The inexorable call of nature is being answered in our kitchens in displays of inspired biophilic design that enhance wellbeing and elevate the spirits
Words Karen Booth
It’s said the pull we feel towards nature is innate. That we are all hardwired to seek out the natural world and when we do, we find solace … joy, even. Biophilic design is about bringing nature into our homes in a way that is emotionally uplifting. It’s about forging connections with the outdoors, literally
and visually.
“Biophilic design means incorporating nature to create a calming space. By blending natural materials, colours and textures, you not only beautify your space but enhance your wellbeing, offering a sanctuary where you can truly relax,” says Sarah Jobse, co-founder of design duo Oak and Orange. “It’s about achieving a thoughtful blend of aesthetic beauty and emotional resonance, influenced by the world right outside your doorstep. As you incorporate nature and all its beauty into your home, remember that each choice, whether it’s through your flooring or the colour of your walls, is an opportunity to deepen your connection
with the natural world.”
Using natural materials, such as stone and timber, will bring the warmth of nature into your kitchen but materials that replicate the patterns and textures of nature, used in conjunction with earthy colour palettes, abundant natural light, plenty of greenery and organic shapes can be just as effective at achieving a sense of wellbeing.
Natural Instincts
“The natural aesthetic brings calm to the kitchen, a space that’s often busy and hectic so it’s great to bring some balance by using neutral tones and textures,” says David Bartlett, head designer and owner of Art of Kitchens. “It also makes any interior space feel welcoming and this is particularly relevant in the kitchen where you want to bring friends and family together.
“We go back to nature when we want to reconnect, so bringing that ambience into a kitchen is a brilliant way to create a haven within the home to help destress after a busy day, or relax on the weekend. It also helps promote the idea of a seamless flow, particularly between indoors and out, when we want to expand the entertaining zone to include both.”
Biophilic design is no longer considered a trend. This desire to bring the outdoors in and experience a deeper connection to nature on a daily basis is here to stay and can find expression in the kitchen in myriad ways. One is texture, which Julia Stojanovic, senior interior designer at CG Design Studio, says is key. “As nature’s offerings don’t often tend to be sleek and perfect, celebrating the tactility of each material is paramount to achieving an organic look,” she says. “Think leathered, honed and tumbled stones, notably textured timber grains, and warm ‘living’ metal finishes in tapware.
“The use of natural finishes and materials, such as a beautiful marble paired with timber-veneered cabinetry, offers not only a timeless aesthetic but a natural feel. Selecting finishes derived from natural materials, especially when handcrafted, such as Zellige and Bejmat tiles, can achieve a perfectly imperfect outcome. Textured rendered finishes can also enhance the notion that a space has been crafted from earthy, natural elements. Applying an earthy tone or warm white textured render or plaster finish to walls envelopes a space with a natural feel.”
Tempting Timber
The appeal of timber, with its warm hues and distinctive woodgrain patterns, is undeniable and can be used to bring in some texture and soften harder elements such as those you would find in an industrial-style kitchen.
Solid-wood cabinets can look amazing but timber and water don’t always mix well, so if opting for natural hardwood flooring, which will take its fair share of splashes and spills, just be sure it’s properly sealed. On the upside, timber flooring is softer under foot and quieter than tiles. There are plenty of lower-cost, lower-maintenance alternatives, though, from wood-look vinyl planks and hybrid flooring to timber grain tiles.
“One of our biggest tips for homeowners is to consider the flooring in harmony with other elements in your home, not only the interior but also outdoor living spaces,” says Sarah. “A flooring sample may look beautiful on its own, but its true essence comes out when it complements the wall colours, kitchen hues, tiles, and even the materials you’ve used on a patio. So, before laying down any flooring, ensure it aligns with the overall colour and texture palette you’ve chosen. This is the key to not only achieving a harmonious biophilic design but also adding that all-important wow factor.”
Using solid-timber for feature shelving is one way to bring in the warmth of wood and turn it into a feature if you don’t want to use solid timber elsewhere. You can also introduce the softening effect of timber in your accessories – perhaps wooden bowls for benchtops, timber stools for the breakfast bar.
High-grade timber veneer and precision-engineered decorative wood panelling is also readily available for use on interior walls, ceilings and cabinetry, providing a clean, natural look that merges interior and exterior spaces.
Set it in Stone
Natural stone for benchtops, splashbacks, feature panelling and flooring brings depth of colour, texture and the unique patterns that only Mother Nature can produce. It does comes at a price, and the stone needs to be properly sealed and maintained, but it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for a variety of reasons.
“With the regulations recently enforced surrounding composite stones, there has been a large industry gravitation towards natural stone. Stunning natural marbles, quartzites, limestones, travertines and granites have been among the preferred choices for benchtops and kitchen detailing, offering unique natural allure to kitchens. As no two natural stones are the same, the exquisite veining in each slab gives the space a sense of individualism,” says Julia.
While engineered stone is now off the table, there are stone-look solid-surface and porcelain alternatives that offer similar durability and have that sought-after natural aesthetic.
Caesarstone’s porcelain surfaces range, which replicates the look of marble, alabaster and more, is one example. Some have deep colour bases with dramatic veining, others have light white or cream bases with more delicate patterning.
Smartstone’s new stone-style porcelain Sintered collection is another. With options such as Calacatta Lusso, an Italian marble-inspired surface in which swirls of gold, amber and grey trace their way across a background of grey-white, it’s easy to go natural in a way that speaks of luxury.
Stone-look floor, wall and splashback tiles are in equally abundant supply and a cost-effective choice. colours of nature
There are countless ways to coax the colours of nature into the kitchen, creating a natural, nurturing vibe. Paint colour is one. In recent times, forest greens have been in favour, bringing deeper, moodier natural tones into the kitchen but new nature-inspired palettes are constantly being launched that make creating a natural colour scheme much easier.
Wattyl’s 2024 Autumn/Winter collection by Neale Whitaker is one example. “I live where the coast meets the country, so I am constantly inspired by nature’s ever-evolving seasonal colour palette,” says Neale. “To me, the colours of the local landscape are as impressive as those of the ocean and beach – so for this palette I focused on the subtle seasonal changes in elements such as bushes and flowers, sand, driftwood and shells. I think this palette perfectly captures those subtleties and their endless variations.
“Adding colour through painted surfaces is hands-down the most effective way of creating mood, and having drawn these colours from nature, they will never feel inappropriate or dated.”
Tiles – used for a splashback or feature –can inject a swathe of earthy colour that can be subtle or attention-grabbing, depending on the tone and finish you choose. A matt finish will give you a more subdued, natural look.
In recent years, companies such as Laminex have been prioritising palettes that evoke nature. One example is the Design Directions Collection comprised of four earthy palettes: Connected Calm, Nature’s Nurture, Energised Contrast and Sunburnt Country. The collection captures the calming qualities of nature, creating a sense of comfort while invigorating the spirit.
When choosing a colour palette, keep it consistent and ensure it resonates with your local landscape, advises Sarah. “If your home is near the coast, shades of blue, sand and weathered timber can create a serene atmosphere. If you’re closer to a bushland area, then greens, browns and earthy tones might suit you better. The aim is to create a fluid visual experience as you move from indoor to outdoor spaces,” she says. “As you incorporate nature and all its beauty into your home, remember that each choice, whether it’s through your flooring or the colour of your walls, is an opportunity to deepen your connection with the natural world.”
Going Organic
Incorporating organic shapes into the design can add to the natural feel, but that’s not all it can do. “Organic lines and curves have become a prominent cabinetry detail because they also add softness to the usually rigid or linear forms you find in a kitchen,” says Julia.
Curves and rounded forms are calming, much like watching the gentle roll of waves. Popular options are to work curves into the design of the cabinetry or to have at least one end of an island bench boast a seductive curve. The effect can be enhanced with curved pendant lights, breakfast bar stools with rounded backs, and a built-in wall niche incorporating an arched form … perhaps an oval or round dining table if you have an eat-in kitchen. Curves can also be introduced in a subtle way through cupboard and drawer handles or in the form of a gooseneck mixer tap.
While soft curves enhance a sense of wellbeing, irregular shapes are common in nature so these can be introduced as accents or a feature element. One way to do this is with the veining of natural stone which can be highly distinctive.
Favouring an organic approach can also find expression in the accessories and decor you choose. It’s often the smaller details and flourishes that make all the difference so accessorise your kitchen with natural elements like potted plants or decorative items made of timber, stone or ceramic. Prioritise kitchen furniture crafted from timber, rattan or jute; choose natural fabrics for cushions and upholstery; if having window dressings, opt for those that let in ample light to enhance the organic feel.
Decorative accents, especially those that evoke organic shapes, colours and textures are especially useful if you’re going for a strong colour palette with shades of the one colour. Adding natural contrasts with the benchtop or flooring is recommended, as is including ornamental accents of earthy but contrasting tones – perhaps terracotta jugs or pots, raffia shades for pendant lights, woven bamboo storage baskets, a ceramic vase filled with fabulous foliage or seasonal blooms.
A matter of style
“The natural aesthetic can work beautifully with a number of different styles,” says Julia. “When two or three natural materials are paired together with refined and sleek detailing, you can achieve a minimalist aesthetic. In contrast, when natural materials are layered, an artisanal, crafted look is achieved, well suited to country-style and traditional homes. When the richness is dialled up and further layering and contrast is detailed, a maximalist aesthetic can come together.”
“The biophilic approach is pretty versatile and in the hands of a skilled designer should be able to be incorporated into almost every style of kitchen,” says David. “But it does work really well with a classic-style kitchen, because this is such a versatile style, and it can be really impactful in an industrial-style kitchen where it can be used to off-set the sometimes-colder aspects of that theme.
“Depending on how the aesthetic is applied, it can also be beautifully incorporated into a modern style kitchen, again because this theme is quite broad. It can even work well in a contemporary style kitchen when applied with care – you’d want to keep it very simple and make sure the elements are understated but it can be done.
“For the ‘stronger’ styles, such as industrial or contemporary, you’d probably look for where you can use accents of natural aesthetic to complement the overall design of the kitchen without overwhelming it. For example, you could have a solid-wood block breakfast bar to really bring nature into the home without going overboard with a full wood kitchen, or you could have a stunning piece of natural stone on an island bench.”
Whatever the style, don’t overdo it, advises David. “Try to aim for a balance of tones and textures,” he says. You can go all-out but for most people it’s best to pick one natural or earthy colour that really speaks to you and see how that can be applied within the kitchen. “It could be on the benchtop, or in the tiles, or the cabinetry and you can use that to represent nature.”
Go for Greenlife
“Don’t forget to look for opportunities to add real greenery,” says David. “This could be via a window splashback so you can see the foliage outdoors, or it could be a herb garden within the kitchen for easy access while cooking.”
The concept of growing a few herbs on a sunny window sill is hardly new, but we now use our kitchens as places to eat, entertain, study and work, not just cook. Just as we would add plants to a home office or dining room, adding plants to a kitchen, whether to grow herbs or salad veg, or simply for the spirit-lifting effect of the foliage, is just as important.
Every indoor plant needs a pot, of course, and that can be turned into a decorative advantage, introducing an accent colour or interesting patterns, textures or shapes. If you’re short on shelf or bench space, hanging planters are a great way to introduce some greenery or you can go a step further with an “upside down” hanging planter such as the Boskke Sky Planter.
If you want to grow plants that need a bit more care, and if you have space and a nice sunny spot, an indoor greenhouse is an option. And if you’re super-serious about maximising your greenlife, consider an indoor vertical garden system. They are in plentiful supply and range from kit-form frames to which you attach individual pots to geotextile pockets that you fix directly to a wall.
And don’t forget the importance of capturing the view of outside greenery and establishing a literal indoor-outdoor connection. “A vista to lush greenery and an abundance of natural light can further enhance the perception of an interior,” says Julia. “The seamless transition between these spaces, including full-height, operable glazing and the continuation of flooring materiality from the interior to the exterior, offers the notion of feeling grounded and connected to nature.”
Article originally featured in Kitchen Yearbook
