How to Bring a Biophilic Design to Your Home

Nothing brightens up the day more than a bouquet of fresh flowers, but how can we spread this soothing appeal throughout the home? 

Well, let us introduce you to biophilic design! All about the florals and natural hues, a biophilic style brings the joy of summer-time picnics and the calming nature of blooming flowers in spring right to your home – simple yet stunning!

Ready to don your DIY clothes and kit out your space with this soothing style? Check out our 10 biophilic interior design tips, below.

What is a biophilic design?

Before we explore how to bring this gorgeous design to your own home, let’s first take a look at what a biophilic interior design is. 

We searched the internet for the best definition, and we found that ‘biophilic’ means: the inborn affinity humans have for forms of nature. Put simply? It’s all about embracing nature. 

But what does this mean for interior design? Well, a biophilic design interior seeks to bring the outdoors indoors. You get all the relaxation of a summer evening stroll in the park - and all the beauty of a spring garden in bloom - but from the comfort of your very own home. 

So, get ready to explore all things floral and delve into stunning natural furniture choices, as we’ll be getting in touch with our inner outdoorsy person with this décor style. 

How can I bring a biophilic design to my home?

1. Set the scene with the walls

Let’s get the walls sorted first, as that’ll help us when it comes to picking matching furniture pieces later on. 

If you prefer a more minimalistic look, then there are plenty of paint colours that work wonderfully for a biophilic design. Take a leafy green, sunflower yellow, or soothing lavender hue, and give your walls a fresh lick of paint with a biophilic approved shade!

Looking for something a bit more vibrant? Well, then a wall or two boasting floral prints is the way to go. Simply choose a matching paint colour you like for the walls, then go in with wallpaper featuring leaves, vines, and flowers on the rest – just gorgeous! 

2. Let in natural light

One of our favourite parts of biophilic interior design is how it encourages you to open up your space with natural light. 

Of course, you can do this by simply opening your blinds or curtains, letting all that golden sunlight in to brighten up your space. But what if your studio apartment has small windows that don’t lend a hand to bringing in light? Don’t worry, we’ve got ideas for this too. 

You can use a sun lamp to mimic the warmth of natural sunlight. Place this on a bookcase and point it towards the wall or pop it behind your bed and direct it to the ceiling for the best effect. Mirrors are also great for helping spread what natural light you do have around the room. Place these opposite windows and watch as your room opens up!

3. Introduce plants throughout

Naturally, you’ll want to have plants in your biophilic interior design, so let’s take a look at some of the best low maintenance ones to go for. 

Going for a funky vibe? Then a cactus is just the plant you’re looking for. With a quirky look and super simple care instructions, cacti are perfect for a biophilic design. Just pop it in a sunny area and water every two weeks – simple! 

For a more ethereal, whimsical appeal, a String of Hearts is the way to go. Place these on higher surfaces like bookcases or sideboards, and let the leaves delicately dangle down the side. Water every 1-2 weeks and keep them out of direct sunlight to care for them.

4. Decorate tables with flowers

From greenery to florals! A biophilic design is the perfect chance to treat yourself and your home to some fresh flowers. 

You can grab a bunch of your favourites, whether that be vibrant red roses or gentle daffodils. Then, place them in a vase filled with water, before popping them on empty counter tops to spruce up your home. 

If you’re looking for a more evergreen (excuse the pun) way to get flowers into your home, then faux flowers are the way to go! You can go for a more realistic approach with fake plastic flowers or opt for a contemporary chic approach with a knitted bunch of flowers. 

5. Pick up floral bedding

Bedding is one super simple, ultra cosy, way to bring the biophilic design to your bedroom space. 

Of course, floral prints are the best option here, and we’ve plenty to choose from in our duvet cover collection. You can find designs featuring blue, pink, or green flowers to suit your chosen colour palette - you’ll even find ones with a range of flowers printed too! 

But if a printed duvet isn’t quite your style, then there’s nothing wrong with simply choosing a block colour to match the biophilic style instead. We’re talking a rose pink, lavender purple, or grass green duvet to cosy up under come nighttime.

6. Choose a matching sofa

As the focal point of your living room, getting a sofa that suits your biophilic interior design is really the cherry on top of the proverbial cake here. So, let’s find yours!

You can go for a sofa in a neutral hue with the likes of beige, white, or black, as that’ll make it easier to dress up later. But don’t be afraid to go all out with a vibrant sofa if that’s more to your liking! Orange, purple, yellow, all of these hues are perfect for this décor style too. 

Now we can now look at accessories to jazz your sofa up a bit. A throw delicately draped over the arm not only gives you a cosy place to get warm during winter but also adds chic appeal. Cushions are also great style additions here. Simply plump them up, layer them on your sofa, and let them work their magic!

7. Add gold accents

Golden, just like the sun! Adding flecks of this warming, vibrant hue throughout your biophilic design interior is an easy way to add depth to your space. 

One of our favourite ways to do this is with gold photo frames. Just print off some photos you like – might we suggest ones of friends or family for a wholesome touch - then pop them in golden frames. Lastly, simply place these on empty surfaces, like open shelving, or hang them on the wall throughout your home. 

If your idea of a relaxing evening is sinking into the sofa and losing yourself in your latest bookstore find, then this idea is for you – golden lamps! Just pick up a table lamp with a gold stand, pop it on your side table, and watch as both your book and décor are illuminated! 

8. Use natural furniture

It’s not just about the floral prints and hues with a biophilic design, as natural furniture pieces achieve this look just as well. 

Every living room needs a coffee table to place that steamy brew down in between soothing sips, and a natural oak design is perfect here. We’re talking soft beige or rich brown, just make sure to pick up some coasters to protect your table from heat and water marks. 

But of course, you’ll also need a place to pop your TV – enter our TV units! Not only do our natural oak units suit this décor to a T, but we also have options with built in storage to keep all those console and board games safe.

9. Dress your table for the theme

Are you an avid dinner party host? Well, then you’ll want to dress your dining table to match your new biophilic design too! 

There are table cloths that not only complete your décor but also keep your table protected from spills. With a chic picnic blanket aesthetic, our Gabriella green gingham table cloths are perfect here. Simply drape it over your table and watch as your dining table goes from the everyday to biophilic bliss in an instant. 

You can even find placemats and coasters as well! Go for a matching gingham look or switch it up a bit with matching styles. We’re talking styles featuring printed lemons for a quirky look or plain, neutral beige options for those who prefer to take it back to basics.

10. Don’t forget the accessories

Accessories are the best way to add the finishing touches to your biophilic interior design and there are plenty to explore! 

We just love the look of a chunky, fluffy rug placed in front of your sofa. You can go for a neutral hue like grey or cream as that’s sure to match the rest of your décor. But if you want a bit of eye-catching contrast, then take a look at our range of printed rugs. 

It doesn’t just stop there though, as there are the likes of ornaments and doormats too, all just waiting to complete your décor. All you need to do is select the pieces that speak to you and your new décor style too - it’s that simple. 

Now you know what biophilic means and how to create a biophilic design, you can find the perfect pieces to complete it in your own home with our English Garden collection. 

Alternatively, you might be on the lookout for some tips to keep your new home in tip top shape. So, from how to clean a velvet sofa or fabric sofa to how often to wash your bedding, head over to our inspiration page.