Bring Nature Indoors with these Biophilic Design Ideas for your Home

By Arushi Sakhuja  

Whether it’s watching the waves, hearing birds chirping, or soaking in the beauty of a clear blue sky or a lush greenscape, there is something so remarkable and beautiful about being immersed in nature. And that is precisely why they say that being in nature often helps calm the mind and soothe daily stressors. Being in a stress-free ambience is just one of the simple joys of today’s urban dwellings.  As urbanisation takes its hold over society, it’s easy to be swept away by today’s technology and fast-paced living. But no matter where you are, nature always has a way of bringing peace to the mind and grounding a person.  And there may be a way to repair this disconnect – this is where Biophilic Design principles come into play. 

What is Biophilic Design? 

In the quest to find respite from mundane screens and fast-paced city hustle, design mavericks have transformed the interiors of our homes, successfully finding a way to bring nature to us. In technical terms, it’s called biophilic design. Biophilia has become one of the most popular buzzwords in modern home and workplace design. But what is biophilic design?  Hiloni Sutariao of Hsc Designs defines a biophilic home as, “A nature-inspired home that draws from the forms and functions of nature, integrating natural elements into the living space. Biophilic design aims to bring the outdoors in, seamlessly incorporating nature into the home’s structure and functionality.” 

Biophilic design involves creating spaces that help us reconnect with nature, promoting peace and tranquillity. Ridhima Singh, Founder and Creative Designer at Danza Del Design, shares, “The sound of water fountains or indoor ponds create a peaceful ambience, lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Materials like stone and bamboo connect residents with nature and improve cognitive function. Lighting systems mimicking daylight cycles promote better sleep and well-being. Encouraging natural airflow reduces drowsiness, and calming color schemes like soft greens and beiges promote relaxation.” 

For their projects, Danza Del Design embraces this philosophy. In Beachside Suites, natural color palettes like blues and whites, glass windows, and wooden flooring bring nature indoors, fostering tranquility. At Izzipizzi, local flora and fauna, bamboo chandeliers, and trailing creepers create a natural aura. Sutariao believes in using nature as an integral element of decoration, extending beyond aesthetics to restore our relationship with the natural world. 

Design Elements 

Biophilic design incorporates natural elements to create a seamless space that blurs the boundaries between man-made and natural environments.  It uses objects, materials, textures, colours, shapes, and patterns found in nature. Earthy colors, natural materials, ample daylight, organic shapes, botanical prints, water features, fragrant plants, living roofs, and moss walls all enhance this connection. Design elements can be as simple as a living wall of plants or creating clear sight lines for a window overlooking a garden. Installing a skylight in a bathroom, hallway, or kitchen provides views of the sky and a boost of natural light. 

Biophilic design can also manifest in less literal ways. Apart from decorating with living plants, textures, colors, and shapes that replicate nature can achieve a similar effect. For Ridhima Singh, designing a nature-inspired home means adding lush greenery and indoor plants that foster a rejuvenating aura. “Integrate natural materials like wood and stone to bring warmth, embrace organic shapes in furniture to mimic nature’s fluidity, and use a natural color palette like earthy greens and browns to promote well-being,” she says. Incorporating subtle nods to nature in decor is an easy and often inexpensive way to cultivate biophilic design’s calming qualities. Vertical gardens and courtyards are other ways to incorporate biophilic design in urban living, adds Sutariao.  

But while some can get fleeting swept away with design and aesthetics, the real test is balance. Striking a balance between biophilic design and practical needs requires a thoughtful approach. Such designs need to be seen as a part of home decor rather than an entity in themselves. As with any other design decision, it comes down to functionality. Outdoor views, sun shading, natural colours, textures, and ventilation patterns balance aesthetic elements with practical needs, Sutariao told Luxebook.  

Emerging Trends in Biophilic Design 

The landscape of biophilic design is undergoing a shift, as designers increasingly embrace renewable resources and local materials in their furniture creations. This trend not only reduces environmental impact but also creates a meaningful connection with the natural world. Concepts such as fractal architecture and biomimicry are at the forefront of this evolution. As Saba Kapoor points out, architects are now crafting functional and sustainable buildings by mimicking natural shapes and patterns. Sutariao highlights a notable resurgence in the use of local materials and craftsmanship from yesteryears, now harmoniously integrated with contemporary design principles. This approach not only enhances aesthetics but also creates a profound sense of harmony with the environment. 

Furthermore, Singh says, the integration of technology into biophilic design is becoming more prominent. “Responsive green walls, for instance, interact with human senses, turning spaces into interactive green environments. Innovations in smart lighting and irrigation systems streamline maintenance, while advances in bioprinting open new avenues for creating nature-inspired design elements.” This blend of nature and technology reflects a modern sensibility that honours both tradition and innovation. 

A Focus on Well-being 

Beyond visual appeal, biophilic architecture significantly enhances overall well-being. With many of us spending more time indoors, bringing elements of the outdoors inside can profoundly impact health and wellness. Biophilic design offers opportunities for healthier living and working environments, ultimately reducing stress and restoring our age-old connection to nature. Incorporating natural materials and water features can lower blood pressure and heart rates, while elements like stone and bamboo boost cognitive function. Lighting systems that mimic the natural cycle of daylight further enhance sleep quality and promote well-being. Moreover, encouraging natural airflow and adopting calming color schemes—like soft greens and beiges—can create a tranquil atmosphere. 

Singh emphasises that “natural elements in living environments significantly impact productivity and mental health.” Biophilic homes provide a much-needed escape from urban life, fostering lower stress levels and enhancing creativity and focus. As we move forward, the future of design will increasingly rely on vegetation, natural light, and sustainable materials to create healthier living spaces. 

In an era where urban living often constricts our connection to nature, maximising natural light through large windows and strategically placed mirrors can help. Vertical gardens, hanging plants, and small water features—like aquariums or cascades—are effective ways to bring a sense of tranquility into even the smallest spaces. 

Ultimately, as Saba Kapoor notes, the future of biophilic furniture design underscores the importance of sustainability, health, and a strong connection to nature. By incorporating elements like wood and stone into our homes, we can create sanctuaries that nurture and sustain their inhabitants, fostering a healthier and more harmonious living environment. 

As we look ahead, biophilic design presents a promising path for creating healthier, more harmonious living environments. Its benefits are clear: enhanced well-being, increased productivity, and a strengthened connection to nature. However, there are challenges to consider, such as the need for careful planning and integration within urban settings where space is limited.