10 Easy Ways to Add Biophilic Design to Your Home

In today’s fast-paced, screen-saturated world, more people are looking for ways to create calm, restorative spaces at home. That’s where biophilic design comes in. Rooted in the idea that humans thrive when surrounded by nature, this design philosophy invites the outdoors inside—improving mood, boosting productivity, and making your home feel more alive.

The best part? You don’t need a complete renovation or a big budget to embrace this trend. These 10 easy, affordable biophilic design ideas will help create a space that feels grounded, fresh, and connected to the natural world.

1: Add Living Plants to Every Room

Biophilic design starts with greenery. From a simple pothos trailing down a shelf to a statement fiddle-leaf fig in the corner, plants breathe literal life into a space. Not only do they purify the air, but they also reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being.

Don't have a green thumb? That's okay. Plenty of plants require minimal upkeep or are easy to learn to maintain. You've got this!

Pro tip: Mix plant types! Use hanging baskets, tabletop succulents, and tall floor plants for depth and visual interest. Even one leafy plant in a room can instantly shift the energy.

2: Let Natural Light In

A favorite biophilic lighting tip: open those curtains! Maximizing natural light is one of the most effective ways to create a more uplifting, biophilic environment. It helps regulate your circadian rhythm, boosts vitamin D levels, and makes any room feel more expansive.

Swapping heavy drapes for linen panels, adding reflective surfaces like mirrors, and keeping your windows clean and clear can make your home feel brighter and more connected to the outdoors. I'm a huge fan of linen curtains that let the light in!

Pro tip: If natural light is limited, invest in warm-spectrum LED bulbs or daylight lamps to mimic the sun's glow. Many people are learning to utilize lighting for wellness, improving their moods, sleep patterns, and overall well-being.

3: Incorporate Natural Materials

Natural materials in home decor help ground your space and foster a feeling of harmony. Choose pieces made from rattan, jute, clay, reclaimed wood, cork, and bamboo to create subtle texture and visual warmth. Biophilic textures are the best because they remind you of nature!

Whether a rustic wood coffee table or a handwoven wall hanging, these elements add depth and create a tangible connection to the natural world. Bonus points if your selections are sustainably sourced!

Here are some sustainable decor trends to try:

• A jute rug under your coffee table
• A wooden stool beside the tub
• Rattan pendant lighting in the dining room

4: Bring in Water Features

Talk about calming home decor! Water soothes the nervous system and adds peaceful energy to a space. You don’t need a koi pond—a tabletop fountain, wall-mounted waterfall, or small indoor water bowl does the trick. Adding a small water feature to your space can lower stress levels and promote relaxation.

Tabletop fountains are affordable and compact, perfect for desks or side tables. If you have more room, a wall-mounted waterfall or aquarium can be a soothing centerpiece in a living or dining area.

5: Use Nature-Inspired Art

Can’t add more plants or views of the outdoors? Enter earthy home decor, but make it art! Botanical prints, abstract landscapes, and textured wall hangings inspired by organic forms can all support a biophilic atmosphere.

Art not only reflects your style—it also affects your emotions. Choose visuals that evoke calm, curiosity, or connection to something larger than yourself. From framed botanical wall art or prints to photography of landscapes and abstract paintings in earthy tones, art is a powerful way to reference nature.

6: Create a Nature Nook

Designate a corner in your home for quiet time—ideally near a window with good light and a view of the sky or greenery. This space can be your sanctuary for reading, meditating, journaling, or simply sitting still.

Add a cozy chair, soft throw, live plant, and a diffuser with calming essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus. Your mindfulness nook doesn’t need to be big—just intentional. Use it for reading, journaling, or simply being.

7: Go for Earthy Color Palettes

The colors you surround yourself with have a tangible impact on your mood. Biophilic design favors earthy tones like sage green, terracotta, clay, beige, stone, and soft blues—colors that mimic nature's palette.

These hues create a sense of calm and stability while still allowing for creativity. Try painting an accent wall in relaxing colors, swapping out cushion covers, or adding ceramics in these grounding earth tones.

Try these ideas:

• A clay-colored accent wall
• Sage green throw pillows
• Terracotta planters or dinnerware

8: Style with Organic Shapes and Textures

Nature isn’t perfect—and that’s the point! Nature is full of items with natural curves, uneven edges, and handmade textures. Think stoneware mugs, wavy mirrors, and handwoven baskets.

Choose decor that leans into this irregular beauty: wavy mirrors, curved sofas, hand-thrown pottery, and imperfect textiles. These pieces feel more human and lived-in, often bringing more soul to a space than mass-produced, perfectly symmetrical decor ever could.

9: Choose Biophilic Furniture

Look for furniture made with natural materials and eco-conscious finishes. Natural wooden coffee tables, bamboo chairs, or recycled wood bookshelves add a story and soul to your space.

Furniture is one of the biggest opportunities to incorporate biophilic design principles into your home. Opt for items made from natural materials and finished with eco-conscious stains or paints. The texture and patina of natural wood especially create a sense of timelessness.

Look for clean lines, minimal processing, and materials that age gracefully. Even one beautifully made wood bench or bamboo coffee table can elevate a space.

10: Engage the Senses

Biophilic design isn’t just about what you see—it’s about how your home feels, smells, and sounds. Think soft, natural fabrics underfoot, essential oils that remind you of the forest, or ambient soundtracks featuring birdsong, wind, or flowing water.

Sensory home design can help you create a space that feels calming. From relaxing textures to calming scents, when your environment speaks to all your senses, you naturally feel more connected and grounded, just like you would outdoors.

Try these holistic sensory decor ideas:

• A nature sound playlist (think birdsong or ocean waves)
• Essential oils like eucalyptus or cedar
• Cozy textures like wool, cotton, and linen

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Think Naturally

You don’t need a big budget or a designer to bring biophilic beauty into your home, especially when shopping on Spoken. Even small steps—like moving your favorite plant into your workspace or lighting a nature-scented candle—can make a noticeable difference in how your home supports your well-being.

Whether you’re in a high-rise apartment or a cozy bungalow, there’s always a way to bring more nature in. We hope these ideas have helped you find the best ways to add more natural beauty to your favorite spaces. As always, happy decorating!

Bonus: Biophilic Decor Finds We Love from World Market

World Market has so many spring styles that we love for globally-inspired homes. World Market's collection of sustainable and biophilic trends will add that organic, global aesthetic you've been dreaming of!

• Rattan hanging planters – Lightweight, charming, and perfect for herbs or trailing greenery
• Mango wood side tables – Earthy, elegant, and functional
• Terracotta candleholders – For a warm, grounding glow
• Woven baskets – Great for storage with texture
• Linen curtain panels – Soft, breathable, and light-enhancing

Want to shop our favorite picks? [Find Spoken's best World Market deals here!]

FAQ About Biophilic Design

Q: What is biophilic design?
A: It’s a design philosophy that incorporates natural elements into your home to improve mental and physical well-being.

Q: Do I need a big budget for biophilic design?
A: Not at all! Many elements—like plants, natural light, and thrifted wood furniture—are low-cost and high-impact.

Q: Can I use biophilic design in a small space?
A: Absolutely! Even a few plants, a small water feature, or earthy tones can make a big difference in a small apartment or studio.