Designing with Nature: Biophilia, Wellness & Sustainable Materials
- Michael Burton
- 58 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Why Biophilia Matters Now
As summer wanes and we transition into a new season, many of us feel the pull to reconnect — to nature, to home, to rhythms that support well-being. In interior design, this is where biophilia comes in. At its core, biophilia is about our innate human desire to connect with the natural world. More than just adding a houseplant or two, it’s about creating environments that nurture, restore, and sustain us — physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.
For me, biophilia isn’t a trend. It’s a design philosophy that aligns seamlessly with Resonance Interiors’ mission: creating personalized, heart-centered spaces that elevate the everyday.
Biophilia at Work in Our Projects
In our projects, biophilia often reveals itself through quiet but powerful choices:
Natural Light & Flow — Natural linen window coverings allowed sunlight to stream in freely while offering the flexibility of privacy, turning compact rooms into serene, light-filled sanctuaries
Textural Balance — Pairing a handwoven Armadillo wool rug with natural linen window coverings brought warmth, depth, and grounding energy to a living room refresh.
Organic Finishes — We’ve leaned into wallcoverings with natural fibers, limewash and paints free from toxins, bringing both tactile richness and peace of mind.
These design choices don’t just look good — they feel good. They transform spaces into living, breathing ecosystems that reflect the people who inhabit them.
Sustainable Materials for Wellness
Biophilia and sustainability go hand in hand. When we select materials, we’re not only shaping the look of a space but also its impact on human health and the planet. That’s why we prioritize paints, textiles, and finishes that align with wellness-driven standards.
Take Alkemis Paints, for example. Female-founded and the first Cradle to Cradle Certified® wellness paint in North America, Alkemis merges mineral-based durability with toxin-free purity. Used recently in a dining room project, their Flight of Icarus hue brought golden warmth without compromising indoor air quality.
We also turn to partners like The Parsons Healthy Materials Lab, whose work in research, education, and advocacy is redefining what responsible material sourcing looks like. Their online courses and Instagram account are inspiring resources for anyone curious about designing more intentionally and sustainably.
How You Can Bring Biophilia Home
You don’t need a complete renovation to bring biophilia into your home. A few starting points:
Add layers of natural texture through rugs, linens, or woven baskets.
Prioritize sustainable paints and finishes that improve indoor air quality.
Embrace plants not just as accessories but as integral parts of the design.
Reconnect with nature’s palette — ocean blues, earth tones, leafy greens, and firelight golds can all find their way into your rooms.
Create visual connections to the outdoors by keeping window coverings light and framing views intentionally.
For Further Exploration
If this topic sparks your curiosity, I recommend diving deeper into these resources:
Closing Thoughts
At Resonance Interiors, biophilia is more than a design tool — it’s part of how we honor your story. By weaving nature and sustainable materials into your home, we create spaces that feel restorative, functional, and deeply personal. Spaces where wellness isn’t an afterthought, but the foundation.
Design, at its best, doesn’t just decorate our lives — it elevates them.
Ready to explore how biophilia and sustainable design can transform your home? Let’s start the conversation today.