With more people working from home than ever before, creating a calm, productive, and inspiring workspace is essential. One of the best ways to achieve this? Biophilic design—a thoughtful approach that brings natural elements indoors to boost well-being, focus, and creativity.
Biophilic home offices aren’t just about throwing a few plants on a desk. They embrace light, texture, organic shapes, and the soothing essence of nature. And the beauty is, you can blend biophilic principles with a range of design styles that naturally complement the look and feel of a nature-inspired space.
Here are the best interior design styles to inspire your biophilic home office—and how to make each one work in your space.
1. Scandinavian: Simplicity Meets Nature
Scandinavian design is a go-to for modern home offices thanks to its emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and clean lines. It’s known for maximising light and space, which perfectly complements a biophilic aesthetic.
How to Style Your Home Office Biophilic-Scandi:
- Choose a pale wooden desk and shelves (birch and ash work beautifully).
- Go with a neutral colour palette—soft whites, greys, and beiges—as your base.
- Add greenery with simple potted plants like snake plants or ZZ plants.
- Maximise natural light with sheer curtains or no window treatments.
- Opt for ergonomic furniture with a minimalist silhouette.
Best for: Small or shared workspaces, and anyone who wants a bright, calm office with a clean and airy feel.
SEE ALSO Everything you need to set up your own Scandi home office →
2. Japandi: Mindful Minimalism
Japandi combines Japanese elegance with Scandinavian simplicity. This hybrid style focuses on mindfulness, craftsmanship, and sustainability—making it a natural fit for a biophilic home office.
How to Style Your Home Office Japandi-Biophilic:
- Use a low, natural wood desk with clean lines.
- Add linen or canvas desk accessories in muted, earthy tones.
- Choose plants that feel sculptural like bonsai or monstera.
- Incorporate imperfect, handmade objects to bring Wabi-Sabi charm.
- Keep it uncluttered and intentional—every item should serve a purpose.
Best for: Minimalists and remote workers who value tranquillity and focus.
3. Modern Organic: Earthy Yet Elevated
If you love spaces that feel relaxed yet refined, modern organic design is the perfect match. It blends contemporary style with earthy materials for a workspace that feels grounding and sophisticated.
How to Style Your Home Office Modern Organic:
- Start with a natural wood desk and textured rug.
- Choose a warm colour palette: terracotta, sand, olive green.
- Mix organic textures like woven rattan, linen, and reclaimed timber.
- Layer in greenery with large potted plants or trailing vines.
- Add rounded forms with an arched desk lamp or curved chair.
Best for: Creative entrepreneurs and those who want a stylish, calming work hub.
4. Wabi-Sabi: Perfectly Imperfect
Wabi-Sabi is all about embracing natural materials, weathered finishes, and the beauty of imperfection. For a home office, this translates into a workspace that feels serene, grounding, and deeply authentic.
How to Style Your Wabi-Sabi Home Office:
- Choose a raw wood or stone desk—something tactile and unpolished.
- Decorate with aged ceramics, handwoven textiles, and vintage finds.
- Let natural light shine through uncovered windows.
- Choose a wild, slightly unkempt plant like a fern or trailing pothos.
- Keep the setup simple, but full of character and texture.
Best for: Deep thinkers, writers, and creatives who crave calm and authenticity.
5. Coastal (Natural, Not Nautical)
A natural coastal home office isn’t about beachy clichés—it’s about harnessing light, space, and natural textures. The result? A workspace that feels breezy, fresh, and open.
How to Style Your Home Office Coastal-Biophilic:
- Use light-toned wood for your desk and shelving.
- Choose fabrics like linen or cotton for curtains and chair covers.
- Stick to a palette of sandy neutrals, seafoam green, and soft blue.
- Incorporate tall plants like palms or peace lilies.
- Add textural decor like rattan baskets or driftwood accessories.
Best for: Bright, sunlit rooms and those who love a relaxed, holiday-at-home vibe.
6. Rustic & Modern Farmhouse: Organic Comfort
Rustic and farmhouse styles are full of charm and texture, and when pared back with a modern edge, they create the perfect canvas for a biophilic home office.
How to Style Your Rustic-Biophilic Workspace:
- Choose a reclaimed wood desk or industrial-style frame.
- Mix metal accents with woven baskets and linen organisers.
- Decorate with hanging plants or greenery in terracotta pots.
- Use earthy artwork or vintage botanical prints.
- Layer cosy textiles to soften the space.
Best for: Larger home offices, creatives, and anyone who loves a warm, homey workspace with a nature-inspired twist.
7. Minimalist Boho: Soulful Simplicity
Minimalist Boho merges the relaxed charm of boho style with a simplified, earthy approach. It’s perfect for a home office that feels personal, soulful, and grounded.
How to Style Your Boho-Biophilic Office:
- Choose a low-profile wooden desk or vintage table.
- Add soft textures like a jute rug, woven pouffe, or macrame wall hanging.
- Let plants be the star: pile them on shelves, hang them, or group them on the floor.
- Stick to sunbaked neutrals and terracotta tones.
- Use soft, layered lighting—think lanterns, floor lamps, or candles.
Best for: Freelancers, artists, and anyone who loves a cosy, creative vibe.
Final Thoughts
Creating a biophilic home office is all about making a space that feels good to be in—calm, connected, and aligned with nature. Whether you lean toward Japandi’s elegance, Coastal’s freshness, or Rustic’s warmth, there’s a design style to suit your workflow and personality.
Start with light, plants, and natural textures, then layer in design elements that reflect your favourite style. The result? A beautiful, balanced workspace that helps you feel your best while doing your best work.
Looking to style your space with intention? Check out our Calendoo Studios Etsy shop for printable planners and decor that perfectly complement your biophilic home office!