26 Biophilic Living Rooms That Flawlessly Bring Nature Indoors

The term "biophilia" may sound strange if you've never heard of it, but it simply translates to the "love of life." More specifically, biophilia has come to represent a love for all forms of life in nature, including plants, trees, fish, birds, fungi, insects, and more. In biophilic interior design, the focus is to incorporate these elements of nature as much as possible into human-made spaces like homes and office buildings. Some aspects of biophilic design include open architecture, natural lighting, live plants, natural materials, earthy colors, and patterns with natural motifs. Biophilic design also aims to be eco-friendly, with solar panels, organic materials, and ethically sourced furniture being some key concepts.

Humans often think of ourselves as separate from nature, but filling our homes and workplaces with greenery and natural materials is shown to boost productivity and creativity, improve air quality, and support overall well-being (via Forest Homes). If you're curious about incorporating biophilic design into your home, the living room is a great place to start. Check out these gorgeous biophilic living rooms for some thriving inspiration. 

Rattan and light wood furniture bring a delicate touch to any biophilic living room. The natural lighting in this space is amplified by an open wall, but you could also place a large mirror to get the same brightening effect.

Is there anything more biophilic than making your home in nature? Sliding glass walls create a perfect living area to enjoy in rain or shine. Relax with a cup of tea as you listen to the sounds of nature and feel a cool breeze flowing through your home.

Even if you're short of space, you can still create a biophilic reading nook. Tropical shade plants and a cozy green chair are the perfect combo to keep you reading and relaxing all year long. 

Sometimes more is more. Try a creative curtain rod hack to hang long-tendrilled plants in the window, which can also provide some privacy at night. Vintage pot stands protect the wood floor and add a charming "seat" for each potted plant. 

A jewel-tone velvet sofa and gold accents add a touch of luxury to any biophilic living room. Gold and green are a match made in moody boho heaven, and the whole look is complete with plants like a polka dot begonia and Chinese evergreen. 

Great biophilic design is all about breaking down barriers between humans and nature. This living room lets the surrounding nature speak for itself, with neutral cushions and raw wood tables, and a ceiling that draws the eye outward to the sky.

Step out of the concrete jungle and into this green retreat. Sunny windows and thriving plants bring this neutral white loft to life. The coordinated terra cotta pots and throw pillows make the space feel warm and relaxed. 

This living area looks like an excellent spot for yoga or meditation. Planted bamboo and palms act as a stand-in wall here, creating a natural screen between this quiet corner and the rest of the house. Curved furniture pieces, sitting pads, and baskets make the space feel adaptable. 

Palms cast beautiful shade patterns, so take advantage of the shade by placing them in front of a window where they can catch sunrise or sunset. This living also features lots of soft greens, another trend that melts perfectly into biophilic design. 

Plants love music, and classical music and jazz music can actually help plants grow faster, greener, and bushier. There's practically no better place for biophilic design than a music room with matching sofas so everyone (and every plant) can sit and enjoy. 

A glass greenery cabinet doesn't just look nice; it also keeps plants safe from children and pets and encourages healthy humidity. Open up the doors when you need to water plants and let some fresh air into the living room. 

Biophilic interior design can maximize the impact of the living room area, especially if you live in a studio apartment. This studio takes advantage of vertical space and window ledges and fills them with plants promoting health and happiness. An earthy color scheme also makes any city apartment feel more soothing. 

If you're worried about all that watering and leaf shedding, biophilic design doesn't have to be overwhelmed by live plants. Incorporate simple elements and textures of nature like rounded edges, soft wood grains, crystal décor, and cheery botanical wallpaper.

One charming way to bring the outdoors in is by hanging a hammock in the living room. This fun addition looks great surrounded by hanging plants — just be sure to leave an empty table nearby for your glass of lemonade and a book. 

Living walls and moss walls are the epitome of biophilic design, but they can be hard to grow for beginners. Luckily, an easygoing neon pothos is more than happy to substitute. This plant creates lovely trailing vines and big leaves and looks incredible when pinned to the wall. 

Sometimes a swipe of avocado green is all you need to make a man-made space feel more like a cozy forest. Of course, a warm orange sofa, rattan cat bed and perky monstera plant never hurt either. 

If you stop and think about it, nature is the source of all colors, so why not display the best and brightest Mother Nature has to offer? This bright and playful twist on biophilic design is sure to warm any maximalist's heart.

Show guests that you're well-read on your botany with vintage plant posters and wall art. Artwork is a great place to draw some inspiration if you aren't sure how to redesign your living room to look more natural. 

Biophilic design is about appreciating your surroundings. If you live in the Southwestern United States, that probably means lots of cacti, sandstone, grass, and cedar. Create a flow between indoor and outdoor spaces by investing in native plants and locally sourced furniture. 

This outdoor living room overlooks some gorgeous native foliage, which the resident incorporates into her patio design with vivid mats, colorful throw pillows, and potted palms. This looks like the perfect place to enjoy mango sorbet on a warm evening. 

A massive chunk of driftwood serves as a lovely coffee table in this inviting and artistic living room. The natural, imperfect textures from the driftwood and live plants mimic a forest paradise. 

Imagine taking a nap or reading a book as you watch nature thrive just a few feet away. This luxurious corner feels like living in your own terrarium surrounded by clear glass, green plants, and filtered sunlight. 

Like a miniature version of a living wall, a moss and fern art piece brings just a touch of biophilic design but creates a big impact. Dark, moody walls and unique plants around the room help your eyes travel through the space. 

Tropical plants fill the awkward empty space behind the sofa, allowing the lounge to catch some rays in this stunning living area. Curl up a good book in the sunshine or peek through the leaves overhead as you sleep under the stars. 

Incorporating biophilic design into your home doesn't have to be an all-out transformation. Sometimes a little bit of creative greenery can go a long way. This terrarium table would make a fun DIY project or solution for revamping an old furniture piece. 

Even without any windows, this living room is teeming with life. Grow lights give green plants a boost, and the whole room projects a fun vibe with graphic throw pillows, gold pots, and a modern glass table.