The Impact of Biophilic Design on Health & Well-being in Modern Homes

How do you feel when you're outdoors—more alive, more at ease? Our connection to nature has a profound effect on our well-being. It refreshes us, lowers stress, and allows us to think more clearly about our lives.

The spaces we live and work in have a huge impact on how we feel. When we lack

visual and physical connections to the natural world—such as when we’re in

windowless, featureless rooms—many of us experience boredom, fatigue, and even heightened stress levels. The pandemic brought this into sharp focus, with demand for homes with outdoor space soaring as people sought to reconnect with nature.

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is an architectural and interior design approach that seamlessly

integrates nature into the built environment, creating a sense of harmony between our indoor spaces and the natural world. It’s about more than just adding

plants—biophilic design embraces natural materials, abundant light, greenery, and

organic textures to enhance well-being, happiness, and productivity in the home.

The Well-being Benefits of Biophilic Design Bringing nature into our living spaces can significantly improve our mental and physical health. Here’s how:

• Reduced Stress

Natural elements like plants, water features, and maximized natural light help

to lower stress and create a soothing atmosphere. A biophilic green wall can

be a beautiful focal point, bringing the calming effects of nature indoors.

• Improved Mental Health

Studies show that reconnecting with nature reduces anxiety, depression, and

feelings of isolation. Simple additions like biophilic wall art, natural wood

finishes, or textured fabrics help create a sense of calm and mindfulness in

your home.

• Enhanced Cognitive Function

Exposure to natural environments has been linked to better concentration,

memory, and creativity. Designing a biophilic home office—with plenty of

natural light and organic textures—can boost productivity and inspiration.

• Better Physical Health

Access to nature has been shown to lower blood pressure, strengthen the

immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. By incorporating

natural materials and improving airflow, biophilic design enhances overall

health and well-being.

• Boosted Productivity

Biophilic design isn’t just for residential spaces—it’s a game-changer for work

environments too. Offices that incorporate natural light, plants, and organic

materials see increased focus, energy, and motivation.

How to Bring Biophilic Design into Your Home

You don’t need to undertake a full renovation to enjoy the benefits of biophilic design. Small changes can make a big difference:

• Introduce More Plants

One of the easiest ways to bring nature inside, plants purify the air and create

a calming atmosphere. Popular low-maintenance choices include pothos

vines, spider plants, areca palms, and money plants.

• Use Natural Materials

Incorporate wood, stone, and marble to add texture and warmth. Wooden

floors, stone dining tables, or handcrafted ceramics can introduce organic

elements to your space.

• Maximise Natural Light

Larger windows are a great investment, but simple tricks like using mirrors to

reflect daylight can brighten your home and support a healthy circadian

rhythm, improving sleep and mood.

• Embrace Earthy Colour Palettes

Colours inspired by nature—deep greens, warm browns, and terracotta

reds—can make a space feel grounded and inviting. Consider textiles,

artwork, or wallpaper with organic patterns to reinforce the biophilic effect.

Transform Your Home, Transform Your Well-beingBiophilic design has the power to completely change the way we experience our homes. By weaving natural elements into our spaces, we create interiors that are not only visually beautiful but also supportive of our health, mood, and daily life.

Ready to embrace biophilic design in your home? Start small, experiment with

natural materials, and watch as your space becomes a sanctuary of calm, comfort,

and connection to nature, alternatively contact us at noordinaryhouse@gmail.com to start a discussion.