Biophilic design may be the bathroom aesthetic that you’ve been secretly craving. This design style is all about bringing the outdoors in. Biophilic design uses organic elements and nature motifs to curate a tranquil and relaxing space.
While biophilic design styles can work for any room of the house, there’s something enticing about transforming your bathroom into a serene, natural sanctuary.
Whether you’re new to biophilic design or have been considering your next reno project, we spoke to the experts to get inspiration for some green bathroom ideas that can help refresh our spaces.
Focus on sustainability
Today’s bathroom renos and designs place great importance on sustainability. Ariela Kiradjian, Co-Founder at StayBoutique, tells us, “There’s a growing emphasis on sustainability, so expect to see more bathrooms featuring eco-friendly materials.”
Artem Kropovinsky, Interior designer and founder at Arsight, says, “Sustainability, with eco-friendly materials and fixtures that are not only fashionable but also socially responsible, is a fast trend.”
While mass-produced goods and cheap, seasonal decor may have been a focus for trends of the past, today’s homeowners want to create a bathroom design that adheres to their environmental needs and sustainability goals.
Kiradjian says that items homeowners are adding to their bathroom designs “could include recycled glass tiles, bamboo cabinets, and low-flow water fixtures,” all of which are more sustainable than past trend alternatives.
Niko Rasides, Design Director at Nicholas Anthony, says, “Water-saving fixtures, energy-efficient lighting, and sustainable flooring options are becoming staples in bathroom renovations. The goal is to create beautiful, functional spaces while minimizing the environmental footprint.”
At the end of the day, “sustainability [is] a top priority in bathroom design,” says Rasides.
Use plenty of natural materials
To create a successful biophilic design, homeowners should choose plenty of natural materials to incorporate into their space.
Artem Kropovinsky at Arsight says, “Changing bathrooms into natural sanctuaries, the biophilic design approach incorporates wood, stone, and plants to make us feel at ease.”
In the bathroom, stone backsplashes, ceramic tiles, wood features, stone sinks, and artisan pottery are some materials homeowners can include to create a biophilic atmosphere.
Niko Rasides at Nicholas Anthony says, “Eco-friendly materials such as recycled glass, reclaimed wood, and low-impact ceramics” are a few common examples of what to look for when aiming for this aesthetic.
Opt for earthy color palettes
Ariela Kiradjian at StayBoutique says biophilic design “lean[s] towards a natural, earthy look.” When it comes to color palettes, earthy, grounded tones are the way to go. Rich browns, gentle creams, soft tans, lush greens, watery blues, and colors with warm undertones are best.
Niko Rasides at Nicholas Anthony suggests homeowners use “organic textures and earthy color palettes to create a harmonious and serene ambiance.”
Jennifer Verruto, Founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors, adds to this, saying, “Deeper wood tones add warmth and depth to a home. We love that richer tones are coming back into play!”
Add features that bring in an organic feel
One of the best ways to create a luxurious and tranquil biophilic bathroom design is to add features that offer an organic feel.
Ariela Kiradjian at StayBoutique says, “This trend might manifest in bathroom designs through the use of natural light, indoor plants, water features, and the use of natural materials like stone and wood.”
Some features include:
- Waterfall walls
- Miniature fountains
- Indoor plants
- Large windows
- Stone benches or seating
- Stone sinks
- Plant walls
Niko Rasides at Nicholas Anthony tells us, “Interior designers are integrating natural elements such as living walls” into biophilic designs. Rasides continues, saying, “Imagine soaking in a bathtub surrounded by lush greenery or starting your day in a bathroom that mimics the tranquility of a forest retreat – these trends highlight the growing desire to bring the outdoors inside.”
Create a space fit for relaxation
Biophilic design is not just about creating a green and organic space. It’s also about creating a spa-like environment fit for relaxing.
Niko Rasides at Nicholas Anthony says, “Biophilic design not only adds aesthetic appeal but also promotes well-being by fostering a connection with nature.”
Some ways to achieve this is through art that depicts the natural environment, mini outdoor patios off of the bathroom, or an indoor zen rock garden. Or, incorporate elements like candles, diffusers, and towel warmers to the design to enhance the relaxation experience.
Biophilic design is a great way to add more natural elements to your home. This design style gives homeowners a chance to curate a tranquil and serene space, something many people crave in today’s interiors. By bringing the outdoors in, you can create a green bathroom aesthetic while also utilizing eco-friendly and sustainable materials.
For those who crave a spa-like environment that feels lush and organic, biophilic bathroom design is a great aesthetic choice.
