In today’s fast-paced world, our homes should be more than just “trending styles”—they should restore us. That’s why more homeowners are embracing biophilic design and wellness interior design. These approaches go beyond decorating trends. They’re about creating calm, livable environments that promote mental clarity, lower stress, and bring nature back into our daily routines.
So, how do you design a space that doesn’t just look beautiful, but helps you feel better, too? Keep reading for calming interior design tips that blend nature, comfort, and function into a truly personalized home.
What Is Biophilic Design?
At its core, biophilic design is about reconnecting with the natural world through the spaces in which we live. It’s more than adding a plant or two, it’s a mindset that uses natural elements, textures, and rhythms to create harmony and wellness in the home.
Core elements of biophilic home ideas include:
- Natural materials in interior design, such as wood, stone, wool, and rattan
- Indoor greenery and living plants
- Maximized exposure to natural light and fresh air
- Views or visual connections to nature
- Organic, flowing shapes and patterns
- Soft, neutral color palettes inspired by earth, sky, and water
Designing for Wellness at Home
Incorporating wellness interior design principles into your home doesn’t require a complete renovation. It’s about being intentional with what surrounds you and how each element affects your well-being.
Here’s how to start:
1. Maximize Natural Light
Nothing lifts the mood like sunlight. Allow it to flood your home by:
- Using sheer curtains or no window treatments at all
- Positioning mirrors to reflect light and expand the space
- Rearranging furniture to follow the path of the sun
Light is essential for maintaining healthy circadian rhythms, improving focus, and reducing stress.
2. Bring Nature Into Your Home with Greenery
Adding living plants is one of the easiest ways to introduce biophilic home ideas into your space. Try:
- Potted floor plants like fiddle-leaf figs or palms
- Wall-mounted herb gardens in the kitchen
- Hanging planters in a sunny corner
Plants offer more than beauty—they help purify indoor air, regulate humidity, and bring a calming presence into the home.
3. Use Natural Materials and Organic Textures
Choosing natural materials in interior design fosters a grounded, sensory experience.
- Use raw wood furniture, stone countertops, jute rugs, or linen upholstery
- Layer tactile elements like wool throws, woven baskets, or ceramic decor
- Focus on finishes that feel organic, not manufactured
This approach ties in beautifully with stress-reducing home design that feels lived-in and authentic.
4. Create a Dedicated Wellness Space
A wellness nook doesn’t have to be large—it just needs to be intentional.
- A quiet meditation space with soft textures and ambient lighting
- A cozy reading chair near a window with natural light
- A spa-like bathroom with calming scents, warm stone, and soft towels
Wellness-focused spaces support emotional regulation and daily rituals that bring peace.
5. Incorporate Water and Nature-Inspired Sound
Soothing auditory cues can be just as impactful as visual ones.
- Add a small water feature to a home office or bedroom
- Use sound machines or apps with ocean waves, rain, or forest sounds
- Include natural scents like eucalyptus, cedarwood, or lavender with diffusers or candles
These simple touches are ways to bring nature into your home and support nervous system regulation.
Why It Matters
Designing a home around wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. Interior design for mental wellness creates space to breathe, focus, and recharge. It supports the way you want to live, not just how things look in a photo.
I remember when I first moved into the Minneapolis-St Paul area and rented a condo with solid glass walls overlooking a lake. Between the sunlight and gorgeous view, I woke up feeling like I was on vacation every day.
Clients often tell me that after we implement these principles, their space feels different. Lighter. Calmer. More like home.
At Jae Taylor Designs, I specialize in thoughtful, grounded interiors that support well-being, clarity, and connection. Whether you’re looking to create a meditation room, incorporate natural materials in interior design, or bring more greenery into your home, I’m here to help.
Let’s work together to design a space that reflects your rhythm and brings balance to your everyday life.
Get in touch today or follow along on Instagram @JaeTaylorDesigns for behind-the-scenes tips and inspiration grounded in biophilic and wellness interior design.
