Biophilic design brings the outdoors inside: natural materials, textures, and colors are incorporated into the elements of a living space. This may simply involve selecting materials like wood and stone instead of plastic or metal. For those seeking a stronger connection to nature, interior designers recommend integration of fauna or water-features. Apart from the traditional succulent, freshly cut branches, flowers, and moss can easily be arranged on tables or walls. Installing a small fountain on a countertop provides the tranquil sound of trickling water throughout the day.

Another hallmark of biophilic design is enhanced natural light, which can be achieved by placing reflective surfaces, like mirrors, opposite windows, or glass. Utilizing natural materials improves indoor air quality, simultaneously reducing the chemical pollution coming from synthetic manufacturing. With natural light as a space’s primary light source, electricity use (and cost) is cut significantly. Published health benefits of biophilic design include elevated productivity, increased mental-health, and decreased stress levels.

Whether in furniture, accessories, or in the architecture of a space itself, selecting eco-friendly materials is a fundamental pillar of sustainable interior design. You’ll find an array of options on the market, ranging from cork and recycled aluminum to kelp and mycelium. Bamboo is an emblematic case study, demonstrating sustainable design’s benefits for both environment and consumer. It regenerates from its roots and farmers do not need harmful pesticides or complex fertilizers in its cultivation. The regrowth process is also extraordinarily efficient, with each plant reaching full height within a single season. For end-users, bamboo represents one of the strongest building materials available (boasting a tensile strength about 6 times greater than steel) and is resistant to the shrinking and swelling commonly seen with temperature change. Bamboo is a sustainable resource that not only minimizes environmental impact, but lasts longer, saving money, time, and effort on repairs and replacement. Design firms seem to have caught on—there is now a host of applications to choose from; just a few to look out for in your next project include bamboo window screens, flooring, countertops, or sturdy furniture pieces like desks and cabinetry.