10 Biophilic Design Ideas to Bring Nature Indoors

Biophilic design is an innovative approach that integrates nature into indoor spaces to improve well-being and foster a deeper connection with the natural world. This design philosophy embraces the concept that humans have an innate desire to be close to nature, and by incorporating elements like natural light, plants, and natural materials, we can create more harmonious and sustainable environments.

One of the most effective ways to bring nature indoors is through the use of indoor gardens or living walls. These can be designed to fit any space and can include a variety of plants, such as ferns, mosses, and succulents. Indoor gardens not only add a touch of green to the interior but also help purify the air and improve overall air quality. Additionally, incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and water features can create a sense of calm and tranquility, which can have a positive impact on mental health and productivity.

Another key aspect of biophilic design is the use of natural light. Exposure to natural light has been linked to improved mood, increased productivity, and better overall health. To maximize the benefits of natural light, designers can incorporate large windows, skylights, and light wells into building design. This allows for ample natural light to filter through the space, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a more inviting and comfortable environment.

In addition to natural light, designers can also use color psychology to create a more natural and calming atmosphere. Soft, earthy tones like greens, browns, and blues can evoke feelings of tranquility and relaxation, while brighter colors like yellows and oranges can create a sense of energy and vitality.

Need more ideas? Check out our biophilic design ideas to bring nature indoors below to get more inspiration.

1. Kiev Apartment by Arquitetura National

Kiev Apartment by Arquitetura National has a biophilic design idea to bring nature indoors to inspire you. This apartment incorporates indoor plants to embrace the biophilic design philosophy. These plants help the apartment to create more harmonious and sustainable environments.

Photographer: MARCELO DONADUSSI

2. Tree House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects

A biophilic design idea to bring nature indoors also can be found in Tree House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects. This house uses wood as a natural material and one of the biophilic elements to bring nature inside. This material creates a sense of calm and tranquility which has a positive impact on the house’s inhabitants.

Photography: Anson Smart

3. Apartamento Itaim by Tria Arquitetura

Apartamento Itaim by Tria Arquitetur is a minimalist apartment that also has a biophilic design idea to bring nature indoors to inspire you. This apartment combines indoor plants and wood as a natural material to foster a deeper connection with nature.

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 a biophilic design idea to bring nature indoors to inspire you too. This beach house uses a natural material (wood) as the main material for its structure. The result is a warm and calm atmosphere.

Photographer: Albert Vecerka / Esto

5. Risalleen House by R21 Arkitekter

A biophilic design idea to bring nature indoors is also perfect for a small space. Risalleen House by R21 Arkitekter incorporates wood as a natural material and indoor plants to embrace biophilic design. This house also incorporates large windows for exposing natural light.

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 idea as well. This house brings nature indoors by adding some indoor plants. Jute rug and wooden furniture also mark the connection to nature in this room.

Photography: Brian Thomas Jones, Alex Zarour

7. Hillsborough by Studio VARA

A biophilic design idea to bring nature indoors in Hillsborough by Studio VARA will help you how to expose natural light. This house has expansive glazed walls and doors to maximize the benefits of natural light. This way allows natural light to reduce the need for artificial lighting and create a more inviting environment.

Photographer: Matthew Millman Photography

8. Broadway Penthouse by Joel Sanders Architect

Broadway Penthouse by Joel Sanders Architect uses a biophilic design idea to bring nature indoors for its bathroom. The focal point is on the large mirror and its wooden vanity where indoor plants capture everyone’s attention. This house also incorporates a natural material (wood) to create a sense of calm and tranquility.

Photography: Peter Aaron (OTTO)

9. Refraction House by RAD+ar Architecture

Refraction House by RAD+ar Architecture also has a biophilic design idea to bring nature indoors for your bathroom. This house combines an indoor plant and natural materials (wood and stone) to embrace the biophilic design. The large mirror makes the space larger as it seems.

Photography: RAD+ar Architecture

10. Willamette Heights Residence by Skylab Architecture and Made

The last biophilic design idea to bring nature indoors comes from Willamette Heights Residence by Skylab Architecture. This house adds a big pot of plants to create a more harmonious and sustainable environments. The large windows also help this house to invite more natural light and create a calming atmosphere.

Photographer: Stephen A. Miller