Biophilic interior design: Current trends and the power of nature on well-being

Photo credit: TGS AI-generated

In a more technologically evolved and urbanized world, our connection with nature is often lost—reduced to weekend escapes or digital screen savers. Biophilic interior design closes this gap by intentionally introducing elements of the natural world into constructed environments. Founded on the human desire to connect with nature, biophilic design is not just about beauty; it's a science-based practice to advance well-being.

Physical benefits include improved fitness, lowered blood pressure, and decreased illness symptoms. Mental benefits encompass motivation, productivity, creativity, and stress and anxiety reduction. Behavioral and cognitive changes involve increased coping capacity, improved concentration, and enhanced social interaction.

This article explores the key principles and emerging trends in biophilic spaces, and also highlights the psychological and emotional benefits that make this design trend more relevant now than ever.

Core Principles of Biophilic Interior Design

At its foundation, biophilic design incorporates direct and indirect experiences of nature into our surroundings.

• Direct experiences include actual contact with natural elements—sunlight, water, plants, and fresh air.

• Indirect experiences are symbolic or representational, such as images of nature, organic shapes, or natural materials.

  
  

Key design principles include:

• Natural materials like wood, stone, wool, and clay to create a sensory connection.

• Use of light to mimic the dynamic changes of daylight, encouraging circadian rhythm regulation.

• Textures, colors, and forms derived from nature—such as leaf-inspired patterns or earthy palettes—bring visual and tactile harmony.

• Spatial arrangements that offer a sense of refuge or prospect (e.g., cozy nooks or panoramic views) evoke primal instincts of safety and awareness, enhancing comfort and cognitive ease.

Current Trends in Biophilic Interiors

Modern designers are increasingly embracing the biophilic ethos, blending sustainability with sensory-rich experiences. Here are the standout trends shaping this movement:

• Sustainable materials: Eco-friendly choices such as reclaimed wood, bamboo flooring, recycled stone, and clay tiles not only reduce environmental impact but also add warmth and texture.

• Indoor plant integration: From simple potted plants to lush living walls and indoor gardens, greenery becomes a focal point. Popular choices include ferns, pothos, and snake plants for their low maintenance and air-purifying qualities.

• Natural light and ventilation: Designing with larger windows, glass doors, skylights, and cross-ventilation channels allows natural light and air to circulate freely, mimicking outdoor environments.

• Water features: Incorporating small indoor fountains, wall-mounted waterfalls, or aquariums brings dynamic movement and soothing acoustics into the space.

• Organic shapes: Biophilic interiors reject harsh geometry in favor of curved furniture, asymmetrical layouts, and flowing lines that mirror the unpredictability of nature.

  
  

Along with natural interventions and construction materials, organic/biomorphic forms and textures also serve as strong references to patterns found in nature. Curves, for instance, have already been dominating interior design trends during the past couple of years, but this actually dates back centuries to when architects found inspiration in nature from the asymmetrical lines of flowers and animals. And since the human psyche prefers curved visual objects because they signal a lack of threat, the architectural expression of organic forms in interior design has been translated into furniture, lighting, textiles, partitions, and wall motifs.

• Multisensory design: Designers are beginning to engage all the senses—introducing aromas of essential oils, the sounds of birdsong or rain, and surfaces that feel earthy or rugged to the touch.

Nature within the Space

One of the most prominent and common ways architects have integrated biophilic elements in their interior designs is through greenery, water, and fire elements. The benefits of plantscaping, or incorporating plants in interiors, are boundless. In terms of biophilic design, however, plants are not chosen arbitrarily, but are chosen based on the climate conditions, geographic characteristics, and availability to ensure that the interior is authentically one with its surroundings. Several studies also have shown that seeing, hearing, or touching water reduces stress, increases tranquility and concentration, and lowers heart rate, prompting architects to install water walls, aquariums, miniature ponds, fountains, and streams.

Biophilia, a concept rooted in humanity’s intrinsic connection with nature, has significantly influenced architectural design since the era of Vitruvius. By integrating biophilic principles, architects have created spaces that leave a lasting impact on the human mind. As Kellert emphasizes, biophilic design extends beyond the mere addition of greenery to buildings; it is fundamentally about situating humanity within the natural world and integrating nature into human society.

Extensive research demonstrates that biophilic environments, whether natural or designed, possess a profound healing influence on human health. Exposure to nature has been shown to benefit well-being through various mechanisms, including enhanced air quality, increased physical activity, improved social cohesion, and reduced stress. Vegetation, such as trees and shrubs, can positively affect both indoor and outdoor air quality, directly impacting human health. More importantly, consistent exposure to greenery has been consistently linked to improvements in mental well-being.

The disruption of the natural balance between carbon dioxide production and oxygen emission, largely driven by human development, has highlighted the necessity of re-establishing this equilibrium. Biophilic design offers a means to achieve this by incorporating natural design principles into the built environment. This approach not only reduces stress but also enhances creativity, mental clarity, and overall health, supporting faster recovery in healing spaces.

Understanding the swift restorative response that nature can evoke underscores the importance of creating environments where people can live and work with reduced stress. Architects and designers are therefore challenged to integrate healing strategies into their projects, leveraging elements that promote the biophilic effect.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Beyond the visual appeal, biophilic design delivers measurable mental health advantages:

• Reduced stress: Studies show that even brief exposure to natural elements can lower cortisol levels and reduce heart rate, promoting calm and relaxation.

• Improved mood and creativity: Natural light, nature views, and plant life are associated with enhanced mood, better sleep, and increased creative thinking. 

• Boost in productivity: In hybrid workspaces and home offices, the presence of natural elements can improve focus, job satisfaction, and cognitive function.

• Healing environments: Healthcare facilities increasingly incorporate biophilic design to aid in patient recovery. Nature-inspired interiors have been linked to shorter hospital stays and reduced need for pain medication.

  
  

Examples and Case Studies

• Amazon’s Spheres in Seattle: A prime commercial example, these glass domes house over 40,000 plants and serve as collaborative workspaces, blending nature with innovation. The result: improved employee well-being and engagement.

  
  

  

  Photo: Amazon's Spheres in Seattle | Credit: Amazon Press Release

• The Forest House by STG Design (Texas): A residential case that integrates large glass walls, indoor gardens, reclaimed wood finishes, and a central water feature. Homeowners report feeling calmer and more connected to nature without leaving their homes.

The future of biophilic spaces

Reconnecting interior spaces with nature is not just an aesthetic choice—it is a moral imperative for creating healthier, more meaningful environments.

Human lives are deeply intertwined with the environments we inhabit, often in ways that we fail to consciously recognize. Yet, architecture that disregards this intrinsic connection has distanced us from the natural harmony essential to our well-being. For decades, architectural design has frequently prioritized aesthetic appeal, formal concerns, fleeting innovation, or immediate economic gains over genuine human needs. However, it is not too late to reshape our built environment with a focus on health, social well-being, and human experience. We must design spaces that respond to how individuals naturally interact with their surroundings.

Biophilic design principles offer adaptable and scalable strategies for enhancing user experiences across various contexts. By grounding design in the specific needs of individuals in a given space, biophilic design aligns architecture with the fundamental human-nature connection.

Ultimately, good design can be distinguished from poor design by its ability to foster a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. In an era marked by widespread disconnection from the natural world, we must reimagine how we design the spaces in which we live, work, and learn. Although this shift presents challenges, it also opens significant opportunities for professionals to transform architecture through a biophilic, human-oriented approach. Reconnecting interior spaces with nature is not just an aesthetic choice—it is a moral imperative for creating healthier, more meaningful environments.