In the quiet hum of modern life—full of artificial lights, digital noise, and fast-paced routines—there’s a growing desire to slow down and reconnect with something more essential: nature. We crave fresh air, natural light, the sound of leaves in the wind. And while we can’t always escape to the forest or the sea, we can bring some of that grounded, elemental beauty into our everyday spaces. Enter: biophilic design.
At its heart, biophilic design is the practice of weaving elements of nature into the built environment. The term comes from biophilia, meaning “love of life” or “love of living systems.” It’s a design philosophy based on the idea that humans have an innate affinity for the natural world—and when we nurture that connection in our spaces, we feel better, think clearer, and live more intentionally.
Biophilic design isn’t about one particular aesthetic. It’s not just about adding plants or choosing earthy colors. It's about designing with nature in mind—visually, physically, and even emotionally.
To create a truly biophilic space, consider incorporating these core elements:
Nothing can replace the quality of natural daylight. Positioning furniture to maximize sunlight, using reflective surfaces, and opting for sheer or light-filtering curtains can all help bring more daylight into your home. Daylight doesn’t just enhance mood—it also helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which supports better sleep and overall well-being.
Think of tactile, honest textures: linen, jute, wool, reclaimed wood, stone, bamboo. These materials wear in rather than wear out, growing more beautiful with time and use. They add warmth, depth, and authenticity to a room—something synthetic materials rarely offer.
Nature’s palette is rich but muted: forest greens, clay browns, ocean blues, sandstone, sage, ochre. These colors evoke a sense of calm and comfort, grounding a space and making it feel deeply connected to the environment.
Plants are the most obvious expression of biophilic design—and for good reason. They purify the air, introduce organic shapes, and bring movement into a room. From lush hanging vines in the kitchen to a sculptural fiddle-leaf fig in the living room, greenery softens edges and adds life.
In nature, nothing is flat or static. Surfaces have variation—think of the ripples in water, the veins in a leaf, or the striations in rock. This is where lime paint becomes a powerful tool.
If biophilic design is about reconnecting with nature, lime paint might just be its secret weapon. Made from natural limestone that's been crushed, burned, and mixed with water, lime paint has been used for centuries to coat walls with a breathable, velvety finish.
Unlike conventional paints, lime paint doesn’t create a plastic-like film on your walls. Instead, it seeps in and interacts with the surface beneath it, creating gentle tonal shifts and a softly weathered texture that mimics stone or clay. The result is both understated and captivating—walls that feel alive, as though they’ve aged gracefully in place.
Lime paint is also a healthier choice for your home. It’s free of synthetic binders and loaded with natural minerals, making it antibacterial, mold-resistant, and low in VOCs. In other words, it's as functional and natural as it is beautiful.
It works especially well in spaces where you want to evoke a sense of calm—think bedrooms, reading nooks, or bathrooms where a spa-like atmosphere is welcome. Pair it with natural wood furniture, handmade ceramics, and open shelving for an effortlessly organic feel.
You don’t have to live in a forest cabin to bring the principles of biophilic design into your home. Start small, and focus on the senses:
Sight: Choose a nature-inspired color palette. Use lime paint on a single wall for visual interest that doesn’t overwhelm. Add mirrors to reflect natural light and make greenery more prominent.
Touch: Layer natural textiles—linen drapes, cotton throws, wool rugs. Incorporate tactile materials like rough ceramics or a raw wood coffee table.
Sound: Use water features or play ambient sounds of rain or birdsong to bring the atmosphere to life.
Smell: Incorporate essential oil diffusers, dried herbs, or even natural wood furniture that carries a subtle scent of the forest.
Air: Keep windows open when possible. Add air-purifying plants like peace lilies, snake plants, or eucalyptus.
Biophilic design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about wellness. Studies show that spaces enriched with natural elements can reduce stress by up to 60%, improve focus, and enhance emotional resilience. In a fast-moving world, creating a home that slows you down, breathes with you, and reminds you of nature's rhythms is one of the most grounding things you can do.
And the best part? You don’t have to follow any strict rules. Your version of biophilic design might include lime-washed walls, a cluster of hanging ferns, or simply a beloved view of the sky. It’s about tuning into what feels good—and letting nature guide the rest.
Iaorana master bedroom photo credit: Lynda Kenny @visualfeasts
In the quiet hum of modern life—full of artificial lights, digital noise, and fast-paced routines—there’s a growing desire to slow down and reconnect with something more essential: nature. We crave fresh air, natural light, the sound of leaves in the wind. And while we can’t always escape to the forest or the sea, we can bring some of that grounded, elemental beauty into our everyday spaces. Enter: biophilic design.
At its heart, biophilic design is the practice of weaving elements of nature into the built environment. The term comes from biophilia, meaning “love of life” or “love of living systems.” It’s a design philosophy based on the idea that humans have an innate affinity for the natural world—and when we nurture that connection in our spaces, we feel better, think clearer, and live more intentionally.
Biophilic design isn’t about one particular aesthetic. It’s not just about adding plants or choosing earthy colors. It's about designing with nature in mind—visually, physically, and even emotionally.
To create a truly biophilic space, consider incorporating these core elements:
Nothing can replace the quality of natural daylight. Positioning furniture to maximize sunlight, using reflective surfaces, and opting for sheer or light-filtering curtains can all help bring more daylight into your home. Daylight doesn’t just enhance mood—it also helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which supports better sleep and overall well-being.
Think of tactile, honest textures: linen, jute, wool, reclaimed wood, stone, bamboo. These materials wear in rather than wear out, growing more beautiful with time and use. They add warmth, depth, and authenticity to a room—something synthetic materials rarely offer.
Nature’s palette is rich but muted: forest greens, clay browns, ocean blues, sandstone, sage, ochre. These colors evoke a sense of calm and comfort, grounding a space and making it feel deeply connected to the environment.
Plants are the most obvious expression of biophilic design—and for good reason. They purify the air, introduce organic shapes, and bring movement into a room. From lush hanging vines in the kitchen to a sculptural fiddle-leaf fig in the living room, greenery softens edges and adds life.
In nature, nothing is flat or static. Surfaces have variation—think of the ripples in water, the veins in a leaf, or the striations in rock. This is where lime paint becomes a powerful tool.
If biophilic design is about reconnecting with nature, lime paint might just be its secret weapon. Made from natural limestone that's been crushed, burned, and mixed with water, lime paint has been used for centuries to coat walls with a breathable, velvety finish.
Unlike conventional paints, lime paint doesn’t create a plastic-like film on your walls. Instead, it seeps in and interacts with the surface beneath it, creating gentle tonal shifts and a softly weathered texture that mimics stone or clay. The result is both understated and captivating—walls that feel alive, as though they’ve aged gracefully in place.
Lime paint is also a healthier choice for your home. It’s free of synthetic binders and loaded with natural minerals, making it antibacterial, mold-resistant, and low in VOCs. In other words, it's as functional and natural as it is beautiful.
It works especially well in spaces where you want to evoke a sense of calm—think bedrooms, reading nooks, or bathrooms where a spa-like atmosphere is welcome. Pair it with natural wood furniture, handmade ceramics, and open shelving for an effortlessly organic feel.
You don’t have to live in a forest cabin to bring the principles of biophilic design into your home. Start small, and focus on the senses:
Sight: Choose a nature-inspired color palette. Use lime paint on a single wall for visual interest that doesn’t overwhelm. Add mirrors to reflect natural light and make greenery more prominent.
Touch: Layer natural textiles—linen drapes, cotton throws, wool rugs. Incorporate tactile materials like rough ceramics or a raw wood coffee table.
Sound: Use water features or play ambient sounds of rain or birdsong to bring the atmosphere to life.
Smell: Incorporate essential oil diffusers, dried herbs, or even natural wood furniture that carries a subtle scent of the forest.
Air: Keep windows open when possible. Add air-purifying plants like peace lilies, snake plants, or eucalyptus.
Biophilic design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about wellness. Studies show that spaces enriched with natural elements can reduce stress by up to 60%, improve focus, and enhance emotional resilience. In a fast-moving world, creating a home that slows you down, breathes with you, and reminds you of nature's rhythms is one of the most grounding things you can do.
And the best part? You don’t have to follow any strict rules. Your version of biophilic design might include lime-washed walls, a cluster of hanging ferns, or simply a beloved view of the sky. It’s about tuning into what feels good—and letting nature guide the rest.
Iaorana master bedroom photo credit: Lynda Kenny @visualfeasts
