The Definitive Guide to Biophilic Design

If spending hours in a plant nursery or taking a long walk through the woods is your idea of a good time, then you’re likely going to be a fan of biophilic design. The growing trend of bringing nature into your home is expanding into plant-based decor and natural paint hues, putting biophilic design in the spotlight.

If you’re interested in embracing the biophilic design philosophy but you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at what biophilic design is all about and how to easily incorporate it into your own home. 

What Is Biophilic Design?

The concept of biophilic design has been gaining traction in home design and architecture for several years. In essence, it means integrating nature and the natural world into interior design. 

According to The Biophilia Foundation, the American biologist E.O. Wilson used the term “biophilia” when defining the relationship between humans and their enjoyment of the diversity of life on earth, and how that ties directly to our well-being. This translates to bringing natural objects and elements into our homes through decor and design. However, biophilic design is not just about adding plants to your indoor space, although that is a great start. It’s also about choosing sustainable materials and architectural elements that mimic nature, such as metalwork designed to look like branches and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood a room with natural light. 

Why Should I Consider Biophilic Design? 

By adding plants inside, we are bringing an element of the natural world into our homes, and the benefits can be huge. “A growing body of scientific research points to a myriad of ways plants might be helping to improve our lives both physically and psychologically,” says Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms, one of the leading indoor plant suppliers in the United States. “It’s no wonder including plants in our indoor spaces is a key element of biophilic design.”

Hancock points to a recent study that shows reduced stress among people who are in a room with plants, as well as a study which proved that by adding indoor plantings to a room, reported levels of discomfort including fatigue, headaches, and sore throat, reduced between 21 and 25 percent. Other research studies have shown that indoor plants boost cognition, concentration, and memory retention—good news for home study spaces and home offices. 

Jennifer Walsh, a biophilic designer and founder of Wellness Walks, says that adding elements of nature to our homes can mimic some of the benefits of spending time outdoors.

“Our environments can make us well or unwell, make us thrive or not,” Walsh says. “This has a lot to do with visual aspects, as well as sounds attributed to nature such as bird song, waterfall, and a crackling fire.” 

How Can I Include Biophilic Design in My Home?

There are dozens of ways to integrate biophilic design into your home from indoor gardening to mossy wall art to natural bedding. 

Add Plants

One of the simplest ways to get some green into your space is by adding houseplants. If you’re worried about keeping them alive, start with a forgiving plant like a Sansevieria (snake plant) that can accommodate your learning curve. 

Hancock suggests grouping your plants in groups of three or five. “You rarely find a standalone plant in nature,” he explains. Keeping groups of plants together will ensure you notice if your plants need water and make it easier to keep the humidity levels up. 

Follow these guidelines when choosing new plant babies:

• Look for plants that like the same light conditions but have different textures, heights, and colors. 

• Use natural clay pots or baskets for your plants. 

• Vary plant placement by hanging some plants from the ceiling or use plant stands to boost plant height. 

Display Natural Art 

Adding environment-inspired artwork to a room can invoke nature on walls and display areas like shelves and tables. 

Here are a few ways you can incorporate natural design through art:

• Add paintings and photographs of natural spaces. 

• Use framed moss wall hangings to bring texture and green hues into a room.

• Place stone or clay sculptures with curved, organic shapes in easy-to-see places.

• Display vases and other objects made from organic materials.

• Fill wooden bowls with unique stones, bark, or dried seed pods.

• Consider water features that replicate the sound of a stream or waterfall. 

Choose Natural Materials

When designing your home, make an effort to consider the environmental and aesthetic impact of using biophilic-inspired materials.

• For bedding, seek out organic cotton that uses non-toxic dyes, fabrics woven from bamboo, and patterns that replicate flora and fauna. 

• Use flooring made of natural wood or sustainable bamboo. 

• Integrate live edge wood as countertops, tables, or shelves. 

• Choose earth-tone textiles and wooden utensils in your kitchen. 

• Add flatware with an organic pattern, such as a branch or a flower. 

Bring the Outside In and the Inside Out 

When it comes to biophilic architecture, windows and glass doors play a central role. While taking advantage of the view of your garden might seem like an obvious choice, using windows without interruption, such as bars or grids, are essential to marrying your interior with the outside environment. 

To highlight your home’s natural beauty, consider the following:

• Rethink your walls: Where can you integrate more natural light and uninterrupted views?

• Replace grid windows with picture windows. 

• Repeat colors and textures found outside of your home. For example, use slate serving boards in your kitchen to compliment your slate patio.

• Design your patio using natural stone and keep the shape organic by following the natural line of the stone’s edging.

Pay Attention to Lighting

Creating ambiance in your home through lighting isn’t unique to biophilic design, but it’s a critical component. Take a look at the following ways to boost natural lighting:

• Play with the light from your windows. Let in natural light or diffuse it with window treatments at different times of the day. 

• Add skylights and high windows to let the moonlight in and take advantage of night sky views.  

• Avoid fluorescent lighting.

• Consider incorporating natural darkness by creating a cave-like space in your home. 

• Install dimmer switches to adjust the lighting. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

There are many aspects to biophilic design, and who you hire to help you depends on what kind of design project you’re tackling. If you’re designing a dream home or thinking about a structural remodel, talk to a local architect about including biophilic design. 

If you’re interested in a small-scale project, such as integrating greenery into your home, consider talking to a local gardener to give you ideas about indoor plants and outdoor designs.