5 Simple Ways to Connect with Nature in Your Home

Do you ever feel an almost magnetic pull toward the outdoors? A deep, unspoken need for a walk in the park, the feeling of sand between your toes, or a quiet moment listening to the rustle of leaves? That feeling is a universal human experience, and scientists have a beautiful name for it: "biophilia." Coined by the psychoanalyst Erich Fromm and popularised by biologist E.O. Wilson, biophilia is our innate, genetically determined tendency to connect with nature and other forms of life.

The great news is, you don't have to be on a hiking trail to find that sense of peace. You can invite it right into your home. This is the core idea behind biophilic design: intentionally incorporating natural elements, patterns, and processes into our indoor spaces. It's a powerful concept backed by decades of compelling research. Studies on Attention Restoration Theory, developed by environmental psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, show that even brief, indirect interactions with nature—such as looking at a picture of a forest or a single plant on your desk—can help restore our ability to focus and dramatically reduce mental fatigue. Nature, it turns out, is the ultimate antidote to the cognitive burnout of modern life.

So, how do you start weaving this calming power into the fabric of your home? It's easier than you think.

Add Green Life: Your Living, Breathing Decor.

This is the most direct and rewarding way to practice biophilic design. A few well-placed houseplants do more than just add a splash of colour; they are living, breathing companions that purify the air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. However, their benefits extend beyond the physical. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the presence of indoor plants can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mood. If you're a self-proclaimed "plant killer," don't be discouraged. Start with something famously low-maintenance like a Snake Plant (Sansevieria) or a ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), both of which thrive on neglect. The simple act of caring for another living thing, of watching it grow and change, is a grounding ritual in itself.

Embrace Natural Materials: A Feast for the Senses.

In our modern world, we are surrounded by smooth, cold, man-made materials like plastic, metal, and glass. Biophilic design encourages us to reintroduce the rich, tactile sensations of the natural world. Swap out a plastic storage container for a woven rattan basket. Let a beautiful wooden serving board lean against your kitchen splashback. Drape a linen or cotton throw over your sofa. The subtle textures, imperfections, and warmth of natural materials provide a rich sensory experience that is incredibly calming and grounding. Running your hand over the grain of a timber table or feeling the soft, nubby texture of a wool rug connects you to the world outside in a tangible, deeply satisfying way.

Maximise Natural Light: Let the Sun In

As we've explored, sunlight is a natural mood-booster and energiser. Making the most of it is a cornerstone of biophilic design. Conduct a "light audit" of your home. Where are the dark corners? Where does the light get blocked? Arrange your furniture to take advantage of windows—a desk for working, a chair for reading. Consider adding a mirror opposite a window to bounce more light around the room; this simple trick can make any space feel brighter and more expansive. Sheer curtains are your best friend here, allowing you to maintain privacy while bathing your room in soft, diffuse light that connects you to the time of day and the weather outside.

Display Natural Art & Objects: Windows to the Wild.

You can create powerful connections to nature without bringing in a single living thing. A beautiful landscape painting, a large-scale photograph of the ocean, or a framed print of a botanical illustration can serve as a "window" to the outdoors. Studies have found that viewing images of nature can trigger the same positive psychological responses—reduced stress and improved mood—as being in nature itself. This extends to objects, too. A simple bowl filled with stones you've collected, a piece of driftwood on a shelf, or a collection of shells on a windowsill can serve as potent visual and tactile reminders of the natural world, grounding you in the beauty of the earth.

Use a Nature-Inspired Palette: Paint with the Earth's Colours.

Colour is a powerful tool for setting a mood. To create a biophilic space, look to the ultimate designer: Mother Nature. Think of the colours of the Australian landscape—the warm, pale sand of our beaches, the complex and calming grey-green of eucalyptus leaves, the deep, trustworthy teal of the ocean, and the earthy terracotta of the outback. Using these earthy, organic tones in your walls and decor can instantly make a space feel more serene, restful, and connected to the world outside your door. These colours are inherently calming because they are familiar to our subconscious, reminding us of the vast, peaceful landscapes that have nurtured humanity for millennia.