The Impact of Biophilic Design on Your Wellbeing

Biophilic design connects people with nature through the built environment. It is a connection that can improve mood, reduce stress, and boost overall wellbeing. One key aspect of biophilic design is the choice of materials which are used within a space to influence how natural and comforting it feels. From the moment you step into a room, the choice of material within the interior design is already shaping how it feels; material choices can affect air quality, tactile experience, and even how light interacts with the environment. Understanding how materials impact your wellbeing can help you create a true sanctuary that supports your health and happiness.

Image by TheBerberTouch via Etsy

How Materials Influence Our Connection to Nature

Materials are more than just necessities in any interior design scheme; they carry sensory qualities that shape our experience of a space. Natural materials like wood and stone have irregular patterns, warm tones, and textures that remind us of the outdoors. These features trigger positive emotional responses and a sense of calm.

The grain pattern in every plank of wood differs, creating a unique and organic feel. Some stone surfaces can reflect light unevenly, adding depth and interest. These subtle variations provide contrast within a biophilic design scheme and add interest to a room whereas synthetic materials can often feel cold and uniform. When you touch or see natural materials, your brain recognises the connection to nature, which can reduce levels of stress and anxiety.

The Role of Material Texture & Colour

Texture plays a crucial role in how materials affect wellbeing. Incorporating rough, uneven surfaces invite touch and create a tactile connection to nature. A space with entirely smooth, polished surfaces can feel sterile and make a room design visually 'flat' unless balanced with other natural elements. Combining textures, such as a rough stone wall with soft textiles, enhances sensory richness and the connection to nature.

Colour also has a big impact on your mood. Earthy tones such as neutrals, greens, and warm blues evoke feelings of relaxation and focus, inspired by the natural landscapes they come from. Bright or artificial colours may energise a space but can also increase stress if overused. Choosing materials with natural hues helps maintain a peaceful environment.

Sustainable Materials & Indoor Air Quality

Sustainability is a vital part of biophilic design, and one of many by-product benefits to designing a biophilic space. Materials which have been sourced responsibly reduce environmental harm and often improve indoor air quality. Natural materials tend to emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than synthetic ones. VOCs can cause headaches, fatigue, and respiratory issues.

For example, untreated wood, natural fibre carpets, and low-VOC paints contribute to healthier indoor air. Little Greene are a paint company whose water-based formulas carry the industry's lowest eco-rating, with VOC content of virtually zero. This means that you don't need to worry about solvent contributions to the atmosphere, any respiratory issues, or nasty smells; and their eco-paints are close to odourless. Their range of oil-based paints, favoured for a long-lasting, durable finish have been reformulated using sustainable vegetable oils, without compromising on their unrivalled quality. Little Greene also do a paint range called Re;mix, where they take damaged and unwanted stock and expertly blend and reformulate it to create a beautiful matt finish for interior walls and ceilings. How cool??

Image by: LittleGreene.com

Choosing recycled or rapidly renewable materials like cork or bamboo can also support sustainability in design. These choices not only protect the planet but also create safer, more comfortable spaces for the people that call them home.

Biophilic Materials & Their Benefits

Wood - Provides warmth and texture and can regulate humidity by absorbing and releasing moisture. Wood surfaces can reduce noise levels and create a cosy atmosphere.

Stone - Adds visual weight and grounding. The thermal qualities of stone can help regulate temperature, keeping spaces cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Bamboo - A fast-growing, renewable resource which is strong and flexible, ideal for flooring and furniture. Flat bamboo strips can be woven into openwork patterns to create seats for rustic chairs and stools where its natural patterns add visual interest.

Natural Fibres & Textiles - Materials like wool, cotton, linen, and jute bring softness and comfort. They improve acoustics by absorbing sound and add warmth to interiors. There's also nothing quite like sinking into a natural leather patina sofa, and it only promises to get better as it ages.

Clay & Terracotta - These materials have porous surfaces that help balance humidity. Their earthy colours and textures connect interiors to the soil and earth. Opting for less glossy finishes for tiles underfoot not only looks beautiful, it feels great underfoot and is a better, more slip-resistant choice.

Image by Design@Studio17

How to Incorporate Biophilic Materials in Your Space

Start by assessing your current spaces and try to identify areas where natural materials could replace synthetic ones. Here are some ideas on how to use mixed materials in biophilic interior design to create a layered, inviting space:

• Using wooden flooring or wall panels instead of vinyl or laminate.

• Choose furniture made from solid wood or bamboo. Antiques and reclaimed furniture are a great option for giving new life to an old favourite.

• Add textiles made from natural fibres for rugs, cushions, and curtains. Not only will they add depth and texture to your space, but natural fibres often have intrinsic properties that can keep you cool when you need it, and offer warmth when it is a little chillier.

• Incorporate carefully selected types of stone or clay tiles in kitchens and bathrooms. There will be occasions where it is better to use a more glossy finish, but this can be balanced out by adding other warmer textures within the space too.

• Consider how light interacts with materials: wood and stone reflect natural light differently, adding depth and warmth. You can layer lighting by adding lamps to create a serene atmosphere as you move throughout the day, and incorporate your olfactory senses by lighting naturally scented candles, well-known to boost wellbeing by setting a calming vibe.

• Select paints and finishes labelled low-VOC or zero-VOC - better for the environment of the planet and your space.

• Bring in plants to complement the materials and enhance air quality. Real plants do some heavy lifting in the biophilic design world; they are natural air purifiers and provide an easy way to add a touch of green. For those who may not necessarily label themselves as particularly green-fingered, we have a top tip for keeping indoor plants healthy…a weekly shower in the tub. Gather your houseplants together in a shower or bathtub to give them a watering. There are at least 3 great benefits to this approach; first, it's a great way to prevent pests, second, it improves leaf elasticity and cleans plants' leaves from dust; and last but not least – it prevents plants from drying out. Be sure to let them drain properly before returning them to their pots around your home. There are also plenty of low-maintenance options that would only require a monthly bath time!

The Psychological Effects of Material Choices

Research shows that exposure to natural materials reduces stress and improves your brain's ability to function. It has even been found that people working in rooms with wooden surfaces report less mental fatigue and more positive moods than those in rooms with synthetic materials.

Materials also influence how safe and comfortable a space feels. Natural materials often signal durability and quality, which can increase feelings of security and calming qualities. The sensory experience of touching wood or stone can ground people in the present moment, promoting mindfulness.

Challenges & Considerations

While natural materials offer many benefits, they require care and maintenance. Wood can scratch or warp if exposed to moisture, stone may need sealing to prevent stains, and some natural materials can be more expensive upfront than synthetic alternatives. While some biophilic materials may be more expensive upfront, they will likely outlast cheaper, synthetic options, which you would have to replace more frequently, as they are more likely to deteriorate faster.

We always recommend doing your research to source materials responsibly. Unsustainable harvesting of wood or stone can harm ecosystems so look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for wood products or verify that stone is quarried ethically. A true expert in supply of any of these materials should be able to tell you exactly where it came from.

Future Material Trends in Biophilic Design

Innovations in material science are constantly expanding options for biophilic design. For example, mycelium-based materials made from mushroom roots offer a biodegradable alternative to plastics. Engineered wood products (EWPs) used to provide structural stability and in interior finishes, now combine sustainability with durability and design flexibility. EWPs are manufactured by binding wood fibres, veneers, or strands, meaning they utilise small-diameter trees and offcuts that would normally be discarded or burnt.

Designers are also exploring how to integrate sensory elements like scent and sound with materials. For instance, the warm tones, tactile grain, and naturally occurring acoustic and calming aromatic properties of cedar wood make it a staple in biophilic architecture, establishing a connection between interior spaces and the natural environment. Designing a multi-faceted sensory experience connects you to the natural world and enhances your wellbeing.

Image of FOMES Bench & Stool | Designer – Mari Koppanen | by MariKoppanen.com

Materials set the emotional tone of an interior before anyone consciously notices the details. Through careful consideration of finishes, textures, and fabric in biophilic interior design, we can create spaces that feel more engaging and that continually support our wellbeing – achieving the goal of connecting us back to nature.

Starting small can be as simple as swapping synthetic finishes for natural ones or adding a few natural fibre textiles. Notice how these changes affect your mood and comfort. Over time, your space will become a sanctuary that nurtures your mind and body; there really is no place like home.