Biophilic design: the role of wood in your space

Interior designers and architects have long been drawn to working with wood. As sustainability becomes more important, architects are trying to bring biophilic design principles into both architecture and interiors. Adding plants and wooden elements is one of the easiest ways to bring nature into your living space.

Today’s design trends lean toward using wood for several reasons – it pairs perfectly with other materials mentioned above, and its popularity keeps growing. As trends evolve, employers are also choosing wood more often for open spaces.

Studies show that just like houseplants can help reduce stress, using natural wood surfaces indoors can also support better physical health.

In fact, 82% of employees who had wooden surfaces in their office said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their work, compared to only 53% of employees without them.

Wood interiors, neutral colors, and natural elements boost job satisfaction, spark creativity, and improve productivity.

For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that hardwood floors improve indoor air quality and help prevent the build-up of dust, mold, and allergens compared to carpet and other flooring options.

It’s also been shown that having natural materials like wood around us can lower stress and support relaxation, focus, and creativity.

With the shift to remote work during the global pandemic, designers have been looking for ways to bring a nature-inspired atmosphere into homes. Wood is now widely used in modern interior design – from entire structures or standout architectural elements to small decorative details inside the house.