Designing with Nature: Creating Calm with Biophilic Elements

Biophilic design may be a term you’ve heard floating around the interior design world lately but what doe sit actually mean and how can you use it to enhance your spaces and wellbeing?

Well firstly let’s get a good definition on hand: 'Biophilic interior design integrates natural elements and patterns into indoor spaces to create a deeper connection between humans and nature’, bit of a mouthful eh? In simple terms it’s all about bringing the outside in to boost your mood, which handily is a concept backed by science!

Natural light, plants and greenery, water and natural materials, textures and colours all fall under what we call ‘biophilic design’ when talking in terms of interior design. Below I’ve listed some practical tips on getting the look and feel of biophilia within your sanctuary and what benefits it could bring to you.

Mirrors that reflect light around your room can increase the amount of natural light your room receives. Larger mirrors will, of course, reflect more light but if you’re tight on space, using strategically placed small mirrors can help sunlight dance through your space throughout the day.

Natural light helps to regulate your circadian rhythm which in turn improves your mood and energy levels which all support better mental and physical health, making it a great addition to your space.

Layer your curtains, using sheer drapes during the day. Not only will this look create an inviting, luxe window treatment but also allow the natural light to diffuse through evenly within your space which can help reduce eyestrain and glare on surfaces – a perfect addition to your WFH set up.

Bring in some greenery in the form of house plants to improve the air quality and to lower stress levels. An added bonus of houseplants is having that reason to build a mindful practice around caring for them, providing you with a daily opportunity to shift your focus onto connecting with your space and nature.

If you’re like me and have a cat that munches on any plant within paws’ reach, faux plants and greenery are a great alternative. While they may not offer all the benefits of real plants, they still create a calming atmosphere through their colour and texture. Green is known for bringing a sense of calm and tranquillity, it’s even been shown in studies to reduce your heart rate and decrease anxiety symptoms, making it a perfect addition to any space.

Did you know you can buy budget-friendly indoor water features? I didn’t until recently! The sound of flowing water is one of the most calming noises known to humankind, and within the calm ambience it creates you’ll find it can help boost focus, productivity, and even improve air quality.

While adding a water feature indoors might seem a bit unconventional, trust me—it’s a unique and visually appealing addition to any room. Many of the water features I have come across are compact enough to sit on a tabletop, making them perfect for spaces like hallways, home offices, or yoga rooms…

Biophilic design isn’t just about bringing nature in its original form indoors—it’s also about incorporating natural materials, textures, and colours into your space. When adopted within a space you’ll instantly feel the grounding atmosphere that it surrounds you with.

Earthy tones like greens, browns, and soft neutrals promote relaxation and reduce stress making them great base colours for your walls and larger furniture pieces. A mentioned before, research has shown that these colours can lower heart rates, reduce anxiety, and help create a more peaceful environment. If a full redesign isn’t on the cards or you’re renting, adding accessories and accents with natural textures, which engage our sensory needs positively, can still bring that calming, biophilic vibe without the need for a major overhaul.

These are just a few simple ways to get all the feel-goodness from nature even when you're not directly in it!

If you try any of these tips, share them with us on Instagram @Riley_Interiors