Biophilic Room Design - Harris

How to achieve a biophilic interior design with paint

The biophilic design style integrates nature into architecture and interior design, through natural materials and forms in order to create environments that promote wellness and positivity.

Benefits of biophilic design

Integrating natural elements and patterns into interior biophilic design to foster a deeper connection between humans and nature.

Improves positivity
Lowers stress levels
Enhances learning comprehension
Increases recovery rates from illnesses

How to paint a biophilic designed room

Use colour zoning

Highlighting natural materials or break up large spaces with green or clag-toned accent walls.

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Low-sheen finishes

Reflect less artificial light and feel more organic with earthy and nature inspired colours.

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Incorporate murals

Use subtle paint or forest imagery to add a creative immersive layer of botanic motifs.

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Biophilic design colours
and patterns to use

Biophilic design uses nature-inspired colours like sage green, terracotta, sky blue, and warm neutrals to create calm, earthy spaces. Biophilic patterns mimic nature with leaves, woodgrain, stone, and water-inspired designs, adding calm and organic texture to walls, fabrics, and decor.

Choose low-VOC paints for a healthier, more sustainable home.

Brush techniques to achieve a biophilic feel

Incorporating biophilic design into interiors is more than just adding plants, it’s about creating a connection to nature through texture, colour, and movement. With the right brush techniques, you can evoke the organic feel of natural environments right on your walls or surfaces, bringing warmth and calm into any space.

Dry Brushing

Use a dry brush with minimal paint to create a textured, weathered look, reminiscent of natural elements like wood or stone.​

Sponging

An alternative to dry brushing to replicate the texture of bark/wood, stone or sand for a softer, mottled texture.

Stencils or freehand

Use stencils or freehand painting to add subtle leaf or floral patterns, enhancing the connection to nature.

Shadow Play

Paint stylised shadows of branches or plants, especially on light-toned walls, to give the illusion of nature nearby.

Light Play

Use contrast painting to imitate dappled light effects, like sunlight filtering through leaves.

Layered texturing

Apply multiple layers of paint in varying shades to add depth and mimic the complexity of natural.

Biophilic interior design painting FAQs

Yes, but to achieve a stunning biophilic interior design look, you should use bold colours as accents. Think muted mustards or burnt orange to mimic sunlight or autumn tones.

Start by choosing a colour palette that complements the tones of the natural materials you’re using. Think warm earth tones with wood, soft greens with indoor plants, or cool neutrals with stone. Use textural brush techniques like dry brushing or layering with soft bristle brushes to mimic organic patterns. The goal is to enhance the natural materials, not compete with them, so keep finishes subtle and harmonious.

In smaller spaces, lighter, nature-inspired tones work best. Soft greens, warm beiges, sandy taupes, and sky-inspired blues can open up the room while still creating that calming, outdoorsy feel. Stick to no more than three tones to avoid overwhelming the space. Using a quality angled brush can help you define clean lines in compact areas, making the room feel more considered and spacious.

Absolutely! Biophilic design is all about balance, and it pairs beautifully with modern style. Think olive green with matte black fixtures, or terracotta against crisp white walls. Try painting a feature wall or incorporating layered textures with your brushwork to bring warmth and a natural edge to clean, minimal spaces.

Yes! Dark tones like charcoal, forest green, or deep clay can ground a biophilic interior design and mimic natural contrasts (shadows, soil, bark). Use a fine finish brush to achieve clean edges and consider balancing darker walls with plenty of light and natural materials like rattan, timber, or linen to keep the space inviting and calm.

Low-VOC and natural paints often clean up easily with warm, soapy water. Rinse your brushes as soon as possible after use to prevent drying and buildup. For stubborn residue, gently work in a natural bristle cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals to keep both your brushes and the planet in good shape.

Yes! At Harris, we offer a range of eco-conscious brushes. All of our brushes are made with synthetic bristles, which are not only durable and easy to clean but also suitable for use with water-based and low-VOC paints. Find out more about our sustainability.

“Great quality brushes. Easy to handle, smooth work and no streaks, no loose bristles, dream brushes!”

Why choose Harris Brushes for your biophilic room design?

Superior bristle quality

Harris paint brushes are crafted with natural bristles and synthetic filaments, ensuring superior paint pick-up and coverage with minimal bristle loss. This is particularly beneficial when painting in cold temperatures, where consistent application is essential.
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Specialised product ranges

Our ‘Seriously Good’ range provides high quality brushes that perform well with minimal effort, while the ‘Ultimate’ range is designed for professional-level performance, featuring innovative technologies ideal for achieving a flawless finish in challenging winter conditions.
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No bristle loss guarantee

The Harris Ultimate Paint Brushes come with a no bristle loss guarantee, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted painting experience. During winter, this will help maintain the integrity of the paint application despite the challenges posed by colder temperatures.
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