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Bring the Outdoors In: 6 Easy Ways to Use Biophilic Design at Home
Have you ever noticed how a room filled with natural light, greenery and warm wood tones just feels different?
That’s the idea behind biophilic design—creating spaces that strengthen our connection with nature by incorporating natural light, plants, organic materials, outdoor views and nature-inspired colors and textures.
And you don’t need to completely remodel your home to try it.
Whether you’re refreshing your living room, creating a more inviting home office or simply looking for ways to make your space feel warmer and more connected to the outdoors, here are six ways to bring biophilic design into your home.
1. Let in More Natural Light
Start with one of the easiest changes: open those curtains!
Natural light can completely change the way a room looks and feels.
If heavy window treatments are blocking sunlight, consider replacing them with lighter curtains or blinds that provide privacy while still allowing light into the room.
Mirrors can also help reflect available natural light throughout a darker space.
And if you’re planning a larger renovation, windows, glass doors and skylights are all options for introducing additional daylight.
2. Make the Most of Your Outdoor Views
Have a beautiful backyard, garden or mature tree outside your window?
Make it part of the room.
Consider arranging furniture so outdoor views aren’t hidden behind a sofa or other large piece of furniture. Even a relatively small window can become a focal point when the room is arranged around it.
Not everyone has a sweeping mountain view—and that’s okay.
Artwork and photography featuring landscapes, plants and other natural scenes can introduce some of the same visual inspiration when outdoor views are limited.
3. Add Indoor Plants
Houseplants are probably the first thing people think of when they hear “biophilic design,” and they’re certainly one of the easiest ways to introduce nature into a room.
A large floor plant can fill an empty corner, while smaller plants work beautifully on shelves, counters and tables. An herb garden can also bring greenery into the kitchen while giving you fresh ingredients for cooking.
Choose plants based on the amount of light your home actually receives and the amount of maintenance you’re willing to provide.
Pet owners should also check whether a plant is safe for their particular animal before bringing it home. Some common houseplants can be toxic to cats, dogs and other pets.
4. Incorporate Natural Materials
Biophilic design isn’t only about plants.
Wood, stone, linen, wool, rattan and other natural materials can add warmth, texture and visual interest to a space.
You don’t need to replace your flooring or countertops, either.
Try introducing these elements through smaller pieces such as:
- Woven baskets
- Wooden furniture
- Linen curtains
- Wool or natural-fiber rugs
- Stone accessories
- Rattan or cane accents
Mixing materials and textures can keep a neutral room from feeling flat while creating a more organic look.
If sustainability is important to you, research how individual products are sourced and manufactured rather than assuming a material is environmentally friendly simply because it’s natural.
5. Experiment With Water
Water can introduce another natural element into your home.
A small tabletop fountain or outdoor water feature can add movement and sound to a space, particularly in a patio, garden or quiet sitting area.
But don’t feel like biophilic design requires you to install an indoor waterfall!
The goal is to incorporate elements of nature in ways that make sense for your home and lifestyle.
Sometimes opening a window and listening to the rain works just fine.
6. Look to Nature for Colors, Shapes and Patterns
Take a look outside and you’ll notice nature isn’t exactly minimalist.
There are layers, textures, curves, patterns and endless variations in color.
You can bring some of that character indoors with botanical prints, curved furniture, textured fabrics, nature-inspired artwork and colors drawn from the landscape.
Earthy greens, warm browns, sandy neutrals, muted blues and other nature-inspired shades can all work beautifully—but there’s no required “biophilic color palette.”
Use the colors and textures that make your home feel good to you.
You Don’t Need to Redesign Your Entire Home
That’s probably my favorite thing about biophilic design.
You can embrace the idea without following a trend or buying an entirely new room of furniture.
Open the curtains. Move your favorite chair toward the garden. Bring home a plant. Add a wooden bowl to the kitchen table. Put fresh herbs on the windowsill.
Sometimes the smallest changes are enough to make us notice—and appreciate—our homes in a completely different way.
And isn’t that what good design should do?
Michelle Elliott
Coldwell Banker Realty
408-839-7915
DRE #01777533
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About the Author – Michelle Elliott
With over 20 years of experience navigating the fast-paced Silicon Valley market, I provide a strategic, results-driven approach to residential real estate. My career is built on a foundation of deep local expertise and a relentless commitment to my clients’ success, resulting in over $235 million in lifetime sales volume and a consistent ranking in the top 3% of agents in Santa Clara County and top 2% at Coldwell Banker. My expertise has been featured on KTVU Fox 2, Real Producers and the Willow Glen Resident. She is also the co-host of the San Jose Podcast “Say What You Want About Real Estate”
A Hyper-Local Expert with Global Reach
I specialize in San Jose, in the neighborhoods of Willow Glen (95125 & 95124) Cambrian Park and Almaden, Downtown San Jose/Japantown (95112) markets. As a certified Luxury Property Specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty, I combine high-end marketing strategies with granular neighborhood knowledge to help my clients achieve premium results.
The “Tiger” at the Negotiating Table
My clients have characterized me as a “tiger” at the negotiating table who remains “sweet and patient” with my clients throughout the process. I pride myself on being a fierce advocate for my buyers and sellers, ensuring the best possible terms in every transaction, and I strive to be the best Realtor in 95125! This balance, drive, and tenacity have earned me consistent 5-star ratings across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Yelp.
Michelle Elliott
Michelle@michelleelliottrealtor.com
1712 Meridian Ave, Ste C, San Jose, CA
DRE 01777533
