What is Biophilic Design? Plus, 7 Ways to Make Your Home Greener (2024)

The term “biophilic design” may not be one you’ve heard yet, but it’s likely to become increasingly familiar to you as it gets more mainstream in the architecture and interior design industries. It’s a concept that embraces the fact that humans are biological creatures with a need to maintain a connection to nature. If you’ve upgraded your living room, cubicle, or work from home space in the last few years with lots of plants, that’s not news to you (or the millions of other new plant parents!). In fact, research shows being around plants can boost mental health, reduce stress, improve sleep, and help us feel more connected during times of social isolation. Pretty impressive, right?

What is Biophilic Design? Plus, 7 Ways to Make Your Home Greener (1)

Of course, biophilic design, also called biophilia, incorporates the use of houseplants and living plant walls. But it also focuses on including architectural elements such as huge windows that allow sweeping views of the garden, indoor-outdoor living spaces, the use of natural materials, and efficient use of resources and sustainability throughout a building’s lifespan.

But how do you incorporate nature into design, especially if you live in an apartment or can’t afford to build a new house or upgrade your old home? It’s actually simpler than it may sound. “People may not necessarily use the term ‘biophilic’ but they do ask us for ways to bring the outdoors in,” says Valerie Stafford, co-owner and lead designer at Rumor Design + ReDesign in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. “It’s the idea of encouraging flow from the landscape into our homes and enjoying the natural beauty around us. It’s the connection to the outdoors that many of us have been missing.”

Ahead, discover 7 ways to make biophilic design part of your own home, whether you’re building new or upgrading your home.

Adopt some new plant babies.

“A room just feels homier with a plant or two,” says Stafford, who has clients that request entire rooms built around their plants with special tables, lighting, and humidifiers. “A room feels alive when you add greenery.” If your thumb isn’t, ahem, the greenest, choose sturdy houseplants that are more forgiving to newbies, such as snake plant, pothos, monstera, and pilea. Save the more demanding plants, such as fiddle leaf fig and ficus, for when you gain experience. Even growing culinary herbs on your kitchen counter with a grow light offers a positive connection to nature.

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Look for soft lines.

Rolling lines feel organic and natural. When shopping for new furnishings, look for more sculptural sofas and chairs that have rounded edges, rather than stiff, linear shapes, suggests Stafford. New homes also are showing softer lines with arched doorways and curving hallways.

Opt for natural materials.

Wood remains popular, with exposed wood on furniture, ceilings and walls. There’s even tile that mimics the look of wood so you can use it in places such as your shower. Newer engineered woods, which use a ¼-inch wood veneer allow precious natural resources go farther, says Stafford. Accent walls of exposed stone or plaster-like clay products, which are not difficult to apply, are hugely popular. Boldly patterned natural materials, such as granite, instead of manufactured products, also are being used more frequently.

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Maximize natural light.

“No one likes living in a dark hole,” says Stafford. “Bring that sunshine indoors.” That can be as simple as removing heavy drapes and opting for naked windows in rooms that don’t require privacy, such as an office. Or install minimalistic roller shades that allow you to bring in the most light but still provide privacy when needed. Don’t forget to clean your home’s windows regularly to remove the haze that forms from dust, pet dander, and cooking; it’s a minor chore with a big payoff.

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Update lighting.

Replace dated lighting, whether it’s in the foyer, bedroom, or kitchen. “New lighting is a simple way to give a room a fresh feeling,” says Stafford. Add layers so a room doesn’t have just one source of light. For example, in the kitchen illuminate with pendant lights, can lights, under-cabinet lighting, and standalone lamps for a full spectrum. But pay attention to light color, also called temperature, which is measured in 6500K, 4100K, and 2700K. It’s personal preference, but soft white, or 2700K, is a warm, natural light that’s best for most living spaces.

Go green.

One of the colors that’s consistently trending now is green—not a bright in-your-face green, but rather more soothing shades such as eucalyptus, fern, and muted earthy greens such as sage and moss. Other trending colors that bring the indoors in include terra cotta, clay, and various shades of muted blues.

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Embrace wallpaper.

Wallpaper is having a moment once again, but this time, it’s all about textural choices such as natural grasscloth or silk, says Stafford. If it makes you nervous (Full disclosure: It does take some work to remove when you re-decorate later on), opt for an accent wall instead of a full room. Or do a powder room for maximum design impact in a small space. Nature-themed murals are another way to add a new level of “wow” to a tired room.

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Arricca Elin SanSone

Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

What is Biophilic Design? Plus, 7 Ways to Make Your Home Greener (2024)

FAQs

What is biophilic home design? ›

In short, Biophilic Interior Design means incorporating nature into our indoor environment. It comes from the word Biophilia – meaning Love of Nature. Biophilic Design focuses on creating a calming space with a visual connection with nature while improving wellbeing, health and productivity.

How to make your home more biophilic? ›

7 simple ways to make biophilic design adaptable to the everyday home:
  1. Plants, plants and more plants. ...
  2. Incorporate natural materials. ...
  3. Welcome textural contrasts. ...
  4. Maximise access to natural light. ...
  5. Use a natural colour scheme. ...
  6. Add images of nature. ...
  7. Embrace natural forms.

What are 3 benefits of biophilic design? ›

Incorporating direct or indirect elements of nature into the built environment have been demonstrated through research to reduce stress, blood pressure levels and heart rates, whilst increasing productivity, creativity and self reported rates of well-being.

What are the 5 senses of biophilic design? ›

Biophilic design comprises the 5 senses; sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing.

What is an example of a biophilic design house? ›

Here are 15 famous and ground-breaking examples of biophilic architecture from around the world.
  • Barbican Centre – London, UK. ...
  • Atri – Lake Vänern, Sweden. ...
  • Apple Park – California, USA. ...
  • Bosco Verticale – Milan, Italy. ...
  • The Jewel – Singapore, Singapore. ...
  • The Vibes Office – Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. ...
  • Ruins Studio – Dumfries, Scotland.
Mar 4, 2024

How can I make my house look earthy? ›

Earthy Home Decorating Tips
  1. Create a modern and sleek kitchen. ...
  2. Add wood elements in the bedroom. ...
  3. Use plenty of plants. ...
  4. Neutral colour palette. ...
  5. Use minimalist furniture. ...
  6. Don't decorate too much. ...
  7. Make the most out of your natural lighting. ...
  8. Use hanging shelves.
Sep 14, 2021

How can I make my house look like nature? ›

Natural Materials

Items like natural woven rugs and shades, warm woods, worn stone and metals, and natural fabrics like flax and linen add depth and texture, which makes a room feel more inviting, relaxed, and 'touchable.

What are some of the most important biophilic strategies? ›

Direct contact with vegetation, in and around the built environment, is one of the most successful strategies for fostering human-nature connection in design. The presence of plants can reduce stress, improve comfort, enhance mood, and prompt healing.

What is an example of biophilia? ›

Essentially, humans have an innate biological and genetic connection to nature and other living things, including an emotional dimension to this connection. People generally respond positively to natural aspects of the environment, such as foliage, flowers, moving water, sunlight, and organic shapes and colors.

How to create biophilic design? ›

Here are a few ways to do it:
  1. Add plants: Incorporating potted plants or hanging greenery can add a natural element to your bedroom. ...
  2. Use natural materials: Choose natural materials for your bedding, curtains, and other textiles. ...
  3. Let in natural light: If possible, maximize the natural light in your bedroom.
Feb 15, 2023

Who is a biophilic person? ›

noun. bio·​phil·​ia ˌbī-ō-ˈfi-lē-ə -ˈfēl-yə : a hypothetical human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature : a desire or tendency to commune with nature. Biophilia is the term coined by the Harvard naturalist Dr.

What is a biophilic indoor environment? ›

Biophilic design facilitates this connection via the integration of various features into the office space, including indoor plants, natural materials, circadian lighting and the use of patterns and shapes from nature.

What are the three pillars of biophilic design? ›

Biophilic design is structured around three interconnected pillars: nature in the space, natural analogs, and nature of the space. Let's take a closer look at each pillar: Nature in the Space: The first pillar of biophilic design is nature in the space.

What are the pillars of biophilic design? ›

Biophilic design rests on three key pillars: Nature in the space. Nature of the space. Natural analogues.

What are the disadvantages of biophilic design? ›

Cons of Biophilic Design:
  • Implementation Challenges: Incorporating biophilic design elements may present challenges in certain urban settings or existing structures. ...
  • Maintenance Considerations: The inclusion of living elements, such as plants and green walls, requires ongoing maintenance.
Jan 26, 2024

What are the main points of biophilic design? ›

This can include a sense of safety and protection, a balance of variety with regularity, fostering curiosity and exploration and engendering a sense of accomplishment and mastery over our environment. Our attachment and attraction to nature can also be tapped into through biophilic design.

What is the concept of biophilic? ›

adjective. bio·​phil·​ic ˌbī-ō-ˈfi-lik. : of, relating to, or characterized by biophilia : relating to, showing, or being the human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature.

What are the main elements of biophilic design? ›

Here are six principles of biophilic design applications we highlight at these sessions:
  • Environmental features. ...
  • Natural shapes and forms. ...
  • Restorative patterns and processes. ...
  • Light and space. ...
  • Place-based relationships. ...
  • Evolved human-nature relationships.

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