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What is Biophilic Interior Design?
These days, with tons of technology at our disposal, we spend most of our time indoors. For some, altering their interior design has become a popular way to connect to nature. Biophilic interior design refers to bringing natural elements, like plants, greenery and natural materials, into your surroundings, so that you can feel the power of nature from inside.
Why Create a Biophilic Home Design?
At its core, biophilic design is about more than just aesthetics - it’s about well-being. Studies show that being near nature can help you sleep better, feel happier and stress less. Using plants, maximising natural light and opting for fewer synthetic materials can make your home feel more lively and uplifting.
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7 Best Natural Materials for a Biophilic Interior Design
In this post, we will explore the best materials to consider including in your biophilic interior design and where it's best to use them. So keep reading to explore these 7 ideas.
A Word on Sustainability
To do biophilic interior design right, it's important to first open the conversation of sustainability. As the style is so centred around nature, making eco-conscious choices is an important factor when choosing materials.
Think about where your materials come from and who created them. Were the makers fairly paid and treated? Are the products sourced locally or shipped ethically? Could you opt for items from small businesses or individual sellers?
Consider whether items are refurbished, upcycled, or recycled, to prevent unnecessary waste and give used goods a second home.
Take a moment to reflect on the companies you buy from and their transparency regarding sourcing practices. Ethical companies often display this information and are open to answering questions.
Don't forget to explore platforms like Etsy or eBay for unique, pre-loved, or upcycled items—you may find some true gems!
1: Natural and Organic Fabrics
Fabrics play a major role in your home, from soft furnishings and upholstery to linens and decor. In a biophilic interior design, choosing the fabric materials is essential to creating a natural, harmonious space.
Plant-based fabrics like bamboo and cotton offer a soft, breathable feel, making them perfect for luxurious bed linens, throw pillows and blankets. Linen and hemp are both durable and stylish, ideal for curtains, tablecloths, and kitchen textiles like tea towels.
For grounding textures, jute makes beautiful rugs, while wool provides long-lasting warmth and cosiness for throws and blankets.
Prioritise durability and opt for natural dyes and ethically sourced fabrics to enhance your biophilic design while staying eco-conscious.
2: Natural Woods
Wood is a fundamental element in biophilic interior design, bringing warmth, texture, and a strong connection to nature into your home. Choosing the right type of wood can enhance both the aesthetics and sustainability of the design.
Solid woods like oak, walnut, cedar, and pine are timeless and durable, making them perfect for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. Each wood type has unique qualities—oak is strong and classic, walnut adds rich depth, cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, and pine offers a light, airy feel.
For a more sustainable approach, reclaimed wood brings character and history while reducing environmental impact.
Try to avoid engineered wood, like MDF, where you can. It's processed and lacks the aesthetic, organic grain that solid wood possesses.
3: Stone and Natural Minerals
Stone and natural minerals add unusual textures, strength and, more importantly, a connection to nature, which is vital for biophilic interior design. Marble lends its smooth and polished texture, while granite is strong and comes in various colours and textures. Consider using marble or granite for countertops, flooring, or accent pieces.
Don’t be afraid of blemished or imperfect stone; these natural imperfections add to the material’s organic quality and uniqueness, giving your space an authentic, nature-inspired look.
4: Clay, Terracotta and Brick
These earthy-coloured materials are great additions to biophilic interior designs, offering natural warmth, texture, rustic charm and timeless appeal.
These materials are ideal for flooring, tiles, and decorative accents like plant pots. Terracotta, in particular, is great for adding a Mediterranean or rustic feel to your home. Brick with its weathered and timeless look, is perfect for walls, fireplaces, or as an accent feature in kitchens and living rooms.
5: Cork and Bamboo
Both sustainable and eco-friendly materials, cork and bamboo align perfectly with biophilic interior design.
Cork is light, durable, and has a unique texture that adds warmth and character. It's ideal for decorative accents like coasters and placements, and, being naturally sound-absorbent, it's sometimes used as a wall covering, creating a quieter, more peaceful space.
Bamboo, known for its strength and sustainability, adds an aesthetically pleasing touch to any room. Its light, smooth texture brings an organic feel to furniture, flooring, and even wall panels. Bamboo’s fast growth rate makes it an eco-friendly material, offering both beauty and environmental benefits.
6: Wicker and Rattan
Image Credit: MonsoonVillage | Buy on Etsy
Wicker and rattan are classic natural materials that add organic texture and a laid-back warmth to biophilic interiors.
Wicker is made by weaving plant fibres together, resulting in a lightweight yet durable material ideal for furniture like chairs, tables, and baskets. Its intricate design brings a relaxed elegance.
Rattan, often used in both furniture and decorations, is strong, flexible, and lightweight, making it both functional and stylish. Its natural look complements a range of design styles, from coastal to bohemian.
Both wicker and rattan are sustainable, renewable resources, making them perfect for eco-conscious designs.
7: Glass for Natural Light
Last but not least, a classic biophilic design should have a significant focus on glass. Glass is a powerful material for many reasons, allowing natural light to flood your space and creating an airy, open, and refreshing environment. By incorporating glass into your home, you can connect more with the outdoors and enhance your space with a sense of openness and tranquillity.
If you're doing a complete renovation, consider implementing full glass walls and tall glass doors - they offer unobstructed views of gardens or wildlife, maximising natural light and your connection to the outdoors.
A side note to keep in mind: to maintain the beauty of glass, it’s essential to keep it clean. Regular cleaning ensures that smudges and dust don’t block the flow of natural light, allowing your windows and glass surfaces to keep enhancing the bright atmosphere.
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