Natural Escape: 4 Foundations of Biophilic Home Design

Nature has long been revered for its ability to calm our minds and ease our spirits. Whether it’s a hike in the woods or a walk around the block, being outdoors allows us to breathe deeper, slow our pace, and release the day’s tension. With most of our time spent inside, building your home design around nature’s influence can help increase these feel-good benefits.

The art of biophilic design is most often accredited to the likes of Frank Lloyd Write and Kengo Kuma, but embracing a connection with the natural world doesn’t require a complete architectural upheaval of the home. By integrating elements of wood, greenery, natural light, and the environment around us, we can strengthen our daily connection with nature – and share the benefits with all who spend time in our homes.
As you craft your natural escape, try adding these biophilic design concepts throughout your home.

Natural Design Rooted in Wood
Wood in any finish instantly evokes a feeling of nature. Whether incorporating wood into cabinetry, furniture, or flooring, selecting the right wood tone for your home design can be a nuanced process. First consider the cut of the wood. Plain sawn wood produces a predominant display of woodgrain with large oval-like patterns. In contrast, rift sawn wood creates a more linear array of grain.

Species and stains also impact the look of wood. Stains can be selected to complement both cool and warm design aesthetics with varying undertones. The staining process itself is critical to preserve the beauty and durability of the wood. At Wood-Mode, our craftsmen have perfected the art of finishing using heritage practices designed to protect and enhance the natural grain of the wood.

Enliven the Space with Greenery
Plants add life and beauty to the home. When used intentionally, they can also add scale and emphasize areas within a room. To reap the benefits of nature, choose live plants over faux arrangements. For those hesitant about upkeep, look for low maintenance varieties such as ZZ plants, pothos, or philodendron. To create cohesion in your design, select greenery that complements the palette and undertones within the room. For example, soft evergreen pairs beautifully with white oak and eucalyptus is a lovely accent to darker shades of wood.

Create Rhythm with Light
Natural light is an important element of biophilic design that can also greatly impact our productivity and energy levels. Designing a room around the presence of daylight creates a rhythm that allows us to rise with energy in the morning and rest deeper in the evening. Even homes without large windows can mimic the patterns of natural light using a combination of overhead and task lighting. Overhead lighting is often best during the morning and afternoon when the sun is high, while lighting at eye-level is ideal at night.  

Design elements can also help to enhance the flow of light within a space. White or light-colored paint and wall coverings help to brighten a room. And high-gloss materials such as polished granite and marble provide a reflective surface that enhances the presence of natural light.

Finish with Earthen Accents
Selecting materials that are indigenous to our surroundings creates a deep-rooted relationship between our home and the environment. Pulling in these influences can be as simple as displaying found objects like driftwood or river rocks. Or, native elements can be incorporated into design materials such as cabinet hardware, floor coverings, or decor accents. Replicate the juxtaposition found in nature by mixing texture and size. Woven ratan creates interest against the smooth finish of wood. Clay pottery brings a sense of warmth against metal. Dense stone creates intrigue when paired with the transparency of glass.

Planning Your Home's Design

Home design is often rooted in a feeling: comforting, uplifting, energetic. If you find yourself drawn to natural elements, ask yourself how they make you feel. For many, the appeal of designing around nature encompasses a sense of well-being and simplicity. As you continue your design journey, browse additional home aesthetics or visit a Wood-Mode showroom. Our experienced interior designers can help you define a style that speaks to your sensibilities, and your spirit.