What Is Biophilic Design? How to Bring Nature Indoors for a Healthier, More Peaceful Home
- Jarred Call
- Dec 14
- 4 min read
Colorado residents, especially those in the Front Range, have been asking one big design question in recent years:
"How can I make my house feel more peaceful, natural, and connected to the outdoors?"
The answer? Biophilic design.
No, it's not just another passing buzzword. Biophilic design is a rapidly emerging trend in home building and remodeling that's all about connecting the outdoors to your home's interior. And here in Colorado, where outdoor living is in our DNA, it's the ideal way to get your indoor space in tune with the splendor of the outdoors. Here in this blog, we'll deconstruct what biophilic design is, why it's important, and—most importantly—how you can apply it in your own home, regardless of budget or aesthetic.
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What Is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is the practice of designing spaces that link humans to nature both visually and physically. It's founded on one straightforward fact: humans are happier when we are around natural things.
When properly implemented, a biophilic home not only appears more attractive—it can minimize stress, improve mood, air quality, and even sleep and productivity.
Why Biophilic Design Is the Perfect Choice for Colorado Homes
If you're a Front Range resident, you're well aware of how much the outdoors influence our way of life. We ski, hike, garden, bike, and camp whenever possible. Biophilic design invites that appreciation of nature into your life—yes, even indoors.
It works exceptionally well in Colorado homes because:
We receive ample natural light, which is conducive to plant growth and makes open areas feel larger. Natural materials like wood and stone are locally available in abundance.
Our natural backgrounds—mountains, woods, and wide skies—are already reminiscent of a nature-involved aesthetic.
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7 Simple Steps to Incorporate Biophilic Design into Your Home
You don't have to undertake a complete remodel to begin incorporating biophilic principles. Following are high-impact, real-world strategies to make an interior more natural and calming:
1. Utilize Natural Materials such as Wood and Stone
The most direct way to introduce nature? Bring in the real stuff.
Choose wood paneling, live-edge shelves, or reclaimed wood beams for a natural, warm look.
Install fireplace surrounds, accent walls, or granite, slate, or river rock stone countertops.
Use woven textures like rattan, jute, or wicker on lighting fixtures or furniture.
Front Range Tip: Locally harvested beetle-kill pine is a stunning, sustainable wood option with a story to tell.
2. Let in Natural Light
Maximizing daylight is also among the principles of biophilic design. It regulates your circadian rhythm, increases energy, and any room will feel like it's bigger.
Think about bigger windows or skylights in the kitchen, bathrooms, or stairway.
Use light, thin curtains that filter light without blocking it.
Use mirrors to bounce natural light further into areas.
Even swapping a solid front door for one with glass panels can flood your entrance with sunlight.
3. Incorporate Indoor Plants
Plants not only look great—they filter the air, reduce stress, and add visual softness to a room.
Begin with low-maintenance plants such as snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants.
Utilize hanging planters or vertical plant walls for small space.
Combine herbs in the kitchen for a natural and functional accent.
Pro Tip: If maintenance is a concern, there are now realistic faux plants that still offer that soothing, green element.
4. Opt for Earth-Tone Color Schemes
Biophilic design isn't just about incorporating plants—it's also about utilizing nature-inspired color and texture.
Try this:
Greens, browns, warm beiges, and soft terracotta for upholstery or walls
Rich forest greens or slate blues for cabinetry or tile accents
Muted stone or sand-colored flooring
They produce a room that is calm and grounded.
5. Define Outdoor Views and Indoor-Outdoor Flow
A lot of biophilic design is about being physically and visually connected with the outside—although you may be indoors.
Place furniture in a way that you can face nature (trees, sky, garden, or mountains)
Use glass sliding or folding doors that lead out to patios or decks
Add outdoor lighting and seating to extend your living space into the outdoors
Even a little window garden or a bird feeder outside the kitchen window can help reinforce this bond.
6. Use Natural Forms and Patterns
Nature is not made up of straight lines and symmetry. Utilize organic shapes to mimic the curves and absence of exactness that happens outdoors.
Furniture with rounded edges, arched doors, or round mirrors
Rugs or tiles with leaf, wave, or stone-inspired patterns
Light fixtures constructed from woven or textured natural materials
This helps to divide the harsh lines typical of modern houses and soften the space.
7. Utilize All of the Senses
Biophilic design isn't just aesthetic—it's how the space makes you feel, smell, and even sound.
Use natural fragrances (essential oils such as cedarwood, lavender, or eucalyptus)
Play nature sounds with water features or ambient noise machines
Add soft, textured elements such as linen throws, wool rugs, or leather seating
All of these small touches combine to provide a soothing, spa-like ambiance you'll really look forward to coming home to.
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Final Thoughts: Biophilic Design Isn't Just a Trend—It's a Lifestyle
Biophilic design isn't following a trend—it's designing your space to make you healthier. And for Colorado Front Range homeowners, it just makes sense. We already get to live in one of the country's most naturally beautiful places—why not bring that magic inside?
Whether you're starting tiny with plants and textures, or going big with a makeover using stone, wood, and light, biophilic design has your home living more—more like you.
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👉Alpine Home Repairs Proudly serving Colorado's Front Range, we help homeowners create beautiful, functional spaces based on natural beauty and comfort. We can renovate your bathroom, update your kitchen or build a custom accent wall—just to mention a few of the fun projects we can work on to breathe new life into your home.
We'd love to sit down and talk to you about it. If you have an idea or need ideas, we're here with clear advice and expert craftsmanship.