• HouseFresh

    HouseFresh

  • HouseFresh

    HouseFresh

  • HouseFresh

    HouseFresh

  • HouseFresh

    HouseFresh

  • HouseFresh

    HouseFresh

  • HouseFresh

    HouseFresh

  • HouseFresh

    HouseFresh

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Monica’s ‘Friends’ apartment is reimagined using biophilic design

HouseFresh create a green design that would resonate with the characters of the show

by Séan Thurgood 15 September 2022

Room by room, the apartment has been transformed into one that brings the innate love of nature indoors. Could this apartment be any more biophilic? A wise-cracking Chandler might have asked if the fresh design had appeared on the 90s sitcom. 

Starting with the kitchen, an apt choice for the chef of the group, new white marble countertops have been paired with dark wood-panelled cabinets to create a design of light and the shadow of nature. Above the sink is a herb garden which brings a fresh and earthy scent to the area.

Heading into the open plan living room, a water fountain sits adjacent to the sofa. Fountains have been shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure, heart rate and attention, all things that would comfort the often tense character of Monica. Comfort and refuge are key to relaxation, and the egg-shaped chair provides a grounding element in which the resident can be protected from all sides. 

The bathroom has undergone the most dramatic transformation with a new pebble-shaped tub and stone basin. The room features botanical and seashell motifs which rejects straight lines and right angles and embraces natural shapes and textures. In the absence of windows, the LED bar lights create a warm glow for the occupant. 

Rattan makes a comeback with the design of Monica’s bedroom. As an environmentally conscious audience, the material offers the comforts of the inside while connecting as closely as possible to the outside world. A tree stump night stand further enhances the connection to nature. 

In contrast, Rachel’s bedroom utilises circular marble side tables which are reminiscent of the countertops of the kitchen. The plant canopy hangs above the bed creating a refuge for the resident. A second bedroom in many homes can be the occupier’s only personal space, so it is important to encourage and support this refuge.

Finally, the iconic hallway features a plant wall that brings life to an otherwise quiet space. Accompanying the green doors, the otherwise quiet hallway space is brought to life with a natural palette and texture. 


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