Written by Donna Jean Gonzales

Now that Biophilic Design has gone from a niche architectural idea to a mainstream concept, it’s a good time for designers and clients to address creative ways to incorporate this idea in today’s living and work spaces.  At it’s core, Biophilic Design reconnects people with nature – not in a vague, poetic sense, but through intentional design choices that improve well-being, comfort and even productivity.  Since so many of us spend most of our time indoors, isn’t it refreshing to finally bring nature back into the home making it not only pleasing but healthier?

So what is Biophilic Design? It is the practice of integrating natural elements such as greenery, live plants, exotic woods, forest murals or wallpapers depicting the great outdoors, natural lighting and organic textiles into the living or work space to support physical and emotional wellness.  Biophilic design isn’t just a trend — it’s a return to something deeply human. By intentionally weaving natural elements into our living spaces, we create environments that feel restorative, grounded, and alive. 

Research shows that exposure to these natural elements can:  

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve cognitive function and creativity
• Enhance mood and overall well-being
• Support healthier indoor air quality

And those are things most of us want and need, yes? So here are some wonderful ways to bring biophilic design into your home. 

Maximize Natural Light:  Let the sunshine in at the most biologically opportune times, for the early morning wake up and the late afternoon pick-me-up.  Healing InfraRed wavelengths from the early morning sun are the most effective for influencing positive moods, a healthy cellular response, and an inspiring start to your day.   If you’re renovating your home or building a new one, pay particular attention to window and door placement, and how it will allow for the most natural light possible.   If natural light is limited, use warm diffused lighting that mimics the sun’s glow. 

Add Greenery and Living Plants:  Did you know that plants are nature’s free air purifiers?  Not only that, they provide a good amount of oxygen, add color and texture, create a sense of vitality, and are prime motivation for meditation and a peaceful retreat (depending on their location and type).  If you don’t have that green thumb, no worries: even faux silks and greens that are well-placed add to a calming  and peaceful environment.   Whether live or fake, greenery enhances in all shapes and sizes - in tall floor plants, trailing vines, tabletop succulents or living moss walls.

Accessorize with Natural Materials:  Incorporate materials like wood, stone, marble, clay, shells, rattan and linen.  These textures add warmth and authenticity that synthetic materials can’t replicate.  Even small touches - like a natural Onyx bowl, a linen-wrapped box in the middle of a coffee table, artisan clay pots on the bookshelf or natural jute rug can make a difference.   All of our designers here at Indigo Blooms can help you easily accessorize with quality biophilic elements that are not only visually pleasing but add to a healthy home.

Incorporate Water and Sound:  If you can’t have a fountain or aquarium, consider subtle soundscapes from an application on your TV/Phone/laptop or separate soundscape instruments:  gentle water sounds, rustling leaves or birdsong. These can be programmed at certain times of the day to encourage peace, inspire ideas, or prepare for sleep.  

Introduce Nature-Inspired Colors:  Earthy tones like moss green, terracotta, sand, and sky blue evoke calm and connection, but the biophilic palette extends far beyond those basics. Think of sage, olive, and fern green for a soft, restorative feel; warm ochre, burnt sienna, and rust for a sun‑baked, grounding warmth; or soft clay pink, warm taupe, and driftwood gray for a more muted, coastal‑natural vibe. Cooler hues like misty blue, deep teal, and stormy slate can bring in the serenity of water and sky.  You don’t need to repaint your entire home to feel the shift — even small touches can transform the atmosphere.  Our designers are also color consultants and can happily provide color boards and large paint samples to try out in your own space. We can work with your envisioning using subtle color cues to help you feel more connected to the natural world without overwhelming your existing décor.

Natural Textiles: One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to bring biophilic design into the home is through incorporating natural textiles. Materials like organic cotton, linen, wool, and silk carry the subtle irregularities, breathability, and tactile richness that only nature can provide. Unlike synthetic fabrics, these fibers age beautifully, soften over time, and create a sensory connection to the natural world through texture, movement, and even scent. Layering natural textiles into upholstery, drapery, bedding, and pillows invites warmth and authenticity into a space.

These are just a few of the ways to incorporate Biophilic Design into your Home, but we can add so much more.  And know that it’s not about perfection or following rules!  It’s about tuning in to what makes you feel grounded and alive.  Indigo Blooms designers can help you create a space that feels like that sanctuary you’ve dreamed of – the place where you can exhale, recharge and reconnect.