Designed Life Challenge, Day 2

Pattern Recognition

Writing prompts:

What is your favorite place in nature? If you designed a home inspired by this natural place, what would it look and feel like? Try to describe it in detail – wall, floor, windows, architecture, views, roofline, colors, textures, furnishings.

What are some examples of contrast in nature? Light/dark, smooth/rough, dense/sparse etc. How might these inform your next design choices?

Vault:

​The Golden Ratio

Inspired by Nature – Creating Spaces Rooted in Serenity

Nature serves as an eternal muse for design, offering serenity, inspiration, and lessons in balance. My connection to the natural world is steeped in observation. Watching the delicate play of a summer storm from a sheltered terrace. Maybe, hearing the calming gurgle of a creek flowing over smooth rocks. My favorite place in nature would be perched on a hill near a pine forest, with a view stretching to the plains, accompanied by the soothing sounds of water and the smell of the pine pitch.

If I were to design a home inspired by such a setting, it would merge seamlessly with its surroundings, much like a contemporary interpretation of Frodo’s hobbit hole. The structure would partially sit beneath the earth, benefiting from the natural insulation of the soil. It would feature round windows, wooden doors and an open layout. Inside, lime washed organic walls would flow with the landscape, warmed by a brick stove fueled by pinewood. Solid wood floors, wool rugs, sheep hides, and rustic furniture would exude warmth and simplicity. Large windows would frame the breathtaking views, letting in abundant natural light while connecting the indoors to the outdoors.

The Power of Contrasts in Nature and Design

Nature is filled with contrasts that provide inspiration. Light and shadow, smooth and rough textures, dense and sparse vegetation. One striking example is the area beneath a pine tree: always green above but sparse below, with a clear dry patch even during rain. Such contrasts can inform design by creating visually balanced spaces that evoke harmony and intrigue.

Smooth creek rocks, sanded by water over millennia, inspire textural surfaces like clay or lime wash that feel soft yet substantial. Light and shadow add depth to spaces, much like the golden ratio brings timeless balance to art and architecture. In upcoming projects, I plan to integrate these elements, incorporating clay finishes, natural patterns, and textures reminiscent of nature.

Reflections on Designing with Nature’s Soul

The essence of nature lies not only in its beauty but in the feelings it evokes. Calm, inspiration, and connection. Translating these elements into design means creating spaces that tell a story, where every detail reflects the organic harmony of the outdoors. Nature isn’t just something to admire; it’s a way of living and designing.

Curious about more design inspiration? Don’t miss Day 1 of my design challenge, where I dive into the fundamentals of creating spaces that truly reflect your personal style.