Organic shapes are what biophilic design would call biomorphic forms – namely shapes that imitate natural ones.
Organic shapes are naturally inviting and they seem to wrap us in a warm hug.
And using them in interiors comes with interesting benefits…
The wellbeing benefits of organic shapes
Numerous studies have found that exposure to the variety of shapes, forms and sounds in nature is beneficial to our health – which is what initiated the development of biophilic design.
Speaking of shapes in particular, it has been proven that humans have a natural preference for organic shapes, which help to reduce stress and enhance concentration (Joye, Y. (2007)).
Organic shapes in interior design
Imitating natural forms, organic shapes are examples of natural analogues in biophilic design.
They can also be used to recreate nature's ordered complexity, introducing fractal patterns in the design of interiors.
So let’s now look at a selection of organic designs inspired by 3 natural shapes: rocks, branches and leaves.
Rocks
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Lamp - Pebble table lamp by Pacific Lifestyle (opened in a new window/tab)
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Coffee tables - Lily Legno by Casamania (opened in a new window/tab)
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Print - Pebble treasures by Society 6 (opened in a new window/tab)
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Rug - Felt stone rug by Feltnyarn (via Etsy) (opened in a new window/tab)
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Rocks photo - John Salzarulo via Unsplash
Branches
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Coat hanger - Memorabilia by Calligaris (opened in a new window/tab)
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Candle holder - Branch brass pillar candle holder by Crate&Barrel (opened in a new window/tab)
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Faucet - AXOR Starck Organic by AXOR (opened in a new window/tab)
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Branches photo - Zach Reiner via Unsplash
Leaves
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Hanging chair - Leaf by Studio Stirling (opened in a new window/tab)
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Tray - Kuvio leaf by Showroom Finland (via Archiproducts) (opened in a new window/tab)
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Lamp - Bamako by Maisons du Monde (opened in a new window/tab)
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Hooks - Leaf hooks by Ex.t
Unfortunately, this product is no longer available -
Leaves photo - Maria Carlos Cardeiro via Unsplash
Bringing nature indoors doesn’t stop at using plants in interiors.
Organic design is another way of recalling the natural world indoors, recreating the wellbeing benefits of natural environments and contributing to more engaging and healthier interior spaces!
