What Nature Teaches Me About Designing Beautiful, Functional Homes

—and how biomimicry shows up in your space, even if you don’t realize it yet.

Photography by Natalia Gasiorowska and Daniil Korbut

When I’m designing a space—whether it’s a cozy living room or a brand-new build—I’m always looking for ways to bring nature in. But not just through houseplants and wood tones (although I love both). I’m talking about design ideas borrowed directly from nature—the kind that are smart, beautiful, and rooted in the way the natural world just… works.

This is the heart of biomimicry. And while the word sounds like something out of a science textbook, it’s actually a super practical and beautiful design philosophy I am using all the time.

What Is Biomimicry?

Biomimicry is the practice of taking inspiration from nature’s forms, systems, and strategies—and applying them to human design. It’s why Velcro exists (hello, burrs), how architects design self-cooling buildings based on termite mounds, and how interior designers like me think about everything from floor plans to finishes.

Photography by Jeremy Bishop, Fabric by Kravet Couture

Biomimicry in Interior Design

So what does this look like in a home? Here are a few ways I use biomimicry in my design process:

• Natural Flow & Function

  Think of how a river curves around rocks or how tree branches fan out to catch the light. I take cues from those patterns when planning layouts—prioritizing ease of movement, intentional sight lines, and spaces that adapt to how you live.
  
  
  

• Choosing Materials That Age Gracefully

  Nature embraces patina (the way a surface ages over time)—and so do I. When appropriate for the design, I tend to choose materials like oak, linen, leather, and stone that develop character over time rather than looking worn out with wear.
  
  
  

• Light Inspired by Ecosystems

  Just like forests have layers that filter light (tree canopies!), I use layered lighting to support the rhythm of your day and change the mood of any given room depending on the purpose it’s serving at the time. Kitchen prep? Task lighting is a must. Hosting a holiday dinner? You’ll want to be able to take it down a notch to really set the mood just right.

• Patterns, Shapes, and Color Palettes from the Earth

  From the Fibonacci spiral in seashells to the muted color shifts in moss and clay, natural patterns inspire how I combine textures, shapes, and hues. It’s why my work feels grounded, even when it's layered with color and personality.

Photography by Clay Banks, Indus Wall Tile

Why This Matters

Biomimicry isn’t just poetic—it’s practical. Nature has spent billions of years perfecting systems that are efficient, adaptable, and beautiful. By taking our design cues from those patterns, we create homes that:

• Feel more peaceful and cohesive

• Age with grace

• Support our routines and wellbeing

• Use materials in smarter, more sustainable ways

Nature never rushes—and it never feels off-balance. This is exactly how I want you to be able to exist in your own home. Whether we’re working together on a renovation or a full new build, biomimicry is a quiet but consistent thread throughout my design approach. It’s how we create homes that feel timeless, not trendy.

Photography by Elyssa Renae, Fabric from Gaston Y Daniela

Photography by Florian Van Duyn, Fabric by Braunschweig & Fils

Photography by Clement, Fabric by Lee Jofa Modern

Ready to bring a little nature-inspired wisdom into your own home?

Contact Me to start your design journey—or explore my portfolio to see this philosophy in action.