10 Biophilic Design Ideas for a Nature-Inspired Home

a room with floor to ceiling windows — Credit:
MARVIN

Biophilic design is transforming the way we think about the built environment. It blends nature into our everyday spaces and improves our connection to our homes. Rooted in the idea that humans have an inherent desire to connect with nature, this design philosophy leverages natural elements to nurture well-being. It goes beyond incorporating a few potted plants; biophilic design considers light, textures, patterns, and natural materials, creating spaces that are in harmony with our instincts.

As our lives increasingly shift indoors, biophilic design offers a meaningful way to bridge the gap between modern living and our intrinsic connection to the natural world. Ahead, we asked design insiders for inspiration to help you bring these principles into your own space.

01 of 10

Organic Forms

a dining room with organic lighting — Credit:
Deborah Jaffe

Soft, rounded furnishings crafted from natural materials bring a sense of calm to this dining room from interior designer Dre Shapiro. Operable window walls provide a direct connection to the outdoors, while bulbous, handwoven rattan lamps and smooth, sculptural wooden chairs bring the outdoors in. “It's all about blurring the boundaries between interior spaces and nature, making the natural world an active part of daily life,” she says.

02 of 10

Neutral and Natural

a neutral kitchen — Credit:
Lawless Design

For this kitchen by Lawless Design, interior designer Hannah Oravec combined a warm wood island and flooring with natural stone countertops and backsplash for a textured but balanced look. Sage green cabinetry introduces a soothing but effective pop of color, while wooden barstools with woven seat backs provide texture. “It’s more than just adding a few plants—it’s using natural materials like wood and stone and maximizing natural light to create a sense of balance and wellbeing,” she says.

03 of 10

Windows Everywhere

“Natural light has the power to boost moods, regulate daily circadian rhythms, support our physical health, and more,” says Christine Marvin, chief marketing and experience officer at Marvin Windows. “To harness this, homeowners are prioritizing larger windows and sizable scenic doors for more seamless indoor-outdoor living.” This second-level living room appears to float over the tree canopy thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows and transparent door.

04 of 10

Matching Materials

“Paying special attention to the liminal spaces between indoors and outdoors can really create a connection to nature,” says Ellen F. C. Mirro, principal at Studio TJP. In this recently completed farmhouse, the exterior materials are also used inside, blurring the lines between indoors and out. “The flagstone and the flood of natural light leads you to the interior in a more gradual way, softening the transition between inside and out.”

05 of 10

Framed Windows

biophilic room — Credit:
Tomas Pearce Interior Design

“Black window frames have become a striking trend, serving to frame outdoor views—much like a painting,” says Tania Richardson, founder of Tomas Pearce Interior Design. This design choice transforms views into artistic focal points, emphasizing the natural scenery and introducing clean, bold lines. Whether in a modern build or a traditional home, black frames add a sophisticated, contemporary touch that enhances the connection between indoors and out.

06 of 10

Spa-Like Surfaces

white room with cabinet — Credit:
Westlake Royal Building Products

Biophilic design encourages us to "embrace the use of natural elements within our homes, rather than anesthetizing and homogenizing our interior spaces," says Sarah Lograsso, director of marketing and product management at Westlake Royal Building Products. Luxury spas inspire this approach and use stone and wood for their calming effect. At home, this translates to sustainably manufactured surfaces like wood and stone veneer, botanical wallpapers, or even nature-inspired murals.

07 of 10

Light From Above

A marble bathroom with skylight and natural wood accents — Credit:
Jim Houston

Incorporating skylights brings natural light directly into spaces, offering all-day sun exposure that most wall windows can’t capture. “In this bathroom remodel, the use of sliced river rock on the floor juxtaposed with the natural light filtering down from the skylight presents a serene space,” says Mirro. The river rock adds a non-slip texture, while walnut and bamboo accents create a warm contrast to the natural stone walls.

08 of 10

Plenty of Plants

biophilic cabinets — Credit:
GALA MAGRIÑA

“If you can’t get outside, bringing nature indoors is the next best thing,” says designer Gala Magriña. Styling with plants not only enhances your space but also promotes cleaner and healthier air. “A few of my air-filtering, superstar go-to's include lady palms and dragon trees, but snake plants and pothos are other great options."

09 of 10

Layered Lighting

a stone bathroom with greenery — Credit:
Christine Jahan Designs

“Flood your space with natural sunlight if you can. If not, fake it,” says interior designer Christine Jahan. She recommends using bulbs with a soft, warm glow to create an inviting, refreshing atmosphere. In this bathroom, the trifecta of natural light, sconces, and uplighting creates a bright, open, and energized sanctuary.

10 of 10

Flower Power

floral wallpaper in a room with a painting — Credit:
The Flower Hunter

Bring nature indoors effortlessly with the timeless charm of botanical prints and patterns. Whether bold or delicate, these designs add a touch of biophilic beauty to any space. In this dreamy English home, the Amelie wallpaper collection by The Flower Hunter transforms the walls into a serene, nature-inspired canvas.