Designing with Nature: Biophilic Design as a Lifestyle Philosophy
- Aya Design in Style
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
At Aya Design in Style, we believe interior spaces should do more than look beautiful, they should make you feel good. Biophilic design, the practice of connecting people and nature within our built environments, is more than a design trend. It’s a lifestyle philosophy that brings wellness, clarity, and calm into everyday living through thoughtful, natural design.
This year, we’ve been inspired by projects that elevate biophilic principles to an art form. Two of our favourite examples are Aman Kyoto and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, both of which embody this philosophy in unique ways.
Nestled in the forested hills of Japan, Aman Kyoto is a lesson in stillness. Designed with a deep respect for nature, the resort is constructed using soft, natural materials like stone, timber, and handmade paper screens. Every room opens up to gardens that shift with the seasons, encouraging a sense of quiet presence and connection. It’s not just about the look of the space, it’s about the feeling of being rooted in it.
On the other end of the spectrum, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge proves that biophilic design can thrive in the heart of the city. Here, reclaimed wood, living green walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows bring nature directly into the urban interior. The design doesn’t just soothe; it speaks to a deeper commitment to sustainability. Each element feels tactile, honest, and considered, showing how biophilic design can be both grounded and elevated.
A smaller but equally powerful example is Bosco Verticale in Milan. These iconic vertical forest towers integrate thousands of plants into the façade, offering city dwellers a daily connection to greenery, even from a high-rise. While architectural in scale, the philosophy behind Bosco Verticale reinforces the interior values we hold dear: light, air, and natural texture can transform how we feel at home.
Natural materials, like wood, stone, linen, and clay, are essential to this lifestyle. Not only do they offer a soothing tactile experience, but they also support environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on synthetic or high-emission materials. Choosing finishes with intention, whether it’s a hand-finished oak floor or a woven jute rug, adds layers of comfort and calm that go beyond aesthetics.
At Aya Design in Style, we incorporate these principles into our interiors to create homes and commercial spaces that restore and inspire. Biophilic design isn’t about filling your home with plants or choosing rustic furniture, it’s about reconnecting to what feels essential. It’s about creating environments that breathe with you.
If you're looking to bring more nature into your space, whether through materials, light, or layout, we’d love to help design a space that feels as good as it looks.
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