HOME IS WHERE THE HEALING IS: BIOPHILIC DESIGN

Safia A Naqvi | 18 Jan 2026

DESIGN STORIES: SKETCHES, SCRIBBLES & DOODLES OF A DESIGNER'S THOUGHTS

The earth is our mother. Whenever we go into nature we feel her warm embrace. When we hear about corporations that damage the earth, something inside us hurts. We are rooted to the earth, and walking barefoot on it grounds us, transferring her energy into us.

How many people feel so much better after going for a walk in natural surroundings? How many people plan their holidays around stunning, natural landscapes? Clearly, we have an inherent need to connect with nature in order to heal. There is a pull inside us that continually draws us toward it.

Another benefit of having plants in the home occurs when we realize that, like us, they too are emotionally intelligent creatures. Like us, they too are mostly made of water. Like us, they too have feelings. Numerous studies and experiments have shown that when plants are spoken to with love and kindness, they flourish and thrive. And when the vibe around them is negative – anger, insults and shouting whether directed toward them or just present around them – they tend to wilt and die.
If we teach our children from a young age that plants have feelings, and that it is our duty to look after them and love them, we foster an environment of compassion and service. We raise children who tend to nature and take responsibility for their actions toward it.

Biophilic design is all about bringing the outside in. Lush green plants hanging from the ceiling, or growing from pots on the ground; vertical gardens sprawling over walls, or majestic trees in atriums – however we translate the design into our homes, whether on a grand or humble scale, we should make it a priority to include some healthy, living plants into our interior design.

Just looking at greenery cools the eyes and the heart; and no one can deny that the quality of our air is better when plants absorb the CO2 we exhale, giving us more oxygen in return. Designing patios that seamlessly flow from our kitchens and other living spaces encourages us toward indoor-outdoor living, while pools that are surrounded by plants are more inviting than pools surrounded by hard surfaces like tiles.

But biophilic design does not have to be restricted to plants. Water is a common feature in interior design. There is no sound more soothing than the sound of running water. Be it a pool, a fountain, a lake, a waterfall, or even an aquarium, everyone tends to gravitate toward water, making it a feature that encourages interaction and social gathering. Water features are a great element of interior design, and anyone planning a build or renovation should seriously consider incorporating one.

In the next part, we will explore another form of life that plays a huge role in creating an environment of healing in the home.