- ‘Biophilic design house’1 has seen a 100% surge in Google searches in the last 3 months, as more people seek nature-inspired interiors.
- ‘Indoor plants’2 attracts 40.5k monthly searches, with ‘Best kitchen plants’3 emerging as a breakout term.
- Dr Suzanne Lux, Horticultural Expert, and Debra Hutt, Kitchen Specialist at Wren Kitchens, share expert tips on introducing biophilic design to your kitchen and home.
With searches for ‘Biophilic design house’1 doubling in the past three months and “indoor plants”2 pulling in over 40,000 monthly searches, it’s clear that more of us are craving a connection to nature, especially in our homes. From lush herbs on the windowsill to leafy plants that brighten up bare corners, bringing the outside in is quickly becoming the next big kitchen upgrade.
But how do you embrace the trend when you’re short on space or natural light? Debra Hutt, kitchen specialist at Wren Kitchens and Bedrooms and horticultural expert Dr Suzanne Lux share practical, plant-friendly tips to help you introduce biophilic design to your kitchen, no garden required.
The core principles behind Biophilic kitchen design
Biophilic kitchen design brings the calming influence of nature into the heart of the home. The foundations of Biophilic design include organic shapes, natural materials such as wood, abundant greenery, and a strong connection to nature.
Debra explains “The beauty of biophilic design lies in its ability to reflect outdoor landscapes. Whether through a simple wooden countertop, a pattern that mirrors the shapes of leaves, or large windows that invite sunlight and the changing seasons into the space.”
The best low-maintenance kitchen plants that thrive indoors
Biophilic kitchen design is all about bringing the outdoors inside, and adding plants to your kitchen is an easy way to do just that. Suzanne suggests “Geraniums and pelargoniums as perfect indoor plants, thriving with a bit of sunlight, good soil, and regular care. Plus, they add a pop of colour and charm to any space.”
If you’ve got a sunny windowsill, it’s ideal for growing fresh herbs like mint and basil. “They’re simple to grow and great for cooking or cocktails,” Suzanne says. Chives, dill, and lemon thyme also do well, but remember to keep them watered, they can dry out quickly in the sun.
Low on natural light? No problem as Suzanne recommends “Low-light plants like jade plants, ivy, ZZ plants, or snake plants, which can still thrive without sunlight and bring a nature-inspired vibe to your kitchen.”
Creative ways to style your kitchen with plants
If you’re looking to bring some greenery into your kitchen without taking over your counters, there are plenty of inventive ways to showcase plants. Wall-mounted shelves, hanging baskets, and upcycled items like wine bottles or jars are all great ways to incorporate nature into your space.
Debra adds, “When space is tight in the kitchen, mounting plants on open shelves or in vertical containers is a smart way to fit them in.” This not only saves valuable counter space but also brings a vibrant, organic feel to your kitchen.
You can layer a variety of plants to create depth and character on your open shelves and play into the “shelf faffery” trend. “Picture vibrant geraniums in boho-style planters against a soft dusky pink wall,” says Suzanne. If you’re tight on space, a vertical garden is another clever option. Suzanne suggests, “Attach plant bags to a wooden board, fill them with flowering geraniums, and place them in a sunny spot.”
Sage Green, Terracotta & Pebble Grey: The Trending Colours for Biophilic Kitchens
When it comes to creating the perfect biophilic vibe in your kitchen, the right colours can make all the difference. As Debra points out “Think soothing, nature inspired hues like pebble grey, sage, leafy green, and warm neutrals. For a little extra warmth, accent colours like terracotta, blush, or rust can add a touch of earthy charm.”
Debra shares “Green is especially relaxing for the eyes, so it’s perfect for setting a calm, peaceful tone, much like the greens found in forests and foliage. If you have a smaller kitchen, warm whites are fantastic, they mimic natural light and help open the space, especially when paired with natural textures like wood.”
Choosing nature-inspired kitchen surfaces
Texture is just as important as colour when creating a natural, tactile space. Think the raw beauty of wood grains, the cool, earthy feel of stone finishes, and surfaces that invite touch and draw you in.
“Go for natural finishes like solid timber that add instant warmth and texture, or granite and quartz if you’re after something a bit sleeker but still grounded in nature. Even textured laminates can give that earthy, tactile feel without going full rustic. Incorporating natural materials gives a subtle nod to the outdoors,” Debra highlights.
The key benefits of a Biophilic kitchen
A biophilic kitchen isn’t just a trend, it’s a breath of fresh air for both your home and your mood. Bringing nature into your kitchen has real benefits. Houseplants like ferns or peace lilies can help purify the air, making the space feel fresher and more breathable.
If you decorate your windowsill with scented herbs or fragrant plants, you’ll be adding more than just beauty. Suzanne explains “Scented leaf Geraniums release the most delicious aromas, from mint and lemon to rose and even chocolate, just with a light breeze or gentle touch. Plus, those natural oils actually help keep pests at bay.”
Creating a naturally bright and balanced kitchen
To create a kitchen that feels bright and airy, it’s all about layering lighting to mimic the natural flow of daylight. When it comes to lighting, steer clear of overly cool tones, those can create a clinical, unwelcoming feel, clashing with the natural textures. Debra weighs in “If your space has limited natural light, include warm-toned LEDs or try adding mirrored backsplashes or glossy tiles to maximise and bounce light around the room.”
“Ditch those heavy curtains and add in light-filtering blinds or sheer curtains, allowing sunlight to flood in. Glass cabinet doors can also help reduce visual weight, keeping things feeling light and spacious,” Debra notes.
