Imagine settling onto your sofa and feeling the same deep exhale you get when you're relaxing by the lake. No remodel required—just a few nature-inspired tweaks. Designers call the concept “biophilic design,” but in practice it’s as simple as adding a leafy plant, swapping in a warm-glow bulb, or adding a clay-toned pillow. Spend five minutes on one of these changes and watch both the room—and your mood—soften.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to transform your space using natural textures, colors, lighting, and décor choices inspired by a design approach known as “biophilic design.” (Don’t worry—we’ll explain) Whether you live in a light-filled house or a small city apartment, these tips will help you create a warm, stress-reducing home that supports your well-being. The good news? This type of decorating seamlessly blends with every style from traditional to boho-chic with minimal effort. Plus, once you start, you'll instantly feel the benefits and will naturally find more ways to incorporate it within your space.
What Is Biophilic Design—and Why Should You Care?
Biophilic design (from the Greek bios = life, philia = love) literally means “love of life.” In modern interior design, it’s about bringing the calming essence of nature indoors—not just for aesthetics, but for your mental and physical health.
Think: cozy corners filled with greenery, natural light that follows the rhythm of the day, soft earthy textures, and flowing layouts that mimic the movement of outdoor spaces.
Why it matters: Studies show that spaces designed with natural elements reduce stress, improve focus, enhance creativity, and even lower blood pressure. Who wouldn't want that? In fact, hospitals, schools, and workplaces have been using biophilic principles to boost well-being for years.
✅ Mental Health Benefits
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Reduced stress and anxiety: Nature views and elements lower cortisol (the stress hormone).
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Improved mood and emotional balance : Natural light and greenery have antidepressant-like effects.
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Boosted cognitive performance: Studies show better concentration and memory retention in nature-rich environments.
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Enhanced creativity: Curved, organic shapes and natural textures stimulate creative thinking.
✅ Physical Health Benefits
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Better sleep quality: Light that mimics natural daylight supports deeper, more consistent sleep patterns.
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Improved air quality: Certain houseplants remove toxins and regulate humidity.
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Lower blood pressure and heart rate: Visual exposure to natural environments is shown to calm the nervous system.
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Reduced eye strain and fatigue: Natural light and earthy colors soften visual load and support screen-heavy lifestyles.
Pro Tip: Place one leafy plant (real or high-quality faux) within 6 feet of wherever you sit the longest—desk, sofa, or bedside table. That single move delivers four wins at once: lower cortisol, cleaner air, softer visual focus, and a tiny creativity boost every time your eyes land on green.
1. Use Natural Materials to Create Warmth 🌿
Bringing nature indoors starts with the surfaces you see and touch every day. Natural materials add warmth, texture, and authenticity to your space.
Try incorporating:
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Wood & Bamboo: Coffee tables, shelving, chairs, or light fixtures.
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Stone & Concrete: Planters, countertops, tabletops, or wall accents.
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Linen, Cotton & Leather: Curtains, throws, cushions, and upholstery made from natural, breathable fabrics.
Pro Tip: If real wood or stone is out of budget, look for high-quality veneer or textured finishes that mimic the real thing.
Layering natural materials like a leather sofa, wood cocktail table, and linen throw creates a grounded, biophilic living space that feels both warm and inviting.
2. Add Greenery—Even If You Don’t Have a Green Thumb 🌱
Plants don’t just look good—they clean the air, reduce toxins, and boost your mood. And yes, you can enjoy their benefits even in low-light or small spaces.
Try:
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Snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants are low-maintenance and visually striking—but they’re not pet-safe. If you have cats or dogs, consider safer alternatives like spider plants, calatheas, or parlor palms.
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High-quality artificial greenery or dried stems like pampas grass or palm leaves—still get the mood boost without the maintenance.
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Hanging planters, vertical wall gardens, or mini herb gardens near the kitchen window.
Pro Tip: Even framed botanical prints or nature photography can offer some of the calming effects of greenery.
Linen textures of this Furniture Mall Direct sofa and earth toned accessories come to life with the addition of greenery—turning this inviting room into a serene, biophilic retreat.
3. Choose Nature-Inspired Colors and Patterns 🎨
Your color palette sets the emotional tone of your home. Earthy, organic tones make a space feel grounded and serene.
Look for:
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Colors: Try pairing restorative greens with sun-washed neutrals and earth-deep accents.
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Patterns: Leafy motifs, floral accents, or abstract landscape-inspired prints.
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Finishes: Warm, matte wood finishes instead of glossy, synthetic surfaces.
Pro Tip: Textiles are the easiest way to update your palette—try swapping pillow covers or adding a rug for instant impact.
Trend Watch: Behr’s freshly named 2026 Color of the Year, “Hidden Gem,” is practically tailor-made for biophilic interiors. The muted blue-green echoes the quiet depths of a forest lake or coastal cove—perfect for adding a grounded, water-inspired calm to any room.
Floral or mineral—These Daylyn rugs have two very different looks, one shared goal: bringing nature indoors.
4. Improve Lighting to Support Your Natural Rhythm 💡
Natural light is essential to your body’s circadian rhythm—and the right lighting setup indoors can help simulate that cycle.
Light your home with intention by:
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Using smart bulbs that shift color temperature from cool daylight to warm evening tones.
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Swapping harsh white bulbs for warm LEDs, salt lamps, or wall sconces.
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Placing mirrors opposite windows to bounce and amplify natural light.
Bold Tip: Lighting influences sleep, focus, and even emotional regulation—treat it like a key wellness tool, not just decoration. 👉Try Philips Hue or GE CYNC lightbulbs to help with your body's natural sleep cycles.
5. Embrace Organic Shapes and Open Flow 🌀
Straight lines and hard angles are artificial. Nature prefers soft curves and organic movement.
Incorporate flow into your home with:
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Rounded coffee tables, arched mirrors, or curved-edge sofas.
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Wavy or abstract decor pieces and sculptures.
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Open layouts that promote visual and physical flow from room to room.
Bold Tip: Even rearranging furniture to remove barriers and open up pathways can improve the sense of movement in your space.
A softly rounded cocktail table, like this one by Magnussen, trades sharp corners for natural flow.
6. Engage All Your Senses with Nature-Inspired Elements 🌊
Biophilic design is multisensory. It’s not just about what your home looks like—it’s how it sounds, smells, and feels.
Add sensory layers like:
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Sound: Tabletop fountains, fish tanks, or playlists of ocean waves and birdsong.
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Smell: Essential oils or candles in scents like eucalyptus, cedarwood, or lavender.
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Touch: Textured fabrics like wool, rattan, jute, or faux sheepskin.
Bold Tip: A diffuser with calming essential oils can instantly shift the mood of a room—especially at the end of a busy day.
A Home That Feels Alive (And Still Feels Like You) 🏡🌿
At the end of the day, biophilic design is about more than style—although, that's important, too—it’s about well-being. You don’t need a full renovation to bring these calming principles into your home.
🛋️Small Biophilic Changes That Make a Big Impact.
Here's a short checklist of steps you can take this week:
| Small Change | How It Helps Your Home and Health |
|---|---|
| 🔲Add one real or faux plant | Boosts mood, reduces stress, and purifies air |
| 🔲Swap to warm-toned LED bulbs | Mimics natural sunset lighting, helping with sleep and relaxation |
| 🔲Use a wood or bamboo tray on the coffee table | Adds texture and warmth; creates a sense of grounding and calm |
| 🔲Hang a landscape or botanical print | Visually connects your space to nature; reduces mental fatigue |
| 🔲Add a tabletop fountain or nature soundtrack | Lowers anxiety through calming natural sounds |
| 🔲Choose a sage green or soft terracotta for accent pillows | Earthy tones trigger a soothing, regulated emotional response |
| 🔲Rearrange furniture for better flow | Improves movement, reduces tension, and mimics natural spatial layouts |
Don’t worry—you don’t have to overhaul your entire home to feel a difference. Even these small, intentional steps (any or all of them) can have a surprisingly big impact on how your space feels—and how you feel in it.
See how our In-Store Stylists have incorporated natural elements within their displays:
What’s Next?
Ready to bring biophilic design into your home?
Whether you’re just getting started or looking for that perfect nature-inspired piece, we’re here to help you create a space that feels calm, grounded, and uniquely yours.
Come see us at The Furniture Mall and discover how your space can transform into your new favorite. destination. Visit a location near you in Topeka, Olathe, or Lee’s Summit.
Want more ways to bring intention and balance to your home?
Check out these other helpful articles:
→ How To Choose The Best Furniture For You
→ Millennial Green Is the New Gray — Here’s How to Style It in 2025
→How to Refresh Your Outdoor Space Without Starting From Scratch