucial role in this aesthetic. Rugged walls made of stone or raw timber, natural flooring of timber or stone in matte finishes, and solid stone benchtops are common features. When choosing furniture, homeowners often incorporate tactile materials, such as linen sofas or travertine coffee tables, adding contrasting textures to enhance your experience of the space.
Indigenous flora and fauna are often found in its decor. This doesn’t mean literal representations like cockatoo artwork, but rather subtle nods through organic forms and native plant motifs. Australian art, particularly pieces that reflect our landscape and culture, is often used to add a sense of place to the design.
Importantly, the Australiana Aesthetic isn’t about turning your home into a bush hut. It’s a contemporary style that balances our rugged natural beauty with sophisticated design principles, resulting in spaces that are both grounded in history and refined with technology.
The Biophilic Design
As the name speaks for itself, Biophilic Design takes Australian connection with nature a step further. It integrates natural elements directly into our living spaces, basing on the idea that humans have an innate need to connect with nature, and that this connection significantly improves our well-being.
At its core, Biophilic Design focuses on bringing the outdoors in. This can be achieved through the extensive use of indoor plants, creating living walls, or incorporating water features. Natural light is a key element. Large windows, skylights, even glass ceilings are often used to fill your indoor spaces with sunlight and provide open views to your surroundings.
Biophilic Design favours natural, sustainable materials like wood, stone, and bamboo. Their tactile qualities and connection to the earth are key to the lifestyle that this design promotes. Noteworthily, these materials are often left in their raw state or minimally processed to maintain natural characteristics, hence it is important to conduct regular checks to eliminate pest hazard.
Biophilic Design also emphasises natural ventilation, with spaces designed to allow for air flow and temperature regulation. This not only improves air quality but also creates a more dynamic, nature-like environment.
Since Biophilic style seeks to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, it often involves creating seamless transitions to outdoor areas, using large sliding doors or windows that can be fully opened, or designing indoor spaces that mimic outdoor environments.
How to Implement These Designs
Both Australiana Aesthetic and Biophilic Design are ideal for escaping the bustling city life and healing in the grandeur of our nature. Want to bring them to your home? Here are some key aspects to consider:
Firstly, if you would like elaborate elements such as living walls or water features, they require specialised expertise on liners, filter systems, and fountain pumps. You will also need to work with landscape technicians to perform routine inspections and cleaning of devices.
Ensuring energy efficiency is another key consideration. This might involve incorporating energy-efficient lighting and appliances, or designing for natural temperature regulation by opening up the space to allow airflows.
Compliance with building codes and regulations is also essential, particularly when making significant structural changes or integrating complex natural elements into your home. Professional guidance is often necessary to navigate these requirements successfully.
The Expert’s Pick
Residential construction consultants are increasingly recommending Biophilic Design to their clients. This preference stems from the design’s focus on sustainability, well-being, and connection to nature, which aligns with current trends in the construction industry.
Biophilic Design’s emphasis on natural light, ventilation, and energy efficiency also makes it a practical choice for modern homes, potentially reducing energy costs and improving indoor air quality for the years to come.
While consultants tend to choose Biophilic Design, Australiana Aesthetic offers its own unique advantages. It celebrates our local landscape and culture, creating a strong sense of place and identity in your homes.
The use of native materials and earthy colour palettes also contribute to improved thermal performance and durability. They also need less maintenance compared to the living plants in Biophilic Design.
Additionally, incorporating Australian art and decor means you have a chance to support local artisans and fosters a deeper appreciation for our cultural heritage.
Ready to Build? Get Professional Guidance!
Both Australiana Aesthetic and Biophilic Design create exciting possibilities to our living space, but they are also complex modern designs that require professional expertise.
If you are unsure where to start, working with residential construction consultants can help you nail down the blueprint. They can also assist in sourcing sustainable materials, navigating building regulations, and overseeing the construction process, ensuring your renovation journey is smooth and enjoyable.
Was our guide to nature-inspired interior design helpful? At Construction Concierge, we’re dedicated to simplifying your home transformation journey. We offer a free consultation service that connects you with Sydney’s top-tier building professionals, including residential construction consultants who are experts in implementing Australiana and Biophilic Design to common households.
Ready to enter a home that perfectly balances the rugged beauty of our landscapes with the serenity of living plants? Let us do your job!
Contact us today to get expert guidance at no extra charge, let’s bring your nature-inspired home to life together!
