Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors for a More Intentional Home Experience
My First Blog—And Why This One’s Close to My Heart
Hey, I’m Evans! Welcome to my very first blog, where I get to nerd out about the things I love most—design that actually matters. Not the trendy, disposable kind of design that clogs up Pinterest feeds and landfills, but the kind that makes a home feel like an experience rather than just four walls and a roof.
If you’ve ever stepped into a space that just felt right—calming, energizing, and deeply connected to the world outside, maybe pulling from a lot of inspiration from the natural world—chances are, you were experiencing biophilic design (even if you didn’t know the term). And if you’ve ever been in a space that felt lifeless, static, and downright suffocating—well, you were probably experiencing the exact opposite.
Let’s talk about how biophilic design—bringing nature indoors in a thoughtful, intentional way—can transform not just how a home looks, but how it feels. And, because I’m a real estate agenttrainedin design, let’s talk about how this can make your home more valuable in the long run.
First Things First: What Is Biophilic Design?
At its core, biophilic design is about connecting the indoors to nature in a way that’s not just decorative but deeply functional. It’s not about throwing some succulents on a shelf and calling it a day. It’s about designing spaces that mimic the patterns, textures, and energy of the natural world, which—fun fact—makes humans feel better.
There’s actual science behind this. David Quammen, a Pulitzer prize-winning naturalist, has spoken about how homes that incorporate natural elements like wood, stone, water features, and even strategic lighting directly impact mood, health, and productivity. They also sell for more money—because buyers feel the difference, even if they can’t articulate why.
In Portland, where we’re spoiled with natural beauty, it makes no sense for homes to feel like sterile boxes. Homes should feel like they belong to their environment like they’re part of the landscape rather than fighting against it.
Why Biophilic Design is More Than Just a Trend
I don’t do trends. If I’m talking about a design approach, it’s because it has long-term impact—both aesthetically and functionally. Biophilic design isn’t a passing fad; it’s an investment in your quality of life and your home’s marketability. Here’s why it works:
Better for Your Health
Natural materials like wood and stone reduce stress and create a sense of calm.
Increased natural light boosts mood and productivity (bye, Seasonal Affective Disorder).
Improved air quality from plants and proper ventilation make your home a healthier place to breathe.
Boosts Your Home’s Value
Buyers are actively seeking indoor-outdoor living spaces—homes that feel connected to nature sell faster and for more money.
Energy-efficient features like passive solar design and green roofs are a long-term value-add
Materials with longevity (natural stone, reclaimed wood, clay plasters) age beautifully instead of needing to be replaced in five years (cough disposable design cough).
Sustainability That Actually Makes Sense
Thoughtful use of renewable and local materials reduces your environmental footprint.
Strategic design choices (large windows, overhangs, ventilation systems) cut energy costs while keeping your home comfortable year-round.
Helps fight against the plague of wasteful construction—which, if you’ve ever visited a landfill, you know is a nightmare of cheap laminate and broken IKEA furniture.
How to Integrate Biophilic Design Into Your Home (Without Making It Look Like a Jungle-Themed Airbnb)
Okay, so you want to bring some nature into your home—but you’re not trying to live in a greenhouse. Good news: you don’t have to. Here’s how to do it in a way that’s stylish, high-end, and most importantly, livable.
1. Maximize Natural Light (Stop Blocking Your Best Asset!)
I cannot overstate this: natural light is EVERYTHING. Light is what gives a home life, yet I see people put up heavy curtains or position furniture in a way that completely cuts off their best source of it. If you’re doing this—stop!
Use sheer window treatments or none at all.
Add mirrors to reflect and amplify natural light.
Choose open layouts that let light travel deeper into your home.
If you're renovating, consider adding skylights—you'll never regret it.
Natural light = instant mood boost and instant home value boost..
2. Work With Natural Materials (Not the Cheap Knockoffs)
Biophilic design is all about authenticity—so if you’re using "faux" anything (fake wood, plastic-based stone replicas), you’re missing the point.
Use the real thing whenever possible. Buyers can feel the difference between plastic veneer and actual reclaimed wood, and between mass-produced tile and handmade ceramic surfaces. Not only do natural materials age better, but they also develop character over time (unlike synthetic materials that just start looking worn-out and sad).
Opt for stone countertops instead of composite.
Use solid wood flooring over laminate.
Bring in woven textiles, raw clay, and even leather for warmth and texture.
Natural materials don’t just look good; they connect you to the space in a visceral way
3. Blur the Line Between Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
If your home closes you off from nature, it’s working against you. And in Portland, where we get all four seasons (sometimes in a single day), we should be designing homes that adapt to that rather than ignore it.
Some ways to do this:
✅ Install large glass doors that open to the outside.
✅ Use covered patios or outdoor rooms that feel like extensions of your home.
✅ Introduce indoor water features or plant walls for a dynamic, nature-inspired element.
✅ Add natural stone or wood elements inside that mirror the textures outside.
When you erase the hard boundaries between inside and outside, you create a home that feels bigger, breathes easier, and just functions better.
4. Use Color the Right Way (Hint: Nature Already Figured It Out for You)
A lot of people go one of two ways when trying to bring nature inside:
1️⃣ They go all green, which can start to feel overwhelming.
2️⃣ They go all beige, which is just… sad.
Instead, pull inspiration from actual landscapes. Look at the way deep blues contrast against burnt oranges in a desert. Look at the combination of warm browns, deep greens, and bright golden yellows in a Pacific Northwest forest.
Some winning combos:
Terracotta & Olive Green
Deep Cobalt & Burnt Sienna
Muted Lavender & Earthy Ochre
Dark Charcoal & Warm Honey Wood
Nature is colorful—but balanced. Steal that balance.
Why This Matters (and Why I Care So Much)
I’m in real estate, but I’m also in design—and that means I care about more than just transactions. I care about the experience of living in a home, and how it makes you feel every day. Homes should be built to last, designed with thoughtfulness, and made for actual humans—not just a quick resale flip.
Unfortunately, the market is still littered with disposable design choices—cheap materials, thoughtless layouts, and homes that look good in photos but feel terrible to live in. We deserve better. You deserve better.
If you’re thinking about a home purchase, renovation, or just how to make your space work better for you, let’s talk. My passion is helping people find and create homes that don’t just look great but feel right—homes with soul, homes with longevity, homes that actually make sense.
Stay tuned for more deep dives into design that matters, homes that last, and the things I can’t shut up about.