One of 2025’s biggest buzzwords when it comes to interiors is biophilic design. This design frameworkcan totally transform how you think about the built environment and the boundaries we set between indoors and outdoors.But how can you incorporate it with your own unique style? And what does it have to do with making a space feel more luxurious? Keep reading to find out. 

What is biophilic design? 

Biophilic design is a design philosophy that brings the outdoors in. As you might be able to tell from the name, it means "love of nature." It makes built environments feel closer to nature, through textiles, materials, colors, lighting, andarchitectural features. Research suggests biophilic design eases stress, which is onereason why we love it. But it also prioritizes using natural materials, somethingthat’s always been important to us here at RealCraft. 

What does biophilic design have to do with luxury? 

Biophilic design works on your subconscious mind to make your home feel more comfortable—without you always being consciously aware of it. It enhances feelings of ease and relaxation. As soon as you walk into a biophilic space, it makes you feel protected and calm--which is the ultimate luxury.  

Biophilic design can work with any design style, from minimalist to traditional, because its principles are super adaptable.You can bring in natural elements into textiles, materials, lighting, andmore—filtered through your own unique point of view. 

Plus, a key feature of luxurious decor is using the most beautiful and longest-lasting materials available. It just so happens thatmany luxury materials—like stone, solid wood, or marble—are natural. This makes natural materials perfect elements to incorporate biophilic design. 

Principles of Biophilic Design 

Environmental Features 

Bring natural light, plants, or water features into your built environment.Whatever you associate with outdoors, bring indoors. 

Natural Light 

Natural light—and features that enhance natural light, like picture windows andhigh ceilings—is a cornerstone of biophilic design. 

Fractaland BotanicalPatterns 

A fractal pattern is a pattern that appears to repeat forever, and each section of the pattern resembles itself. One of the best examples of a fractal pattern in nature is the fronds of a fern.Many plants and leaves feature fractal patterns, andthey’re uniquely relaxing and fascinating to the human eye.You’ll also find fractals in clouds, crystals, lightning, and rivers. 

But even botanical patterns thatdon’t have fractals, like vines and floral motifs, also bringnature into the built environment. 

Local Environmental Features 

Referencing the local climate, flora, and fauna also plays a role in biophilic design. For example, if you have Western Red Cedar trees in your backyard, bring the green color of their foliage inside with textiles or a painted accent wall. If you live by the sea, seashells, driftwood, or stormy blues evoke your surroundings. 

Refuge and Protection 

This refers to dedicated zones within the home that feel sheltered or secluded--like reading nooks, alcoves, canopy beds, or lower ceilings. 

Organic Shapes 

Rounded, curved shapes echo the soft shapes found throughout nature. 

Biophilic Design Tips 

Blend outside and inside materials 

In liminal spaces—entryways, mudrooms, and so on—consider bringing exterior materials inside to blend the boundary between realms.If your walkway is stone, consider bringing that stone into your hallway, too. 

Add Multiple Light Sources 

To create an ambiance of softness,don’t just rely on overhead floodlights. Instead, create a layered lighting system with sconces,uplighting, and smaller, dedicated task lights. This is also a principle in the Danish design ethos known as hygge—a cozy interior style that creates a feeling of wellbeing. 

Patterned Wallpaper and Textiles

Botanical or fractal patterns—leaves, vines, or floral motifs—add dimension and a natural element to upholstery fabric,window treatments,rugs, and wallpaper.This isan easy way to create a more natural feeling in any room—just swap out your sheets or decorative pillowsforabotanicalpatternedversion. 

Real, Natural Materials 

Natural materials are a cornerstone of biophilic design.Think stone, wood,rattan, and jute rugs. A wood accent wall is an easy-to-install feature that adds texture and warmth to any space.Real wood doorsor wood countertops have a similar effect. Butdon’t think you have to stick to spa-like blond woods, such as Birch orAsh.For a more luxurious, high-end take on the biophilic look, choose an exotic wood like Sapele Mahogany, oran upscale domestic species like Black Walnut. 

If You Can, Add More Windows or Make Them Larger

Windowsare the most obvious way that weinterface with nature and the outside world.So the more of them you have, the more integrated with your surroundings your home will be.Plus, exposure to natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm and boost your mood. 

Create dedicated retreat spaces 

One thing most of us mammals have in common: we like sheltered places where we can be partially hidden or tucked away. Think of a bear’s den, or a leopard in a tree. Reading nooks, or spaces with lowered ceilings, are perfect “retreat” spaces that help you feel protected and relaxed. 

Within these retreat spaces, we still like to have unobstructed sight lines. Pairing your retreat space with bay windows is the perfect way to combine both elements. 

Add rounded, curved shapes 

This biophilic design feature is also massively on trend right now.But curved shapes—like rounded mirrors, arched doors, orcircularcoffee tables—are also components of many design styles from Art Deco to Mid Century Modern.Curved or rounded elements make a space feel more inviting. 

Add Houseplants For A Quick Refresh

Of course, the simplest and most literal way to add a natural touch to your home is with house plants. They are not only the reserve of millennials with green thumbs—there's a house plant for everyclimate, and every level of gardening ability. For a starter plantthat’svirtually impossible to kill, get a snake plant or apothos.Ifyou’re feeling ambitious, try a moth orchid or a monstera.