Biophilic Design: Nature and Comfort in Modern Interiors
03.07.2025
More and more, the idea of a “cozy home” is shifting toward something deeper — how a space actually affects your well-being. Biophilic design is all about that: bringing a connection to nature into even the most urban environments.
It’s not about having a “style.” It’s about creating a setting that supports you. If you’re looking for calm without saying it out loud, for a sense of air and light — this approach can make it real.
It’s not about having a “style.” It’s about creating a setting that supports you. If you’re looking for calm without saying it out loud, for a sense of air and light — this approach can make it real.
What Is Biophilic Design?
In short, it’s a way to shape interiors that reconnects people with nature. Think materials, light, air movement, colors — not just greenery in a corner. It’s about balance, about spaces that feel less artificial and more alive. That’s what biophilia in interiors is about.
📌 Important!
Done well, this approach helps reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and ease mental fatigue. This isn’t just opinion — there’s strong research to back it up.
Done well, this approach helps reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and ease mental fatigue. This isn’t just opinion — there’s strong research to back it up.
Core Ideas
It’s all about how things feel — from texture to light. The space stops being sealed off from the world. Things that matter:
- warm, soft natural light
- proper ventilation and airflow
- real materials (not plastic imitations)
- the calming sound or presence of water
- rounded, natural shapes
- plants, integrated intentionally
Natural Materials
Real wood with knots and scent. Stone with texture. Glass, clay, soft natural textiles. You want to touch these things. They age well. They don’t need constant replacing. Even small choices — a wooden light switch, cotton curtains, a marble shelf — create the right atmosphere
Did you know?
People are more likely to choose homes with natural finishes — and they’re even willing to pay extra for them.
Greenery in the Interior
Plants are not the goal, they’re a part of the system. What matters is how they’re placed. In many projects, we design in niches or integrated solutions where plants can thrive — with proper light and minimal effort for the homeowner.
«One healthy plant in the right place is better than ten slowly dying ones. Plan greenery like you plan your furniture — with intention.»
— Alsu Agisheva, practicing interior designer, Alsu Interiors
Lighting
This is one of the strongest tools in biophilic design. It’s not just about seeing well — it’s about light that supports your rhythm. Floor-to-ceiling windows are ideal, but in real homes, diffused warm light, smart use of mirrors, and indirect sources do the job. Avoid cold, direct downlights.
Color
Color should feel real, not trendy. Think sage green, sand, clay, soft earth tones. Natural palettes are slightly muted, warm, and calm. Nothing too glossy or sterile.
📌 Important!
The wrong “natural” color can ruin everything. Cool, grayish greens or washed-out beige tones make a space feel lifeless. Always test colors under your real lighting.
The wrong “natural” color can ruin everything. Cool, grayish greens or washed-out beige tones make a space feel lifeless. Always test colors under your real lighting.
Zoning and Connection to the Outdoors
A good layout flows — from bright to dim, open to cozy. Even a small balcony can become a calming spot. If the view isn’t great, use internal perspectives — mirrors, layers, and sightlines that mimic openness.
Did you know?
Apartments with well-designed outdoor access or views of greenery can be 10–20% more valuable.
What You Can Do in a Standard Apartment
– Use natural finishes, even on a small scale
– Place mirrors to bring in greenery and light
– Set up layered lighting to mimic the sun’s rhythm
– Choose low-maintenance greenery with auto-watering
Even a small space can become a retreat.
– Place mirrors to bring in greenery and light
– Set up layered lighting to mimic the sun’s rhythm
– Choose low-maintenance greenery with auto-watering
Even a small space can become a retreat.
Common Mistakes
— “I’ll just buy more plants” — that won’t do it
— “Natural means expensive” — not necessarily
— “Too much work” — modern systems are low-maintenance
— “Only for houses” — city apartments need this the most
— “Natural means expensive” — not necessarily
— “Too much work” — modern systems are low-maintenance
— “Only for houses” — city apartments need this the most
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Final Thoughts
Biophilic design isn’t about trends. It’s about life that doesn’t drain you. A home that lets you breathe, reset, and feel like yourself again. I create these interiors because I can’t live any other way — and I see how they help people change the way they live.
«Nature isn’t just a look. It’s a principle. The more honestly you bring it into your space, the more that space will give back — not just in value, but in how it feels to live there.»
— Expert insight