The Role of Biophilic Design in Mental Health: Bringing Nature Indoors
In our fast-paced, screen-dominated world, many of us spend up to 90% of our time indoors. Yet, our brains and bodies are still wired for nature. This mismatch can leave us stressed, fatigued, and disconnected. Enter biophilic design! An approach to shaping our homes and spaces that reconnects us with the natural world, with profound benefits for mental health and wellbeing.
Why Biophilic Design Matters
Biophilic design is more than adding a pot plant or two. It’s about intentionally creating environments that mirror nature’s patterns, textures, and rhythms.
Research shows that exposure to natural elements can lower stress and support wellbeing. For example, a systematic review of biophilic design in architecture found clear links between natural features in buildings and improved health, productivity, and emotional balance.
The science is compelling:
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Stress reduction: Views of greenery or natural light lower heart rate and blood pressure.
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Cognitive performance: Natural textures and patterns improve attention and memory.
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Mood regulation: Contact with plants and daylight is linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression.
On the flip side, research shows that lack of natural light disrupts circadian rhythms, increasing risks of depression and anxiety (Nature, 2023; Monash University).
Simple Ways to Bring Nature Indoors
You don’t need a large renovation or space to feel the benefits. Here are accessible starting points:
1. Natural Light
Maximise windows, use sheer curtains, and orient furniture to soak in daylight.
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Science: A field study on daylight access found that improving circadian-effective daylight in homes boosted sleep, energy, and mental health.
2. Plants and Greenery
Choose low-maintenance indoor plants (peace lily, rubber plant, snake plant). Living walls or clusters of greenery create stronger effects.
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Science: A controlled study found that interacting with indoor plants reduced blood pressure and stress while improving mood compared to computer-based tasks.
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During COVID, homes with indoor plants showed measurable reductions in stress and improved emotional balance (MDPI, 2022).
3. Natural Materials
Timber, stone, linen, clay, and rattan bring organic textures into a space. Even small touches (wooden trays, woven rugs) shift the atmosphere.
4. Views and Visual Connections
Position desks or chairs near windows with garden, sky, or tree views. No view? Use artwork or photography featuring natural landscapes.
5. Water and Air
Flowing water features or aquariums add calming auditory cues. Good ventilation and clean air boost clarity and energy.
6. Patterns and Colours of Nature
Earth tones, leafy greens, ocean blues, and fractal patterns echo natural systems and have been linked to restorative effects (Sciencedirect Review).
Biophilia Beyond the Home
Biophilic design isn’t just for houses, it’s shaping schools, offices, and hospitals. A systematic review in healthcare settings found that patients in biophilic environments experienced less stress, improved mood, and even faster recovery. Similar findings extend to workplaces, where employees in greenery-rich spaces show higher productivity and wellbeing.
The WELLSTATE Perspective
At WELLSTATE, we see biophilic design as a cornerstone of wellness-focused homes. It aligns with neuroscience, environmental psychology, and ancient wisdom traditions, all pointing to one reality: when we live closer to nature, we thrive.
Biophilic design doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, it’s about rebalancing our spaces to support human health in its most natural form.
Bringing nature indoors isn’t only about
aesthetics. It’s a science-backed way to
reduce stress, improve mental health, and
create spaces that restore us every day.
