Biophilic design is not new. In fact, it was a major feature of Victorian and Queen Anne’s home designs. In those interiors, florals, plants, landscapes, etc. were featured in everything from wallpaper to carpets to upholstery. When biophilic design came back on the scene a few years ago, people rushed to trend, incorporating nature primarily through…plants! Lots and lots of plants. Incorporating nature into your home was translated a little too literally and people were turned off and overwhelmed really quickly. However, plenty of people love nature and want to see that nature-home connection, just without loading their house full of plants. 

The good news is that you can absolutely create nature-forward home design without the plants. Here are my best tips for incorporating nature into your home interiors, green thumbs or not.

Nature in Home Design

Like I said before, nature has always been a huge influence on interior design trends. Many eras feature lots of plants, animals, florals, and other natural elements. Done well, nature in home design can create a calming, spa-like environment, create a moody oasis, or showcase a place you love. 

“There is mounting evidence, from dozens and dozens of researchers, that nature has benefits for both physical and psychological human well-being.” -Lisa Nisbet, PhD, Trent University in Ontario, Canada

Even more compelling is the evidence that nature has a huge positive impact on your mental and physical health. Stepping outside and surrounding yourself with elements like natural light, green plants, and the sounds of birds, wind, and water can activate all your senses. As the Dr. Lisa Nisbet says: “the sense of connection you have with the natural world seems to contribute to happiness even when you’re not physically immersed in nature.”

While we can’t necessarily completely transfer the outdoors to the inside of your house (and I’m not sure you’d really want us to) you can still invite the indulgent, healthy experience of nature into your home.

How to Incorporate Nature without Plants

There’s no shame here if you love plants. But some people get overwhelmed with the upkeep of living plants, and even the dusting of artificial flowers. They can be hard to keep up with. Whether plants are your thing or not, all of these suggestions apply to your next biophilic design project!

Wallpaper and Wall Murals

A good floral wallpaper or expansive wall mural can immediately create that surrounded-by-nature feel. Beautiful, large flowers, more subtle leaf patterns, or dreamy mountain murals can all transport you into nature without ever taking you outside.

Natural Color Palettes

No one does a color palette better than Mother Nature herself! Draw inspiration from the colors of the forest, the hues from an ocean view while the sun is setting, or the dusty shades of succulents. Wherever you go, there is color inspiration. Snap a picture and find furniture, paint, and decor that translates that palette into your space.

Natural Light

The best way to literally bring the outdoors inside is through natural light. Let those beams brighten your room, provide warmth, and reconnect you to nature. In order to make the most of your natural light, you’ll probably need to reevaluate your window treatments. A simple valance in the side room or cafe curtains in the kitchen can welcome in the light while still providing some privacy and control.

Another option is to change up your windows. A picture window is a great way to maximize your view. Automated shades then make it easy to shut everything up for the night and provide coveted privacy.

Making the Most of Spaces that Connect to the Outdoors

If you have a walk out basement, sun room, side room, or French doors that open onto the patio you can easily optimize these spaces to get that instant and easy connection to nature. Finish the basement and install French doors with screens to enjoy your walk-out feature. Completely transform the sun or side room into the perfect, functional seating area that is perfect for relaxing with a book in the sunshine or for hosting guests. 

These extra spaces seem like throw-away space sometimes, but you’d be surprised how much they offer!

Sculptures & Art 

There is so much art out there that pulls inspiration directly from our natural surroundings. Whether you’re looking for wall art or sculptures, or other wall or shelf decor, it’s easy to find odds and ends that complete a picture of nature serenity. You can even bring nature in through throw pillows with floral upholstery, or rugs with nature-inspired patterns. 

Fire Elements

We did a whole blog post about fire elements and the warmth and comfort they bring into the room. My favorite point from that post is that the soft light and mesmerizing flickering of a fire can inspire romantic and intimate vibes, encourage relaxation, as well as add visual interest. Fire even creates a touch of mystery with the dancing shadows. And all of this is true! It’s also a connection to one of the natural earth elements.

Natural Materials

If you’re really not into plants – fake, real, patterns, or otherwise – you can still get the naturel feel through natural materials. Wood furniture pieces, natural fibers like linen or jute in textiles, or stone surfaces all say nature without going the route of houseplants or florals. 

There is a lot of furniture out there that uses the raw edges of wood or stone for tabletops, and plenty of options that let the material speak for itself. Rattan furniture, woven lights, wood benches and shelves, and leather upholstery are all materials and items to consider.

Water Elements

Another earth element and it’s a fun one to bring indoors: water! The sounds of nature are definitely epitomized in the trickle of water from a fountain. A sense of calm comes from the soothing sound, and there are definitely indoor fountain options that are wonderful on kitchen countertops, or in living spaces. 

Convert Travel Photos to Wall Art

Finally, take your travel photos from international getaways, beach vacations, and lake house escapes and turn them into large canvas prints. Use them as color palette inspiration for the whole room, and be sure to incorporate any memorabilia from the location: postcards, shells, driftwood, etc.

Nature is Not Far Away

Literally, nature is just out your front door. However, you don’t need to dig up plants in order to get the same feeling of wandering amongst the luscious green or refreshing waves of Mother Nature. Simply incorporate nature into your home design with art, natural materials, water or fire elements, natural light, and beautiful color palettes.

Ready to see your favorite aspects of nature translated into your home? Let’s work together!