Self publishing is becoming more and more popular and it is now easier than ever to publish your own book without the backing of a mainstream publisher. So, I was excited to hear from Marianna Popejoy of The Wooden Hill recently, sharing the news that she has just self-published her first book, At Home with Nature. 
Published under her own independent publishing brand, Happy Press, Marianna has created a high quality coffee table book, with a tactile linen cover which immediately adds a touch of luxury, almost insisting that this is a book to be cherished and cared for.
Marianna wrote the book during the pandemic lockdown, when we were all spending an incredible amount of time in our homes, and finding ourselves craving nature and the outdoors. The book follows the six biophilic principles in 12 easily digestible chapters such as ‘Sunlight & our circadian rhythm’, ‘Shapes and forms’ and ‘Seasonal Changes’.
Marianna is keen to point out at the beginning of the book that biophilic design is not just a passing trend. I think she’s right, we all learnt during the pandemic that getting out in nature is so important to our physical and mental well-being, so it’s no surprise that bringing nature into the home has been scientifically proven to have many benefits too.
What’s interesting though is that it isn’t just about adding a few houseplants here and there, (let’s face it, keeping plants alive aren’t everyone’s strong suit) there are many other ways in which to invite the outdoors in, and mimic the natural world.
Patterns, shapes and colours are a few ways to incorporate nature into your interiors. Here at 91 we have interviewed hundreds of designers and makers over the years and I’ve always noticed just how many creatives find their inspiration in the natural world. Isn’t it funny then how society seems to have had such little respect for our environment in the past?! It clearly influences our lives so much more than perhaps we even realise.
Using natural materials both as part of the building or for your furniture and decoration is another wonderful way that we can become at one with nature when indoors. While the beautiful property pictured above – Settle in Norfolk – which you can read more about here – may seem like a pipe dream to many, even if you live in a small urban apartment, there are still elements you can take inspiration from and add to a small space, and while you might not have the real life view of nature outside your window, perhaps a large art print of a landscape could replicate this idea?
If this concept of living is something you are interested in, then this book is a must. Filled with beautiful imagery and so much information and inspiration, it’s guaranteed to be one you pick up and dive into on a regular basis.
At Home with Nature – £40, currently available from happypress.uk, waterstones.co.uk and a variety of other shops.
Follow Marianna on Instagram: @the_wooden_hill
