
I’ve always been interested in workspace design and that’s one of the reasons I created this website. I have oftentimes changed up my work office as well as my home office over the years. In recent years, the biophilic office design has become very popular and is considered a trend in office design.
In today’s fast-paced working world, creating a work environment that nurtures well-being and sparks creativity has never been more important. Biophilic workplace design is gaining traction as more people recognize the power of reconnecting with nature through smart office space design.
By blending elements like organic materials, natural light, greenery, and flowing layouts, biophilic design transforms sterile offices into inspiring spaces where people feel energized, focused, and grounded.
And the fact that more companies are removing work from home benefits and demanding employees come to work, this office trend is very important when it comes to workforce morale.
Whether you’re designing a large corporate office or refreshing your personal workspace, incorporating biophilic office design and concepts doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. You could add lush greenery and nature-inspired art or use reclaimed wood and stone accents, organic office decor brings a refreshing, earthy vibe indoors.
Even simple touches like choosing natural color palettes and integrating smart office plants ideas interior design solutions can have a major impact on your mood, productivity, and overall sense of calm at work.
If you would like to embrace the principles of biophilia interior design and infuse your workspace with the beauty and serenity of nature, this guide will help you do just that. I’ll walk you through actionable biophilic office design strategies that you can easily adapt to any setting.
Whether you’re aiming for a full-scale workplace corporate transformation or small biophilic design interiors upgrade in a home office or work office, the tips below will help you create a workspace that feels as good as it looks. The images below were created using artificial imaging tools.
Add Abundant Greenery
Bring in a variety of plants such as large potted plants, hanging plants, desk plants, or even a living wall or ceiling. Different sizes and textures create a lush, calming environment.
Maximize Natural Light
Arrange desks and communal areas to be close to windows. Use sheer curtains or frosted glass to maintain privacy without blocking sunlight.
Utilize Natural Materials
Incorporate wood, stone, bamboo, cork, or wool into furniture, flooring, and decor to create a tactile connection with nature.
Create Outdoor Workspaces
If possible, set up a patio, rooftop garden, or even a balcony nook where employees or yourself can work outdoors.
Introduce Nature-Inspired Colors
Use a palette inspired by nature such as mossy greens, sky blues, earthy browns, and sandy neutrals. These colors should be seen in office walls, upholstery, and accessories.
Incorporate Water Elements
A small tabletop fountain, an aquarium, or even a visual or sound installation featuring water can create a soothing, biophilic touch. Water elements can be utilized as a visual concept as well as soothing background noise.
Design with Natural Shapes and Patterns
Use biomorphic forms including curved lines, organic shapes, and patterns found in nature This should be reflected in furniture, decor, and even layout planning. Biomorphic is defined as resembling or suggesting the forms of living organisms.
Create a Plant Care Station
Create a small area with watering cans, soil, and gardening supplies to make plant care part of the office culture. It can double as a mental wellness break to tend to, cultivate, and care for plants.
Highlight Views of Nature
If your office overlooks trees, a garden, or even a park, you should orient desks and seating areas to take advantage of those views. If real views aren’t possible, use large nature-themed artwork or murals to represent views of nature.
Install a Green Ceiling
In order to create a green ceiling hang trailing plants or install a green canopy with vines and lightweight hanging plants to create a forest-like feel without taking up floor space.
Incorporate Natural Scents
You can use essential oil diffusers with forest, floral, or earthy scents to create a sensory connection to nature.
Mix Indoor and Outdoor Boundaries
Use sliding doors, retractable walls, or glass partitions to blur the line between indoor spaces and nature when weather allows.
Hopefully if you are looking to incorporate biophilic office design elements into your workplace or your individual workspace, the tips above will help you create the type of environment that spurs positivity as well as productivity!
Bob has been blogging for over 20 years and has been an office and cubicle dweller for more than 35 years. He has been featured in numerous online publications such as US News and World Report, Bustle, and Work Awesome (you can read his articles here). He created the popular office website CubicleBliss in January 2011 and rebranded it as WorkspaceBliss in April 2020.
In the office he’s been an IT Manager, Applications Engineer, Systems Analyst, Software Project leader, and Programmer Analyst in his long career. He’s a Certified Microsoft Professional and possesses a Masters of Science degree and two Bachelor of Science degrees, one of those in Informational Technology.
During his career he has worked in the office full-time, as a hybrid remote worker, and has worked from home permanently.