I’m always on the lookout for inspiration for my interior decorating and design projects!
As someone who loves the outdoors, I prefer spending my time strolling through the woods, especially at Kiptopeke State Park on the Chesapeake Bay, just south of Cape Charles. One of my many places to go explore and the outdoors and find inspiration. I love using biophilic interior design in my projects!
When designing, I’m drawn to organic influences like florals, greenery, natural wood, stones, and bamboo because I believe they add a well-rounded touch to any design.
Embracing natural elements is key for me. The concept of bringing nature indoors is known as Biophilic Design, which focuses on creating spaces that enhance our connection to nature.
This includes incorporating indoor plants, living green walls, natural materials such as stone and wood, and large windows to invite in natural light, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. By using color palettes inspired by nature, incorporating the warmth of wood and the resilience of natural stone, you can create a home that feels both calming and invigorating at the same time.
This gorgeous kitchen, which emphasizes natural wood shelving and dark green cabinets, is the perfect home for your live plants due to the amount of natural sunlight from the large window.
The elements I’m currently enthusiastic about incorporating to my design projects are:
Greenery and florals
Natural textures
Natural lighting
Earth tone color schemes
The Benefits of Biophilic Design
Integrating natural elements into indoor spaces can improve mood, reduce stress, enhance cognitive function, and boost well-being according to research.
Exposure to nature has been proven to lower cortisol levels, elevate mood, and increase focus and attention.
Elements like natural light, greenery, and water features in biophilic design mirror the positive effects of nature, enhancing mood and overall quality of life indoors.
A bathroom with natural light is a perfect place for a living plant wall! This is especially true if you have a wet room design or have space near your shower or bathtub for good drainage.
#1 – Greenery and Florals
Incorporating plants indoors brings nature inside and helps purify the air, creating a soothing ambiance. Succulents, ferns, and palms can serve as decorative elements in your home. Consider creating a vertical garden by hanging plants on the wall or setting up a living green wall.
For the bedroom, peace lilies, snake plants, and English ivy are recommended plant choices.
If live plants are not your thing, consider nature-inspired decor. Artwork has been proven to reduce anxiety, so mix abstract pieces with natural prints. Enhance your space with floral-patterned soft furnishings like throw pillows or cushions featuring plant motifs to embrace biophilic design.
Faux plants are a great alternative! Modern faux plants are beautifully crafted and look incredibly realistic, offering some of the aesthetic benefits of live plants.
This historical home renovation in rural Pennsylvania, highlighted by One Kind Design, is a great example of incorporating Biophilic Design while highlighting historical architectural aspects.
#2 – Natural Textures
To bring biophilic interior design into your home, consider using natural materials like wood, stone, and cotton. These materials not only add texture and warmth but also evoke the feeling of being outdoors. Incorporate wooden floors, tables, and chairs, stone countertops, and marble accents to infuse natural elements into your living spaces.
Opt for natural materials such as cotton, linen, and silk for your bedding, curtains, and textiles.
For a natural touch in your bedroom, consider adding a wooden headboard or bedside table.
Utilize wood, cork, rattan, and wool in your floor coverings and decor to enhance the natural feel and aesthetic of your home, adding personality to your spaces. These timeless materials are eco-friendly and can be paired with reclaimed furniture. For example, consider including a jute or cotton rug or a stone-topped side table.
Embrace live-edge and raw unfinished wood for a more natural look that highlights textures and depth in your spaces. Explore the use of natural materials such as granite, marble, and limestone to further enhance the natural ambiance.
This entry way, highlighted by One Kind Design, really takes advantage of the natural light by not only having sky lights, but by creating a modern glass wall to overlook the gardens.
#3 – Natural Lighting
To incorporate biophilic interior design at home, consider utilizing natural lighting. It not only influences mood positively but also supplies essential vitamin D.
Opt for large windows or skylights to invite natural light indoors. Additionally, artificial lighting options like full-spectrum bulbs can help in creating a cheerful atmosphere.
Enhance natural light exposure in your bedroom by using light, sheer curtains or use blinds that have been adjusted to allow partial sunlight during the day.
Sufficient light can regulate moods, balance hormones, and boost creativity by stimulating the release of oxytocin.
Improve natural lighting by removing obstructions from window sills.
Enhance layered lighting with floor lamps, candles, and sconces to mimic natural light and uplift spirits. Consider adding reflective surfaces like glass tables and mirrors.
More natural light means more plants! Consider adding an over-sized window sill to allow for more plant real estate.
This accent wall, painted in Sherwin Williams Basil Green, was highlighted at the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Industry Show in 2024 as a trending color for kitchen cabinets.
#4 – Opt for Earthy Tones
To embrace biophilic design, start by incorporating a color palette inspired by nature. Remember, natural colors extend beyond earthy tones and lush greens; you have a wide range of hues to choose from.
Create a tranquil ambiance in your bedroom by using a calming, natural color scheme. Green, blue, and brown shades can all contribute to a soothing and serene environment.
If you’re unsure about which colors to use, draw inspiration from your favorite natural surroundings. Whether it’s the serene tones of the beach or the ever-changing colors of the sky, explore a variety of natural color schemes.
Biophilic design strongly advocates for the inclusion of green elements, such as plants or green paint, to enhance the connection to nature. Surprisingly, simply looking at the color green can have positive effects, as studies have shown that it can increased creativity. Incorporating green walls or furnishings, or a combination of both, can help create a calming indoor space that mimics the benefits of the outdoors.
Looking to take things up a notch?
While not as simple as my top 4 recommendations, adding a water feature could be a great option. Think about including a small tabletop fountain or a fish tank in your bedroom. The soothing sound of flowing water can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
Table-top water fountains are fairly easy to set-up and maintain compared to a more permanent option.
I adore bringing the outdoors inside!
By following just a few of these design tips, you can greatly improve your quality of life and enhance your home by incorporating biophilic interior design.
Do not underestimate the power of biophilic design! Sometimes, the most impactful aspects of a design are not immediately apparent. Subtly integrating nature into your surroundings can truly transform the ambiance and lifestyle.
Start with small steps! Introducing a couple of plants, choosing natural stone tiles over ceramic, and decluttering your windows for more natural light can be a fantastic initial approach!
Contact me to see the best ways to incorporate biophilic interior design into your kitchen project!