How to use biophilic design in your new home

Biophilic design involves bringing nature into your indoor environment. If you’re purchasing a new home and are keen to create a tranquil, nature-inspired space, this design style may be perfect for you.

Here are several ways you can incorporate biophilic design into your new place.

Use real plants

One of the most simple and effective ways to incorporate biophilic design principles is to have real plants throughout your home.

Not only do they look great but can improve air quality and boost your physical and mental health.

The RHS says that some of the benefits of houseplants include improved mood, reduced stress levels, increased productivity, reduced blood pressure improved attention span.

Consider popping a large yucca in a corner, a trailing ivy plant on a floating shelf and a snake plant on an unused ledge.

Incorporate natural materials

Try incorporating a range of natural materials into your interior design. Use beautiful woods like oak, maple, beech, or bamboo for flooring, furniture, interior doors or panelling.

Earthy materials like clay, ceramic, and terracotta are also great for tiles and work surfaces. If this isn’t possible, use decorative pieces throughout the home such as clay vases in muted colour palettes. 

You can also go for warm natural fibres like rattan and jute for seating or storage, paired with comfy cotton and linen furnishings. 

Prioritise natural light

If you want to bring the outside in, it’s important to maximise natural light. One way to achieve this is to increase the number or size of windows throughout your home. 

For example, could you install skylights in your kitchen? Put a slim pane of glass to the side of your front door? Install floor-to-ceiling glass at the back of the property? Any increase in the amount of glass will flood your home with natural light. 

Another effective method is to opt for an open-plan design. With fewer walls and obstructions, light can move more freely throughout the space.

Pick natural colours and patterns

When designing your space, create a biophilic design palette by choosing colours you’d find in nature. Greens, blues, creams, browns and greys are some of the most common hues outdoors. 

Use these to inform the colours you paint your walls, the furniture you choose and any soft furnishings like cushions and blankets. 

You could also introduce a range of nature-inspired patterns and prints into your home. This could be anything from floral artwork to photography of a natural landscape. 

There are many effective ways to use biophilic design in your new home. Choosing the right colour palette, incorporating natural materials, enhancing natural light and using plants and flowers will help you create a beautiful space you can enjoy for many years to come.