Nature at Home: Simple Design Secrets for a Healthier, Happier You
How sunlight, greenery, and the soothing sound of water can transform your home — and your well-being.
By: Ike Price
This article was originally published on the Homeswithedge website.
When we think of interior design and décor, most of us focus on aesthetics — how a space looks, what colors pop, or which furniture pieces make a statement. But according to environmental psychologists Dr. Sally Augustin and Dr. David Fell of FP Innovations, true design harmony goes far deeper. They argue that the key to a healthier, happier home lies in biophilic design — bringing elements of the natural world indoors to nurture both body and mind.
For those who don’t live near lush landscapes or oceanside views, there are still easy, impactful ways to invite nature inside. Here are three science-backed steps to help you transform your home into a personal sanctuary.
1. Let the Light In
While heavy curtains help with insulation, keeping them open and allowing sunlight to stream in can do wonders for your mood and health. Research shows that exposure to natural light boosts energy, improves sleep quality, and even supports weight management.
“Natural light has measurable effects on mood and productivity,” note Augustin and Fell. So, pull back those drapes, position your workspace near a window, and let your body sync with the rhythms of the day. Even strategically placed mirrors can help reflect sunlight deeper into darker spaces — amplifying brightness and well-being.
2. Bring the Outdoors Indoors
According to the EPA, indoor air can often be more polluted than the air outside. Carpets, furniture, paints, and cleaning products emit toxins such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene. But nature offers an elegant solution: plants.
Through a process called phytoremediation, plants naturally filter and purify indoor air. NASA’s landmark studies on space station environments identified specific plants that excel at removing harmful chemicals.
- Flowering plants like gerbera daisies and chrysanthemums absorb benzene.
- Green leafy plants such as golden pothos, philodendron, and spider plants tackle formaldehyde.
NASA even recommends 15–18 plants in 6- to 8-inch pots for every 1,800 square feet of living space. Beyond improving air quality, indoor plants have been shown to lower stress, enhance focus, and bring a calming, organic beauty to any room.
3. The Sound of Water
The gentle sound of trickling water has long been associated with peace and balance. “Studies indicate that being in a coastal or marine setting causes a six-point increase on the 100-point happiness scale compared to urban settings,” writes Zachary Slobig in Psychology Today.
Even if you don’t live near the ocean, you can recreate that serenity indoors. Consider a tabletop fountain, a small indoor waterfall, or an aquarium — all of which introduce the rhythmic, meditative sound of moving water. The auditory cue instantly softens a space, encouraging relaxation and mindfulness.
The Healing Power of Nature — Indoors
It’s no secret that time spent in nature restores us — lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety, and improving mood. But what’s increasingly clear is that we don’t need to hike a mountain or visit the seaside to reap those benefits. By weaving natural light, living plants, and flowing water into our homes, we create environments that sustain both our physical and emotional health.
Your home can be more than a shelter — it can be a living, breathing ecosystem that supports your well-being. With a few thoughtful touches, you can design not just a beautiful space, but a sanctuary for the soul.
Photo:AdobeStock
