10 Biophilic Design Principles to Reconnect and Ground Your Space

You’ve seen it featured on design shows and even highlighted as a standout feature of your new dining table, but what is biophilic design?

Coined by psychoanalyst Erich Fromm in 1973, biophilia highlights humanity's intrinsic desire to connect with nature—a realisation that surfaced as we moved into urban environments, distancing ourselves from the natural world.

Biophilic design brings nature into our living spaces, seamlessly blending the organic with the built environment. Green spaces require no focused attention, offering a sensory escape that alleviates mental fatigue and pulls us out of autopilot mode.

With approximately 84.64% of the UK population now living in urban areas, it's no wonder the movement to "bring the outdoors in" is reshaping interior design trends. Incorporating natural elements indoors supports psychological and physiological well-being, transforming sterile spaces into dynamic, engaging environments.

If your home feels out of sync with nature, join us as we delve into 10 biophilic design principles that can help restore that essential bond.

Simple, but ever so effective, introducing plants into your home is one of the easiest and most direct ways to incorporate biophilic design into your space and reconnect with the natural world. Simply assess what kind of light is in each room and tailor the plants you choose to suit the conditions. 

Mimicking your plant's natural environment helps it thrive and, in turn, lessens the degree of separation you may feel from the outside world. Some benefits of indoor plants include stress reduction, increased productivity, and air purification.

Smell is undoubtedly one of our most powerful senses, yet our predominantly modern, indoor lives often overlook our sense of smell. Whether through a diffuser, incense, or natural cleaning products, opt for aromas that reflect the outdoors. While candles and reed diffusers can add dimension to your space, ensure they're made from natural or non-toxic ingredients to fully harness the benefits of biophilic design.

Unsure which scent suits your space? Let nature guide you—explore your surroundings and draw inspiration from native plants and seasonal blooms. This helps your home feel harmoniously connected to its environment and fosters a more profound sense of calm.

Studies by Glass et al. highlight the cognitive and emotional benefits of biophilic scents, showing improved focus and general well-being. So why not experiment with essential oil therapy and let nature work its magic indoors?

Much like scent, sound is a biophilic design principle that bypasses our conscious mind, directly influencing the brain and subtly shaping our mood and emotions.

When was the last time you listened to the soothing ebb and flow of waves or simply opened a window to let the raw sounds of the outdoors in? After a busy day, it’s easy to drop your bags and plop onto the sofa for a Netflix binge. But before hitting play, consider taking a few moments to unwind with the calming sounds of nature.

Sound has long been a trusted remedy for anxiety, gently grounding us in the present moment. By introducing these organic soundscapes into your home, you can bridge the gap between the natural environments our ancestors thrived in and the urban spaces we now inhabit, quieting the mechanical hum of modern life.

So, why not give it a try? Whether it's streaming nature sounds or simply letting the outdoors fill your space, this simple act can transform your atmosphere and calm your mind.

Sunlight and fresh air are two natural elements that work harmoniously to rejuvenate the body and mind, and are simple ways to improve your home’s biophilic design awareness. Sunlight, nature’s most potent healing force, has been shown to boost mood, increase energy, and improve cognitive function by stimulating serotonin production. It also regulates our circadian rhythm, enhancing sleep quality and overall well-being. To bring this energy indoors, simply open a window to let the light in or leave your blinds slightly ajar to wake naturally with the sun.

However, depending on the season or your daily routine, sunlight isn’t always easily accessible. On dreary winter mornings or overcast days, experiencing the full benefits of natural light can feel elusive. A sunrise alarm clock, which mimics the gradual increase of sunlight, can help recreate the calming effects of a natural sunrise, even on the gloomiest mornings.

Similarly, fresh air acts as an essential grounding force. If the weather allows, opt for open windows and fans instead of air conditioning to engage a biophilic atmosphere and help improve the quality of your space. The natural breeze not only invigorates your surroundings but also benefits plants, especially those like the temperamental Fiddle Leaf Fig, which thrive with a touch of air movement. In urban environments, where airflow can be obstructed, an air purifier can further enhance your indoor environment by filtering out toxins and improving air quality. Together, sunlight and fresh air create a holistic and revitalising atmosphere that nurtures well-being.

Often the most overlooked element within biophilic design interiors, water is incredibly therapeutic for both the mind and body. Its sound, movement, and visual appeal have a profound calming effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety with its gentle, repetitive rhythm. Rain sounds, in particular, typically fall within the frequency range of 1 to 5 Hz, which is known to induce relaxation and even meditative states. These low-frequency sounds mimic the brain's natural alpha waves (around 8-12 Hz), which are associated with calmness and mental clarity.

Whether you listen to rain while unwinding, install a water feature, or swap your shower head out for a rain shower head for a fully immersive experience, bringing the soothing effects of rainfall into your home will undoubtedly enhance the tranquillity of your space.

In colour psychology, green is considered one of the most calming and energising hues—a perception rooted in our deep connection to nature. Incorporating green tones into your biophilic design interiors subtly evokes the tranquillity of the outdoors. If green isn't your preference, draw inspiration from your favourite natural setting—whether it's a serene beach, a blooming meadow, or a radiant sunset—and weave those hues throughout your space!

Shape plays a crucial role in bringing biophilic design to life. The natural world rarely features perfect, angular forms, so incorporating curved, organic shapes into your space can create a soothing atmosphere for the mind. It can be as grand as infusing biophilic design architecture through curved windows, archways, and pillars, or for a simpler approach, pepper some hand-crafted ceramics or curved mirrors around the home.

Texture is another vital element in biophilic design. Nature is inherently tactile, captivating us through its diverse textures. Even without touch, textured objects visually stimulate the senses through shadows and depth. Whether it's a plush rug reminiscent of a grassy field or a slate stone wall mirroring the ancient strata of a cliffside, layering textures bring an organic vibrancy into your living space.

Our Namika Reeded Collection embodies the essence of unexpected tactility. It features undulating grooves that invite moments of sensory engagement in everyday touchpoints. For a biophilic design kitchen, our Namika Kitchen Mixer brings a fresh twist to the popular Elysian design. With its delicate grooves, it introduces a subtle yet distinctive texture, offering a refined connection to nature in your space.

For a biophilic design bathroom, consider opting for our Namika Assembly Taps or Single Towel Rail for subtle nods to texture.

Research suggests that viewing images of the natural world can help reduce stress. In fact, studies have shown that patients in hospitals who were exposed to nature scenes recovered more quickly than those who weren't.

If you're nestled in the heart of the city, framing biophilia isn't as simple as looking out of a window. If buildings dominate your view, but you're eager to infuse your space with natural elements, look to photographers and artists who bring nature to life through their work. Their creations can help you invite the outdoors, even when the urban landscape surrounds you.

The furniture you select is key in bringing biophilic design into your home. Opting for pieces crafted from natural materials such as wood, stone, or rattan brings a touch of the outdoors inside and enhances the overall connection between your living space and nature. 

The less processed a product is, the more it retains its organic essence, fostering a stronger sense of biophilic presence in your home. Whether it's a reclaimed wooden coffee table, a stone accent piece, or a rattan chair, these natural materials imbue your space with warmth, texture, and authenticity, creating a harmonious atmosphere that feels in tune with the natural world.

At ABI Interiors, we offer a curated selection of products that effortlessly integrate biophilic design principles into your home. From the tactile beauty of our Namika Reeded Collection to the raw elegance of our concrete basins, there are plenty of options to elevate and ground your space.

For additional inspiration on designing to match your mood, explore these titles:

7 Dopamine Interior Design Tips to Create Joy at Home

6 Ways to Incorporate Curves Into Your Kitchen

How to Choose Calming Colours in Interior Design