Biophilic design: natural materials and porcelain stoneware in contemporary interiors

The term “biophilia", coined by psychologist Erich Fromm and made famous by biologist Edward O. Wilson, describes the innate psychological and physical bond which ties humans to nature.

Biophilia refers to our innate attraction to nature and natural processes.

Oliver Heath

Using biophilic design is not just a simple aesthetic choice, but rather a response to the need to reconnect with living elements in an ever-more urbanised world. This approach satisfies our ancestral desire for harmony and regeneration, transforming closed spaces into ecosystems able to reduce stress and improve quality of life.

A return to our origins: primordial materials and biophilic nature in contemporary interiors

The values of biophilia are reflected in a new ethics of living which embraces sustainability and social ecology, weaving together individual well-being and respect for the environment.

In this setting, interior design becomes to tool for bringing nature back inside the home, not just through use of green walls, but also with skilful use of materials, textures and colours.

The essence of biophilic design: material and perception

In contemporary interiors, this trend expresses itself through the use of natural materials such as wood, raw stone, cork and organic fabrics, such as linen and hemp. The goal is to create spaces which are inviting for tactile contact, favouring curved lines, soft edges and irregular surfaces reminiscent of organic forms.

In the absence of large windows, terraces or gardens and direct green elements, biophilic design comes into play, improving the perceived light levels and simulating nature through surfaces which faithfully replicate its aesthetics and textural sensations. The latest porcelain stoneware products play a key role in this, helping furnish a modern house which is at the same time practical and regenerative.

Interior design tips: Fap collections for a biophilic house

The use of ceramic elements reminiscent of earth, stone and wood allows the creation of that connection with the outdoors which is essential for domestic balance.
Here are some valuable solutions for incorporating this philosophy into your projects.

The warmth of wood and the breath of nature

For those looking for a fusion between Japandi style and Biophilic design, the Plein Air collection from Fap Ceramiche is ideal. This wood-effect porcelain stoneware is a valid alternative to parquet.

Thanks to the True Touch treatment, the surface maintains knots and continuous veining, which seem carved by nature: the result is a material which is vibrant to the touch, and able to offer the extreme toughness typical of wood-effect porcelain stoneware without having to give up the poetry of natural wood.

Another product which stands out for its naturalistic character is the Roots collection, an homage to wood which brings all the visual authenticity of oak into living spaces. A porcelain product with revitalised colour shades, designed for impeccable combinations with the most glamorous designer palettes and to extend outdoors, for complete harmony and continuity of materials.

Primordial stone and Mediterranean atmospheres

The return to the raw material finds its fullest expression in collections reproducing stone with extreme realism, once again thanks to the special True Touch treatment.
This is the case with Vento del Sud, the collection inspired by white stone farmhouses and walls, evoking a slower pace of living and landscape design which flows from the indoors towards the outdoors.

For architectural and designer projects, Materia Classica offers an even more pronounced visual return, perfect for full-height installations which ennoble the space.
If you favour a warm and on-trend palette, on the other hand, Materia Pura offers authentic surfaces which add warmth to the atmosphere, above all the Micro Bianco or Verde Brillante versions.

Colours and decorations: the call of the elements

The colours of foliage, the shades of the earth and sky blues are the main colours in the biophilic palette. In terms of decoration, the Milano Mood collection offers solutions which perfectly meet these chromatic and symbolic needs.
The Acquamarina and Cielo colours bring the serenity of the water and air into a domestic setting.

Tropical Verde and Flower Blu are brilliant botanical decorations with a slight relief, which provide the veritable illusion of having plants and flowers in the house: an immediate visual connection with the plant world.

And when the naturalness of the Plein Air wood-effect ceramic meets the True Color Matcha, True Color Groove Jade wall tiles and the STILL Aloe matt subway-style “brick” tile, the magic of biophilic design is fulfilled, like in this bathroom, where everything is in harmony.

Through the use of textures and colours which honour nature, we can really furnish a modern home while transforming it into a refuge where social ecology and personal well-being meet in a green embrace.

Discover the biophilic design in our Decor Box