10 Ways to Incorporate Biophilic Design in Your Home

Biophilic design is an innovative approach to home decoration that seamlessly integrates natural elements into your living space. This concept is rooted in the idea of creating a harmonious connection between nature and our everyday environments. By integrating elements like greenery and organic materials, biophilic design not only beautifies your space but also improves air quality and fosters a rejuvenating atmosphere.

To effectively incorporate biophilic design into your home, consider these straightforward strategies:

1. Embrace Plant Life
   The simplest yet most impactful way to bring biophilic design into your home is through plants. Strategically placing potted plants in various rooms can instantly uplift the space with life and color. Plants are more than just decorative; they are natural air purifiers, enhancing the air quality and bringing a slice of nature indoors.

2. Utilize Natural Materials
   To deepen the connection with nature, incorporating natural materials is key. Elements like rattan, cork, clay, and wood not only add a rustic and earthy feel but also connect you with the natural world. These materials can be used in furniture, decorative items, or even as structural elements in your home.

3. Focus on Natural Light and Ventilation
   Maximizing natural light and ensuring good ventilation can significantly enhance the biophilic aspect of your home. Large windows, skylights, or strategically placed mirrors can brighten up your space with sunlight, while proper ventilation ensures a fresh and healthy indoor environment.

4. Incorporate Water Elements
   The sound and sight of water can have a calming effect. Consider adding small indoor water features like fountains or aquariums. This not only adds a unique design element but also creates a serene atmosphere that resonates with the tranquility of nature.

5. Choose Nature-Inspired Colors and Patterns
   Selecting paint, upholstery, and decorations in colors and patterns inspired by nature can further strengthen the biophilic design. Earthy tones, floral patterns, and natural textures can make the rooms feel more grounded and connected to the outdoors.

6. Create Outdoor Connections
   If you have outdoor space, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas can enhance the biophilic experience. Consider large glass doors or windows that overlook gardens, patios, or natural landscapes.

In summary, biophilic design is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating a living space that promotes well-being, relaxation, and a connection with the natural world. By incorporating plants, natural materials, and elements that echo the beauty of the outdoors, you can transform your home into a tranquil, healthful, and nature-inspired sanctuary.

1. Kiev Apartment by Arquitetura National

Kiev Apartment by Arquitetura National has an easy way to incorporate biophilic design into your home. This apartment uses lots of potted plants to bring a biophilic design into its living room. These plants help the house to freshen and purify the air in the living room.

Photographer: MARCELO DONADUSSI

2. Tree House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects

Tree House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects has an easy way to incorporate biophilic design into a living room. This house uses wood and potted plants to create a natural and fresh atmosphere. The grey furniture and grey rug complete the whole neutral look of the room.

Photography: Anson Smart

3. Apartamento Itaim by Tria Arquitetura

You can use this way to incorporate biophilic design into your home, especially your kitchen. Apartamento Itaim by Tria Arquitetur is a minimalist apartment that uses potted plants and wood to incorporate a biophilic design into its kitchen. Wooden kitchen cabinet dominates the interior look with its warm tone while plants serve as decoration and air purifier.

Photography: Tria Arquitetura

4. Meadow Beach House by Andrew Franz Architect

If you live in a beach house, Meadow Beach House by Andrew Franz Architect has an easy way to incorporate biophilic design into your home. This house uses wood to design the whole structure while some small potted plants are added to freshen the air. Thanks to the glass walls, warm sunlight can enter the interior easily.

Photographer: Albert Vecerka / Esto

5. Risalleen House by R21 Arkitekter

An easy way to incorporate biophilic design into your home also can be found in Risalleen House by R21 Arkitekter. This house uses wood as a natural material to bring a biophilic design into its living room. Some potted plants are also added to this room to strengthen the design.

Photographer: Åke Eson Lindman

6. Echo House by Aaron Neubert Architects

Echo House by Aaron Neubert Architects has a high-ceiling living room with a biophilic design. This house incorporates a biophilic design by adding some natural elements and plants. The jute rug is one of the natural elements used to protect this room’s floor and create a warm atmosphere.

Photography: Brian Thomas Jones, Alex Zarour

7. Hillsborough by Studio VARA

One of the easy ways to incorporate biophilic design in your home also can be found in Hillsborough by Studio VARA. Some potted plants are used by this house to bring a biophilic design into its living room. The glazed doors and walls allow the room to have a direct connection to the outside (nature).

Photographer: Matthew Millman Photography

8. Broadway Penthouse by Joel Sanders Architect

Broadway Penthouse by Joel Sanders Architect uses gravel stones, wood, and greenery to incorporate a biophilic design into its bathroom. The greenery around the mirror becomes a focal point that brings nature in and attracts everyone’s attention.

Photography: Peter Aaron (OTTO)

9. Refraction House by RAD+ar Architecture

Refraction House by RAD+ar Architecture uses different natural materials to incorporate a biophilic design into its bathroom. It adds gravel stone, a pot of plants, and a wooden vanity to bring nature inside. The large mirror makes the bathroom larger than it seems.

Photography: RAD+ar Architecture

10. Willamette Heights Residence by Skylab Architecture and Made

Willamette Heights Residence by Skylab Architecture has a biophilic design as well in its bathroom. This house incorporates a biophilic design into its bathroom by adding a big pot of plants. The large window near the white tub allows one to have a connection to nature while bathing.

Photographer: Stephen A. Miller