Biophilic design beyond houseplants: Reimagining nature-inspired spaces

When people think of biophilic design, they often picture lush houseplants – leaves, vines, and greenery in every corner. But biophilic design goes far beyond that. It describes a design that connects us with nature in a variety of ways: through light, materials, surfaces, shadows, and forms.

Even small details can significantly change how a room feels – often without us consciously noticing. Thinking beyond plants can transform your home into an environment that feels calmer, more natural, and more sensual.

The magic of natural light and shadow

Natural light is one of the most important factors for our well-being. The interplay of light and shadow that we know from nature – for example, sunbeams filtering through leaves – can be deliberately incorporated into interior spaces.

Large windows, well-planned openings, and carefully controlled lighting create vibrant yet calming spaces. When light sweeps across textured surfaces, it creates subtle shadows and reflections that make a room feel more organic.

How you can implement this principle

• Maximize natural brightness: Choose curtains and Roman blinds that filter light, not block it.
• Utilize reflection: Light walls, natural textiles and strategically placed mirrors enhance daylight.
• Intentionally allow shadows: Woven blinds or textured curtains can create subtle shadows reminiscent of light between branches.

Natural materials: More than just appearance

Biophilic design isn't just about something "looking natural"—it's also about how it feels. Wood, stone, clay, linen, or wool appeal to multiple senses: they look warm, feel alive, and often age beautifully.

The feeling of bare feet on a cool stone floor, the grain of a solid wood table, or the soft texture of a wool carpet – all these are experiences that unconsciously connect us with nature.

How to bring natural materials into your home

• Furniture: Tables, sideboards or chairs made of solid wood instead of purely coated surfaces.
• Floors & surfaces: Parquet, natural stone or exposed concrete with a tangible structure.
• Details: Ceramic vases, baskets made of natural fibers, linen cushions, wool throws.

It is important to leave materials in their original or only slightly refined form so that structure, pores and small irregularities remain visible and tangible.

Textures and patterns reminiscent of nature

Besides genuine natural materials, patterns and surface textures can also create a natural effect. Organic lines, gentle waves, irregular shapes, or subtle leaf and branch motifs bring the feeling of landscape, forest, or water discreetly into the home.

Combined with a calm color palette of sand, stone, moss green or muted blue, this creates an atmosphere that feels grounded and relaxing – without looking like themed decor.

Biophilic design in everyday life: Small steps, big impact

You don't have to completely remodel your home to integrate biophilic elements. Just a few conscious decisions can make a big difference:

• Choose curtains and Roman blinds that softly filter daylight and bring structure to the window.
• Individual pieces of furniture or accessories made of wood, stone, clay or natural fabric complement the design.
• Play with light and shadow – for example, through woven blinds or textured wall surfaces.
• Use colors that evoke landscapes, forests, sky, or earth.

Conclusion: More of a nature feeling than just green plants

Biophilic design doesn't begin with the next houseplant. It manifests itself in lighting, material selection, tactile qualities, and the subtle details we often perceive only subconsciously. Bringing natural textures, plays of light, and organic materials into the home creates an environment that feels calmer, warmer, and more vibrant—and closer to nature.