The wellness industry is booming, so it’s no surprise that biodynamic lighting is the concept everyone is talking about right now.
Designed to mimic the natural timing of sunlight to complement our circadian rhythms (more on what that means later), it’s said to increase productivity, promote restorative sleep, and improve mood.
If you like the sound of those benefits and fancy seeing them in your own home, we spoke to interior design experts to find out more – and how to replicate them. Lighting design.
What is a biodynamic lighting scheme?
Biodynamic lighting is artificial lighting that uses color, intensity and warmth to mimic the natural cycle of daylight, explains its founder Massimo Buster Minale. Buster + Punch.
You may also have heard this system referred to as ‘circadian lighting’, as it is designed to support our circadian rhythm (your body’s natural 24-hour clock that regulates things like the sleep-wake cycle).
“Light works with your body clock, rather than against it. We evolved under amber firelight at night, so throwing a bright blue light into the house at 10pm tells your brain it’s still afternoon and melatonin shuts down,” says Shreya Vahora, co-CEO. Interior with art.
“Biodynamic flips that: warm and dim in the evening, cool and bright in the morning. Customers tell me they’re sleeping better in weeks and you can track it if you wear any wearable.”
Shreya Vahora is the co-CEO of Interiors with Art and the founder of AI-powered platform WriteShop. Working with ultra-high-net-worth clients including founders, athletes and royal families, she is known for creating homes that integrate design excellence with health, wellness and sustainability.
Massimo Buster Minale is an architect, industrial designer and founder and creative director of Buster + Punch. Founded over a decade ago, his London-born label has become a leading global name in interior detailing, acclaimed for its use of solid metal to turn everyday fittings into bold design statements with an understated attitude.
How can I create a biodynamic lighting scheme at home?
Creating a biodynamic lighting scheme may seem complicated (and expensive!), but Massimo Buster Minale assures that it doesn’t need to be.
“This look and feel can only be created by having the right bulbs and Installing the dimmer. “Start by swapping in a tunable bulb that lets you change the color temperature throughout the day, then pair it with a quality dimmer switch so you can control the intensity room by room,” he says.
To find out what all the fuss was about, I decided to give my dining room-cum-home office the biodynamic treatment, installing one of these The best smart light bulbs So I can control the color temperature and brightness depending on the time.
In the mornings, I chose a bright white shade, while in the evenings to switch to my faded lows, with a warm amber hue to relax me. I’ve taken this scheme a step further with my phone screen, applying an orange color filter setting and lowering the brightness whenever I watch YouTube at night.
While I haven’t noticed a huge difference in the morning (maybe that will change this winter, when it’s not early light), I definitely do before bed, as I feel more relaxed and ready to hit the pillow earlier.
What will you need?
This app-controlled smart bulb lets you adjust lighting, temperature, and brightness without ever getting up.
This contemporary black nickel dimmer switch lets you adjust brightness according to your natural body clock.
Which rooms benefit the most from biodynamic lighting?
While biodynamic lighting can be used throughout your home, think about how you use each space.
Where do you spend your morning? Most of us start the day with breakfast in the kitchen and perhaps transitioning to the home office—making these key spaces where you want bright, cool-white light to promote focus and alertness. As the day progresses, you can adjust the temperature to a brighter, neutral-white light.
Now, think about your evening. If you enjoy relaxing in your living room, it’s worth switching your smart bulbs to warmer temperatures and reducing direct light through a layered approach (think floor lamps and wall sconces).
Finally, the bedroom is probably the most obvious place to install this Lighting trendsBecause that’s where you can feel the effects the most. In this space, choose dim amber or red lighting to relax your body, avoiding blue tones at all costs. Don’t forget about your bathroom and hallway either, as you’ll probably use them before bed.
Biodynamic lighting is certainly becoming more prominent in the interior space — and “faster” than Shreya Vahora expected. “I think social media has definitely made people more aware of the health benefits which has helped make it more popular. Price is less of a barrier now than it used to be,” she concludes.
Want to take your wellness to the next level? You can also read our how-to guide Create a healthy home And How to improve indoor air quality.
