Improve your lifestyle and well-being with Biophilic Design
- May 18
- 4 min read
At the core of biophilic design is the human experience and tactility of the material world that surrounds us. It intentionally integrates natural elements, patterns, and processes into our living environments to create harmony and improve our well-being. Its idea is simple: humans have an innate tendency to respond positively to nature, and design can leverage that relationship to improve how people feel and function indoors.
Why is biophilic design important, and why has it become popular?
Modern life is increasingly characterised by long hours spent indoors, heightened stress levels, and the constant demand to use technology. Studies within the field of Environmental Psychology have shown that built environments can significantly influence:
cognitive performance - better focus, attention restoration, improved productivity, reduced mental fatigue over long periods of work
mood - reduced stress and anxiety, positivism, emotional regulation, increased sense of comfort and relaxation
physical health - better air quality, improved circadian rhythm through natural light exposure, potential reduction in blood pressure
behaviour - people tend to stay longer at spaces they find biophilic; increased satisfaction; spaces that feel more refined and valuable without requiring costly investments
What does it involve?
Direct nature: actual natural elements like indoor plants, living walls, water features, natural light, fresh air, and views of greenery.
Indirect nature: materials and cues that evoke nature, such as wood, stone, natural fibres, earthy colour palettes, botanical patterns, or natural textures.
Spatial experience: how a space is shaped—things like prospect and refuge (open views paired with sheltered areas), variety of movement, ceiling height changes, and layered depth that mimics natural environments.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN & INTERIOR DESIGN
Stay connected to the natural world by incorporating organic elements into your space, creating a sense of calm and grounding you in the present moment.
Careful planning is essential before beginning any project, and there are several key factors to consider along the way. Here is a brief guide outlining key considerations in a simple “Do and Don’t” format to help you plan your project with confidence:
DO
Mimic the organised complexity found in nature.
Incorporate fractal patterns - infinitely complex, self-similar geometric forms that repeat across different scales.
Use curves and organic shapes in furniture, décor, and artwork.
Maximise natural light with large windows and skylights.
Choose indoor plants that are both low-maintenance and well-suited to interior environments.
Orient seating areas and workspaces towards greenery or natural views whenever possible.
Introduce natural water features such as aquariums, fountains, or ponds.
Support natural ventilation and airflow throughout the space.
Create sensory variation through subtle aromas, natural soundscapes such as birdsong, wind, or rain, and gentle breeze from ceiling fans.
Maintain a sense of balance - harmony and restraint are essential for creating calm.
Use low-profile furniture with a grounded presence, evoking the feel of large stone or pebble formations seamlessly integrated into the home.
DON'T
Avoid harsh or overly artificial lighting.
Do not rely on poorly simulated natural elements; fake plants, synthetic fabrics, and imitation materials are often easily perceived as inauthentic.
Ensure nature-inspired elements remain proportionate to the size and function of the space.
Avoid poor spatial orientation -furniture placement and partition walls should never obstruct views or disrupt the natural flow of the environment.
Do not overcrowd the space or introduce unnecessary clutter.
Remove dead or decaying natural elements promptly, as they can create stress rather than relaxation.
Avoid using exotic or irrelevant natural motifs that feel disconnected from the local context; materials, plants, and references should reflect the surrounding climate and environment.
If you would like expert advice or support at any stage of your project, feel free to get in touch — we are always happy to help!
At its best, biophilic design is not simply about decorating with nature — it is about creating environments that function more like nature itself: spaces that feel restorative, evolve over time, and support natural human rhythms and wellbeing.
What materials to use?
Wood & Plant-Based Materials
Bamboo — flooring, wall panels, furniture, ceiling slats; highly renewable and lightweight.
Cork — acoustic panels, flooring, wall coverings; soft underfoot and naturally insulating.
Reclaimed Wood — beams, furniture, cladding; reduces deforestation and adds texture/history.
Rattan — chairs, lighting, woven partitions; creates organic visual warmth.
Cane — cabinet inserts, seating, screens; breathable and lightweight.
Hemp — fabrics, insulation, wall finishes.
Jute — rugs, baskets, upholstery accents.
Seagrass — rugs, wallpaper, baskets.
Stone & Earth Materials
Clay — plaster, tiles, wall finishes; regulates humidity naturally.
Terracotta — tiles, pots, feature walls; warm biophilic aesthetic.
Adobe — walls and architectural finishes in sustainable buildings.
Lime Plaster — textured walls with low VOC characteristics.
Stone — countertops, accent walls, flooring; durable and timeless.
Slate — textured surfaces with natural variation.
Marble — feature surfaces and bathrooms.
Rammed Earth — architectural walls with thermal mass and organic texture.
Extra Tip: Limewash walls introduce an organic, raw texture to the space, creating a rich and tactile atmosphere.
Textiles
Linen — curtains, upholstery, bedding; breathable and biodegradable.
Organic Cotton — upholstery, curtains, bedding.
Wool — carpets, acoustic panels, throws.
Felt — acoustic wall panels and partitions.
Leather — furniture and detailing; vegetable-tanned options are more sustainable.
Natural Latex — mattresses and upholstered furniture.
Most popular interior design material combinations in Biophilic Design
Bamboo + lime plaster + linen
Reclaimed wood + stone + indoor plants
Cork flooring + wool textiles
Terracotta + rattan + organic cotton
Clay walls + oak timber + moss installations
Innovative Sustainable Materials
Mycelium (network of fungal threads (hyphae) that can be cultivated and processed into biodegradable materials) — acoustic panels, lighting, furniture prototypes.
Bioplastic (class of materials derived partly or wholly from renewable biological sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cellulose) — decorative panels and accessories.
Recycled Glass — countertops, terrazzo, tiles.
Terrazzo (composite surfacing material made by embedding chips of marble, quartz, glass, or other aggregates in a cementitious or resin binder) — flooring and countertops.
Paper Composite (dense, durable material made by compressing layers of recycled paper or cellulose fibre with phenolic or bio-based resins under heat and pressure) — cabinetry and worktop fibres.
Brass Hardware
Herringbone Oak Flooring
Linen + Naturally Died Leather
Limewash Paint + Adobe
Rattan & Biomorphic Pendant
"Loom + Twist" Petra Armchair
"Biophilic design is the art and science of reconnecting humans with the natural world within built environments. Rooted in our innate biophilia - the deep evolutionary bond between humans and nature - it seeks to restore balance, calm, and vitality in our indoor spaces by integrating the principles and patterns of the natural world." — Erica McLain
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