I read about biophilic design and how being around nature improves mental health.
I was living in a concrete apartment with zero plants.
My anxiety was high. My mood was blah.
So I started adding plants and natural elements.
Not going crazy. Just intentional nature.
And it genuinely made a difference.
My space feels calmer. My mood is better. My anxiety is lower.
It’s not a cure. But it helps.
Biophilic design = bringing nature inside. Plants, natural light, natural materials, water elements, views of nature. Even small doses help. Start with plants. Add wood. Add water. Make your space feel alive.
Biophilic design is intentionally incorporating nature into spaces.
It’s based on the idea that humans need nature.
Nature reduces stress. Improves focus. Boosts mood.
Biophilic design is just being intentional about adding that nature to your home.
Plants are the easiest biophilic element.
They’re literally alive. They improve air quality. They’re calming.
Low-maintenance plants:
Placement:
Budget: €10-50 per plant depending on size.
Just start with one or two.
Natural light affects mood and circadian rhythm.
Maximize natural light in your space.
How:
Natural light is free and hugely impactful.
Wood, stone, plants, natural fibers.
In furniture:
You don’t have to replace everything.
Just incorporate natural materials gradually.
Budget: Natural materials cost similar or less than synthetic.
Water has calming effect.
Options:
Water elements add movement and sound.
Even small ones help.
Total: €190
This completely transforms a space.
Total: €530
Really feels like nature-filled space.
Etsy has tons of natural home products.
Wooden organizers. Stone coasters. Plant stands. Art with nature themes.
Home Depot has plants, wood products, stone elements.
Both sources for biophilic design products.
Art depicting nature. Photography of landscapes. Botanical prints.
Even if you can’t have actual nature, art depicting nature helps.
€20-100 depending on size and quality.
If you have a window with a view, use it.
Sit by window. Look out. Just existing by window helps.
If you don’t have nice view, create one inside.
Plants in window. Art depicting nature. Hang botanical prints.
Biophilic design isn’t just visual.
Sound: Fountain, wind chimes, bird sounds
Smell: Plants, flowers, natural scents
Touch: Wood texture, soft plants, natural materials
Sight: Green, plants, natural light, nature imagery
Engage multiple senses for greater impact.
No. Even 3-5 plants in a room makes difference.
Absolutely. Vertical plants. Window focus. Works in any space.
Start with hardy plants (snake plant, pothos). And fake plants are okay if needed. Something is better than nothing.
Very little. Plants are cheap. Natural materials similar price to synthetic.
Research says yes. Even small doses of nature reduce stress and anxiety.
I have:
Cost: about €400 total.
Impact: genuinely noticeable. Space feels alive. I feel calmer.
Biophilic design doesn’t mean being a plant parent with 50 plants.
It just means intentionally adding nature to your space.
Even small doses help.
Plants, natural light, natural materials.
That’s it.
Your mental health will thank you.
Start with one plant. Place it by a window.
Notice how it makes you feel.
Add one natural material (wooden table, jute rug).
Notice the difference.
Build gradually.
Your space will feel calmer. You’ll feel better.
Have you considered adding biophilic elements to your home? Where would you start? Tell me in the comments!