Biophilic design goes beyond simply adding a few plants. It is a thoughtful approach that integrates natural elements – like lighting, materials, textures, and shapes – into our built environments, transforming them into supportive, refreshing sanctuaries. 

Imagine walking into a room filled with natural light streaming through windows that are wide open, lush plants cascading from shelves, and the subtle sound of water gently trickling in the background. This atmosphere instantly brings a sense of calm and clarity – a reaction rooted in our connection to the natural world. 

This innate attraction to nature lies at the heart of biophilic design – a concept in interior design that emphasises bringing the outdoors inside to create spaces that enhance well-being, productivity, and comfort. 

7 Biophilic Interior Designs 

Bridge the gap between urban settings and nature, with the 7 biophilic designs described in this blog. Whether through lush greenery, natural textures, or earthy colours, this design fosters a profound sense of connection to nature right from the comfort of your home or office. 

1. Incorporate Natural Lighting

Natural lighting is essential in biophilic interior design for its ability to support well-being. Bay windows with built-in seating allow you to soak up sunlight, while window walls or French doors open the space to nature. 

In homes that adhere to biophilic design architecture, light tubes (small skylights) can bring sunlight into darker corners – filling spaces with natural warmth. Reflective surfaces, like glass tabletops or metallic decor, amplify sunlight – making your rooms appear larger and brighter. 

In a minimalist bedroom designed with biophilic architecture principles, large floor-to-ceiling windows paired with light curtains or blinds enhance serenity. You can further amplify the brightness by placing mirrors strategically opposite windows, supporting the biophilic goal of connecting indoors with the natural environment. 

2. Add Indoor Plants for Wellness

Indoor plants purify the air and bring vibrancy to biophilic house design. Floating plant shelves make the most of vertical space, showcasing trailing vines like philodendrons or strings of pearls. 

Hanging planters are excellent for kitchens or bathrooms, as they add greenery to smaller spaces. In larger areas, tree-like plants such as fiddle leaf figs or rubber plants, make stunning focal points. Add a subtle, natural fragrance by incorporating aromatic plants like lavender or rosemary, that fit perfectly into biophilic interior design. 

For a Scandinavian-inspired living room, arrange plants in minimalist pots along shelves or windowsills – creating a green border that softens the clean lines and enriches the space. 

3. Use Natural Materials and Textures

Incorporate these to strengthen the sense of connection to nature, which is inherent in biophilic architecture. For instance, you can mix wood tones for an eclectic, grounded look, or add a unique story with reclaimed wood coffee tables or headboards. 

Marble countertops and limestone floors provide sophistication, whereas materials like cork and bamboo, popular in biophilic design architecture, introduce sustainable textures to walls or cabinetry. 

You can also layer textured fabrics like wool blankets, linen drapes, or leather accents to create a rich tactile experience. Evoke a cosy and organic atmosphere in your rustic dining room, with a reclaimed wood table, woven jute rug, and linen placemats. 

4. Enhance Indoor Air Quality with Ventilation

Clean, fresh air is a hallmark of biophilic interior design, and ventilation plays a key role. Cross-ventilation from windows on opposite walls improves air circulation, while ceiling fans and ventilated skylights enhance airflow without taking up floor space. 

Retractable screen doors are a practical addition to biophilic design architecture, allowing fresh air in while keeping insects out – ideal for connecting the kitchen to an outdoor patio. 

Use air-purifying plants such as English ivy or spider plants, alongside an air purifier to create a refreshing focal point, especially in urban areas. This setup is a seamless way to integrate natural and healthy air flow into biophilic house design. 

5. Include Water Elements for Calm and Balance

Water elements enhance biophilic architecture in your home, by providing audible and visual links to nature. Wall-mounted water fountains or compact indoor waterfalls fit well within limited spaces – creating the soothing sounds of flowing water. 

For a more subtle touch, you can opt for aquaponic planters that integrate water with plants. If you have a larger space, install an indoor pond or an aquarium – bringing life and movement to the room. 

In a meditation room designed with biophilic interior principles, combining a wall-mounted waterfall with bamboo plants and natural stones fosters tranquillity – supporting a harmonious living space. 

6. Bring in Earthy Colours and Patterns

Warm, earthy colours like terracotta and sage green align with biophilic design architecture, creating a grounding effect in any room. You can add subtle natural elements with botanical or landscape-inspired patterns on rugs, wallpapers, or upholstery. 

Hand-painted murals of natural scenes enhance the biophilic interior ambiance and create a a more immersive experience, especially in children’s rooms or reading nooks. In your bohemian bedroom, pair a muted terracotta wall with botanical-patterned bed linens, jute rugs, and wooden frames to create a cohesive, nature-inspired look characteristic of biophilic house design. 

7. Embrace Natural Shapes and Organic Layouts

Biophilic architecture embraces shapes found in nature, including curved edges and organic forms. You can introduce softness to your living area with rounded furniture, such as circular coffee tables and curved sofas. 

Asymmetrical layouts mimic nature’s natural flow, offering visually dynamic spaces. Spiral patterns in light fixtures or decor inspired by shells or vines add subtle touches. In a contemporary living room, a curved sectional sofa, round coffee table, and asymmetrical shelving embody biophilic design architecture – creating a space that harmonises natural shapes with modern functionality. 

Conclusion 

As architect Frank Lloyd Wright beautifully expressed, “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you”. Biophilic design architecture captures this sentiment, bringing nature’s timeless wisdom indoors to enrich our lives and inspire balance in biophilic house design. 

FAQs 

1. Can biophilic design work in small spaces? 

Yes, biophilic design works in small spaces by incorporating natural elements like indoor plants, natural light, and textures. 

2. Who started biophilic design in interior design? 

Architect Stephen Kellert popularised biophilic design in interior design, by integrating nature into architecture to improve human well-being. 

3. Is biophilic design expensive to implement? 

Biophilic design can range from affordable to high-end, depending on the elements chosen. For example, low-cost indoor plants and natural textures can be used rather than larger, structural, nature-inspired installations

4. What types of indoor plants are best for biophilic design? 

The types of indoor plants that are best for biophilic design are low-maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies, as they provide greenery, air purification, and natural aesthetics.