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Most of us feel better when we’re out in nature. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, pottering in the garden or simply soaking up some sunshine, there’s something undeniably calming about the natural world.
That’s exactly what biophilic design taps into. It’s all about bringing that connection to nature indoors—to create a space that feels calm, grounded, and restorative. And the best part? You don’t need to live in a rainforest (or own 47 houseplants) to embrace it.
Whether you’re redecorating a single room or rethinking your whole home vibe, here’s everything you need to know about biophilic design—and how to style it in a way that feels both beautiful and liveable.
What Is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is more than just a trend—it’s a design philosophy. The idea is simple: humans are hardwired to thrive in connection with nature, so let’s bring more of it into our spaces.
The term “biophilia” means “love of living things.” In interiors, that translates to natural elements like:
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Plants and greenery
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Natural light
- Earthy colours and textures
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Raw or organic materials (think wood, rattan, stone)
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Flowing, organic shapes and patterns
It’s about more than just a ‘look’—it’s a feeling. Biophilic spaces are designed to make us feel calmer, more focused, and more connected to the world around us.
Why It’s Worth Trying
Aside from the obvious aesthetic (hello, Pinterest-worthy interiors), studies show that biophilic spaces can:
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Reduce stress and anxiety
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Improve focus and productivity
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Boost your mood
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Even help with better sleep and wellbeing
In short? If your home is your sanctuary (or you’d like it to be), this design style is your best friend.
How to Style Biophilic Design in Your Home
Ready to give it a go? Here are our favourite ways to style biophilic elements into your space, whether you’re all-in or just dipping your toe in.
1. Start with Nature-Inspired Colours
One of the easiest ways to create a calming, biophilic feel is through colour. Think soft greens, warm earth tones, sky blues, sandy neutrals, and rich browns. These colours instantly make a space feel grounded and more connected to nature.
Paint colours to try:
Sage greens:
Terracotta tones:
Forest greens:
Sandy neutrals:
Warm greys/off-whites:
Top tip: You can colour match any of your favourite nature-inspired shades into a durable Trade paint finish, so your calming colour palette can still stand up to real life.
2. Maximise Natural Light
Biophilic design is all about the relationship between you and your surroundings—and light plays a huge part in that. Make the most of your natural light by:
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Using sheer curtains or none at all
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Placing mirrors opposite windows to bounce light around
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Keeping window sills clutter-free
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Choosing light, airy paint colours in darker rooms
No natural light? No problem. Try layering soft lighting at different heights—like floor lamps, table lamps or wall sconces—to mimic the warm glow of daylight.
3. Add Greenery (Real or Faux!)
Nothing says biophilic like a plant or two (or ten). Whether you’re a proud plant parent or more of a “faux it till you make it” decorator, greenery instantly brings life and vibrancy to a room.
Start small with easy-care plants like snake plants, pothos, peace lilies or spider plants. Pop them on shelves, in corners, or let them trail down from a tall cabinet.
Not green-fingered? Faux plants are still a brilliant option—they give you that lush, leafy feel with none of the commitment!
4. Layer Natural Materials & Textures
Introduce organic textures like wood, rattan, jute, linen, wool, and clay. These materials add a tactile quality that brings the outside in.
Things like:
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Woven rugs
- Timber shelves
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Linen cushions
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Handmade ceramics
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Baskets instead of plastic plant pots
Even small swaps can completely change the energy of a space.
5. Bring Nature Into Your Walls
Botanical or woodland wallpaper – Check out our Bringing the Outside In wallpaper collection. Personal favourites include:
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Botanical Living Wall Wallpaper
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Carmella Tree Wallpaper
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Laura Ashley Wisteria Garden
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Vymura Sofia Sprig Wallpaper
Wood panelling or slatted screens – Want the look without the cost? Have a peek at our Wood Panelling Wallpaper Collection—budget-friendly and super effective.
Stone-effect paint or decorative plaster – For added depth and a natural texture.
Limewash-style paint finishes – Beautifully imperfect and full of character.
6. Embrace Flow and Calm
Biophilic design is just as much about how a space feels as how it looks. Avoid harsh lines or visual clutter, and instead aim for soft edges, flowing layouts, and calming atmospheres.
Let furniture breathe, stick to a cohesive colour palette, and embrace natural shapes over rigid ones. Think organic curves, gentle movement, and lots of breathing space.
Like the Idea of Bringing This Style Into Your Home?
Biophilic design is a beautiful, calming way to style your space—and you don’t need to be a minimalist or jungle plant expert to do it. Whether you start by adding a few houseplants, painting your walls in grounding colours, or just opening your curtains a little wider, every small step brings you closer to a home that feels like a breath of fresh air.
Want help choosing the perfect paint colours or finishes for your nature-inspired space? Just drop us a message via email or on WhatsApp—we’re always happy to help with colour advice, finish recommendations, or custom colour matching.
And if you give biophilic design a go in your home, make sure to tag us on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok with your before & after shots—we love seeing what you’re working on! You might even be featured in our blog, newsletter, or social feed.
Helen x
