Discover the eco-friendly luxury of One Hotel Nashville, where nature meets biophilia interior design.

Nashville, known as the Music City, is a vibrant metropolis that pulsates with energy and creativity. Amidst the bustling streets and towering buildings, there’s an urban oasis that seamlessly blends luxury with sustainability – One Hotel Nashville. This hotel hotspot has quickly become a must-see design destination for tourists and celebrities alike. With its commitment to biophilic design and eco-friendly practices, this hotel offers a unique experience that celebrates the beauty of nature in the heart of the city.

Trend Alert – Biophilia in Design

If you’re looking to escape Nashville’s concrete jungle, this is the place for you! Sure, city living can be a blast, but sometimes you just need your nature fix. Enter biophilia, the cool new term you need to know.

Biophilia, comes from the Greek words “bios” (life) and “philia” (love), essentially meaning “love of nature”. In the world of interior design, biophilia embraces the idea that humans have an innate connection to the natural world, and incorporating elements of nature into our hotels and homes can boost our mental health (always a plus!).

Biophilia interior design has become a hot trend, with architects and designers recognizing its power to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but are also rejuvenating. Let’s take a tour through the One Hotel to check out its vibe and hopefully provide some inspo you can bring back into your home.

Embracing Nature

As soon as you step into One Hotel Nashville, you’ll feel like you just got a warm hug from your bestie. It’s hip and cozy, and you instantly feel cooler just because you’re in such a chic space.

The design takes inspiration from the natural wonders that surround the city, incorporating elements like reclaimed wood, native greenery, and textures tied back to the Cumberland River Valley. The reception desk, crafted from water-worn boulders, reflects the hotel’s commitment to celebrating the beauty of the local landscape. Beautiful rope-woven screens line the lobby and are inspired by the flood lines and tidal marks of the Cumberland River.

The reception desk is a work of art, made from huge, carved boulders (another nod to the mighty Cumberland River). The background features textured screens that mimic flood lines, a subtle reminder of the river’s power.

But it’s not just about the river. The entire lobby pays homage to Tennessee’s rich history and natural beauty. Leather and black metal accents echo the tradition of local blacksmithing, while woven rope and reclaimed wooden rafters showcase the state’s agrarian roots. It’s almost like stepping into a luxe barn, a mash-up of modern comfort and timeless Tennessee charm.

1 Kitchen: Where Farm-Fresh Meets City Chic

1 Kitchen, the signature restaurant at 1 Hotel Nashville, seamlessly blends the hotel’s connection to biophilia and nature with a vibrant, urban energy. Imagine a space bathed in natural light, thanks to expansive windows that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. Rustic wooden tables are mixed with modern, sleek chairs, creating a space you’ll never want to leave.

But the real star of the show here is the food. 1 Kitchen champions farm-to-table cuisine, sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients from local purveyors. The menu is a celebration of Tennessee’s bounty, with dishes that are both delicious and sustainable. Think locally-raised meats, seasonal vegetables bursting with flavor, and creative vegetarian options that are a treat for your tastebuds.

Sustainable Sips

Step into the hotel’s bar, and raise a glass for some serious mixology and eco-cocktails that take your tastebuds on a journey you don’t want to miss.

True story – my flight was delayed, so I extended my stay at the bar, and the bartender made me and my friend a mini-flight of his top 5 favorite cocktails. And they were some of the best I’ve ever had. Seriously, this bar is a can’t-miss-stop on your next Nashville trip!

Sustainable Sips: Here, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a core principle guiding their inventive cocktail creations. Expect to find drinks crafted with house-made syrups from locally foraged ingredients and gently dried fruits and herbs.

Waste not, want not? Sure, they’ve got that covered too, using leftover ingredients from the kitchen to create unique shrubs and infusions. The result? Cocktails that are not only delicious but also minimize environmental impact.

Check out those long tubes behind the seating – that’s where they’re showcasing some of their local herbs used in their cocktails.

Blooming Beauty: But the eco-friendliness doesn’t stop at the ingredients. Check out the bar’s one-of-a-kind bud display. Rather than the typical liquor display, they’ve opted for a total biophilia win – check out their back bar vertical garden bursting with fresh, locally sourced botanicals. Think fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme, next to edible flowers and seasonal citrus peels. These aren’t just pretty decorations – they’re integral ingredients, allowing bartenders to garnish drinks with the freshest, most flavorful elements right in front of your eyes.

This is edible biophilia at its best, offering an experience that’s as good for the planet as it is for your taste buds. Think of it this way – you’re practically saving the world by ordering another round. #Cheers!

Refined Rusticity – The Luxe Guest Rooms

The guest rooms at One Hotel Nashville are hands-down in my top 5 favorite designs of all the hotels I’ve seen around the world. They are perfection, and if you want to bring in a biophilia vibe into your home – this is your inspo sweet spot. Check out all the details in the beautiful photos, below.

Stepping into the guestroom feels like you’ve walked into a modern ranch dream – refined rusticity in the best way.

Designed by Workshop/APD, each room features wire-brushed oak floors and walls, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Check out the custom headboards – inspired by local fences and saddle blankets. Still too chic for a full yee-haw, but just the right splash of rustic flair.

Can you spot a few more design nods to local lore? Blackened steel and glass sconces add a modern twist on classic lanterns. Powder-coated pendant lamps overhead mimic barn lights. Even the double-sided workbenches/vanities channel the spirit of sturdy farm tables, offering a modern take on a timeless design element.

As you relax on the plush bedding, you can enjoy views of the city skyline or the iconic Ryman Auditorium.

There are so many beautiful design details in the guestrooms, especially with the glass showers and peek-a-boo bathroom vanity mirrors. The ability of daylight to filter from the bedroom to the bathroom is another biophilia touch, enhancing that connection between indoors and outdoors.

Local Artwork

One Hotel Nashville celebrates the vibrant art scene of the city by featuring works of local artists throughout the hotel. Artists like Andrea Bonfils, Aquarela Sabol, and Richard Lou have contributed to the hotel’s art installations, adding to the guest experience.

Local bees even contributed to the art program – as you can see beeswax artully applied to slabs of wood, creating a beautiful moment in the corridors (image at far right, below).

Sustainable Luxury: A Commitment to the Environment

At One Hotel Nashville, luxury and sustainability go hand in hand. The hotel’s dedication to eco-friendly practices is evident in every aspect of its operations. From the use of wooden room keys instead of plastic to the incorporation of chalkboards in rooms to reduce paper waste, every detail is thoughtfully curated to minimize the hotel’s environmental impact. Linens and terry products are sustainably sourced, and clothes hangers are made from 100% recycled paper. In-room carafes are crafted from recycled wine bottles, and tap water is pre-filtered to discourage the use of plastic bottles. The hotel also encourages guests to participate in the “1 Less Thing” program, where they can donate gently used clothing to local charities.

Biophilia Design Takeaways

Sure, the living walls and cascading greenery at 1 Hotel Nashville are undeniably gorgeous, but biophilic design goes way deeper than just aesthetics. Think of it as a science-backed design boost that can actually increase your mental health. Studies have shown that incorporating elements of nature into our environments can:

• Reduce stress levels: Ever feel like city life has you constantly on edge? Surrounding yourself with greenery can actually help lower your cortisol (stress hormone) levels, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
• Boost your mood: Feeling a little down? Nature has a way of lifting our spirits. Being around plants and natural light can increase feelings of happiness and positivity.
• Sharpen your focus: Need a mental boost? Studies suggest that biophilic design can enhance cognitive function and improve concentration – perfect for those post-vacation workdays.
• Improve air quality: Those indoor plants aren’t just pretty decorations – they act as natural air purifiers, filtering out toxins and promoting cleaner breathing.

On top of these individual benefits, biophilic design also contributes to a more sustainable environment. By incorporating natural materials and encouraging a connection with the outdoors, we can foster a greater appreciation for the world around us.

So, the next time you’re feeling the city blues, remember the power of biophilia. Whether it’s adding a few houseplants to your apartment or seeking out a nature-inspired workspace, even small steps can make a big difference in your physical and mental well-being. And who knows, maybe you’ll find yourself dreaming of a luxurious escape to the 1 Hotel Nashville, where biophilic design is more than just a trend – it’s a way of life.

A Final Note: Nature’s Invitation Awaits

The 1 Hotel Nashville stands as a testament to the transformative power of biophilic design. It’s a place where luxury and nature collide, offering guests a restorative haven in the heart of the city. But the lessons learned here extend far beyond the hotel walls.

Biophilia isn’t just about creating Instagram-worthy hotel lobbies (although, those are pretty awesome too). It’s a universal concept that reminds us of our inherent connection to the natural world. By bring moments of biophilia into our own homes and workplaces, we can create spaces that are not only beautiful but also nourish our souls.

So, take a cue from the 1 Hotel Nashville. Celebrate the outdoors, even if it’s just a tiny fern on your windowsill. Embrace nature’s calming presence, and rediscover the simple joy of connecting with the world around us. Your mind, body, and maybe even your next vacation, will thank you for it!

If you’re looking for more hotel rec’s, be sure to check out my blog on the Proper Hotel in Los Angeles as another must-see interior design destination.