Bringing Nature In: Biophilic Designs

Bringing Nature In: The Easy Guide to Living Walls- Biophilic Design

You’ve probably walked into a space before and thought, Wow… this feels so calm. Usually, that’s because there’s some kind of nature involved—plants, natural light, earthy tones, or even just textures that remind you of the outdoors. That whole idea of designing spaces to make you feel connected to nature has a fancy name: biophilic design. But honestly, you don’t need the vocabulary—just know it’s all about making your space feel more alive, more relaxing, and more grounded.

One of my favorite ways to do this is with living walls. They add instant texture, color, and good vibes without needing to redo your entire space.

What “Biophilic Design” Means

Biophilic design basically means designing your space so it feels closer to nature. Think about how you feel when you’re outside: calmer, clearer, lighter. Bringing that feeling indoors can be as simple as adding greenery, using natural colors, choosing softer lighting, or incorporating materials that remind you of the outdoors. It’s not a trend—it’s a way to make your home or business feel better to be in. And yes, it actually helps reduce stress and can even improve air quality. Nature is sneaky like that.

Living Walls: The Cool, Modern Way to Add Nature

Living walls are exactly what they sound like—walls covered in plants. You can go lush and leafy with a full vertical garden, choose a low-maintenance moss wall, or install slim modular panels that make a subtle but gorgeous statement. These walls can be tiny and simple or big and dramatic; even a narrow panel can completely change the mood of a room. They bring texture, movement, and that “wow” moment people notice immediately.

Choosing Paint Colors That Make Your Plants Shine

The paint color behind your living wall matters just as much as the plants themselves. Earthy neutrals like warm beige, terracotta, or muted olive make the space feel grounded and natural. Greens—from soft sage to deep emerald—blend beautifully with plant life and create a seamless, cozy look. If you want something light and breezy, soft whites and sky blues help open up the space and mimic the feeling of being outdoors. The right color makes your plants stand out without stealing the show.

How to Match Plant Types With Wall Colors

Different plants deserve different backdrops. Succulents look amazing against light sandy tones or warm grays—it lets their texture take center stage. Ferns and moss, which have softer, layered foliage, look richer against deeper colors like charcoal or forest green. If you’re going with flowering vines, soft pastels like blush pink or lavender give the blooms a gentle contrast that makes them pop. Picking the right paint is like choosing the right frame for artwork: it elevates everything.

What Goes Into Building a Living Wall (The Stuff No One Talks About)

A living wall looks effortless when it’s done, but there’s real planning involved. The wall needs the right support and waterproofing because, well, plants need moisture. Lighting is huge too—plants won’t survive without enough light, so you’ll either need natural sunlight or LED grow lights. And if you’re creating one for a business, choosing low-maintenance plants is a lifesaver. These details keep the wall healthy and stunning long-term.

Real-Life Spaces That Nailed the Look

One of my favorite installs was a slim green panel in a residential lounge, paired with a muted sage wall. It instantly made the room feel more grounded and peaceful. Another great example is a café that added a living herb wall against a crisp white backdrop. Not only did it look amazing, but the smell of fresh basil and mint made the space feel fresh and inviting.

DIY Ideas for Smaller Spaces

You don’t need to go big to bring the vibe in. Pocket planters on an accent wall create a beautiful focal point, and moss panels are surprisingly budget-friendly. Even just painting a fresh backdrop and adding a few vertical planters can give your space that lush, natural feeling. Small steps still make a big impact.

Wrap-Up

If the idea of a full green wall feels overwhelming, start small. One living panel or a tiny herb wall can completely shift the feel of your space. Bringing nature indoors doesn’t have to be complicated—just intentional. And even a little greenery can make your home or business feel calmer, fresher, and more you.