Biophilic Christmas: Decorating With Nature

What is a biophilic Christmas? Certainly, it’s a Christmas that feels close to nature. Even better, it’s a Christmas that cherishes the surroundings, taking in what winter has to give locally.

Walking outdoors one can find branches, leaves, twigs, and berries that – with some creativity and a little time – will become honest and interesting decorations to infuse the holidays with a biophilic spirit.

Let’s get inspired!

Wreaths

Casually woven twigs give an authentic feel to wreaths. More refined or proudly imperfect, the result will celebrate the simple beauty of what’s found in nature.

Credit: Design*Sponge

Credit: Ria Fletcher

Credit: LapinBlu

Credit: Trendenser - Photo Frida Ramstedt

Credit: via From Britain with Love

Ornaments

Pieces of the great outdoors also lend themselves to becoming ornaments. It all starts with berries, pinecones, leaves, fruits, or whatever else your creativity suggests!

Credit: Vtwonen

Credit: Say Yes

Credit: Spoon Fork Bacon

Credit: Polka Dot Wedding

Branches

Raw empty branches are everywhere. Seemingly uninteresting, they have an elegant attitude that draws sculptural lines in the space. And sparse ornaments are all it takes to make them festive.

Credit: Solebich – Photo by Hexe

Table Decorations

Centerpieces and name tags bring Christmas onto the table. Natural elements will serve the purpose simply and honestly, without distracting too much from the food and the joy of a shared festive meal.

Credit: Maddie Bachelder

Credit: White Picket Farmhouse

Credit: Paces West

Credit: These Four Walls.

Credit: Burkatron

Christmas is a Feeling

Christmas is the season of gifts, celebrations, and decorations. But none of these things will bring Christmas into the heart.

Above everything else, Christmas is a feeling, and it takes a moment of consciousness to get into the mood. But then gifts become heartfelt attentions, celebrations become precious shared moments, and decorating for Christmas becomes the way to slow down, feel the magic of the holiday season, and visually bring it into the space.

In this mood, going for a walk outdoors is a pleasurable alternative to rushing through the aisles of a décor store. A creative exercise that can be enjoyed as a personal moment or shared with family and friends; an occasion to explore ones’ surroundings and observe familiar nature with renewed attention.

This article was written by Silvia from DforDesign.

Meet The Author

Silvia is an interior designer and content creator who resides in Switzerland. For her, interior design is way more than aesthetics. That's why she says that she's on a mission to make interior good for wellbeing and our planet.

Both on clients' projects and on the blog, her work focuses on:

Biophilic Design: wellbeing-centered interiors that take inspiration from nature.

Sustainable Design: products & materials that are mindful of the environment and support the development of a circular economy.

Check out her Blog, Instagram & Pinterest!