Biophilic Office Design: How to Use Plants to Transform Your Workspace
When you walk into an office filled with natural light, fresh greenery, and organic textures, it just feels different. Calmer. Fresher. More inviting. That’s the power of biophilic design, an approach to office interiors that connects people with nature, even indoors.
It’s more than just a design trend. Research shows that adding natural elements like plants and greenery can improve wellbeing, reduce stress, and boost productivity. And with so many ways to integrate both living and artificial plants into a workspace, every office can benefit from going green.
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is about bringing the outside in. It’s the art and science of creating interiors that mimic natural environments; using plants, natural light, earthy colours, textures, and organic shapes to create a healthier, more engaging workspace.
The idea is simple: when people feel more connected to nature, they feel better and work better. In a busy office environment, that can make a big difference to morale, creativity, and focus.
Why It Matters in the Modern Workplace
Work has changed. Many offices now operate on hybrid schedules, so when people do come in, they want the experience to be worth it. Biophilic design helps create spaces that employees want to spend time in.
Studies back it up:
A systematic review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that indoor plants positively influence human functions like reaction time, attention, lung comfort, and even reduce blood pressure in office environments - University of Reading.
A field study by de Vries et al. (2023) showed that introducing plants into workspaces significantly improved satisfaction with the space, increased its attractiveness, enhanced perceived privacy, and reduced health complaints, even months after their introduction - PMC.
A 2014 study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology (featured by Time) found that enhancing “lean” offices with plants led to a 15% increase in productivity, better concentration, perceived better air quality, and higher satisfaction - Self.
How to Bring Biophilic Design Into Your Office
You don’t need a total redesign to enjoy the benefits of biophilia. Even small changes can make a big impact.
Add Plants (Living or Artificial)
Plants are the easiest and most effective way to start. Living plants bring freshness, colour, and improved air quality. Artificial plants offer the same visual appeal with zero maintenance.
Ideas:
Large potted plants in open-plan areas.
Desk plants for personal spaces.
Hanging planters for unused ceiling space.
Artificial green walls for a statement feature.
Talk to our interiors specialists about our range of office plants - specially selected to help your workplace thrive.
Use Natural Light
Make the most of windows and skylights. Position desks to benefit from daylight and use glass partitions to let light flow through the space.
Incorporate Natural Colours and Textures
Earthy tones, wood finishes, stone, and woven fabrics all help create a warm, organic feel. Even if your space is modern, these touches make it more welcoming.
Create Feature Green Spaces
If space allows, go bold with a living wall or a dedicated green zone for breaks and informal meetings. These areas can act as visual focal points and wellbeing boosters.
Living vs Artificial Plants: Which Should You Choose?
Both have their benefits:
Living plants improve air quality, provide a sense of calm, and create a genuine connection to nature.
Artificial plants are perfect for low-light spaces, high ceilings, or busy areas where maintenance isn’t practical.
The best workspaces often use a mix of both to achieve the right balance between beauty, practicality, and cost-effectiveness.
Take a look at all your options and request a copy of our Office Plants brochure today!
How BSG Can Help
Whether you’re adding a few desk plants or redesigning an entire reception area with greenery, we can help you:
Select plants that work for your space and light levels from our range of office plants.
Design statement features like green walls and plant partitions.
Provide options for both low-maintenance and no-maintenance solutions.
Create a design that ties in with your wider office interior.
Ready to Bring the Benefits of Biophilia to Your Office?
Whether you’re looking to refresh your reception, boost wellbeing in an open-plan area, or add personality to meeting rooms, biophilic design can help you create a workspace your team will love.
Contact our office interiors experts today to explore our full range of living and artificial plants and find out how we can help bring nature into your workplace.
