Here at Cymru Kitchens, we believe your kitchen should feel just as good as it looks. That’s why we’re always thinking beyond beautiful cabinetry - and one concept we love is biophilic design.
Put simply, biophilia means a love of nature, and biophilic design is about creating interiors that connect us more deeply to the natural world. We were recently inspired by a fantastic chat with design expert Oliver Heath on The Great Indoors podcast, where he shared how nature-inspired spaces can lower stress, improve wellbeing, and even make us happier. As the kitchen is often the heart of our homes, this feels like something worth considering!
Modern living means we now spend around 90% of our time indoors, and with open-plan layouts placing the kitchen at the centre of cooking, socialising, and daily life, it’s never been more important to design with wellness in mind.
So how can your kitchen design help you feel more grounded, connected, and calm? Whether you're considering a bespoke handmade kitchen, updating your space with natural materials, or planning a full luxury kitchen remodel, here are some simple ways to bring the outside in.
1. Make Room for Nature
Biophilic design starts with the basics - plants, light, and fresh air. Think pot plants on open shelving, hanging greenery, or a potted olive tree in a sunny corner. We love to centre sinks in front of windows when possible - washing up is far more enjoyable with a garden view!
Got patio doors or access to the garden? Even better. We often design bespoke kitchens with seamless flow to outdoor spaces, using sliding doors or clever layouts to make that indoor-outdoor connection feel effortless.
2. Use Natural Materials
One of the hallmarks of bespoke kitchen design is the ability to choose materials that reflect your values. At Cymru Kitchens, we regularly work with solid wood cabinetry, stone floors, natural fibre fabrics, and granite or quartz worktops - all of which bring natural texture and warmth to a space.
In fact, studies from Japan, Scandinavia and Australia suggest that timber finishes can reduce blood pressure and stress - but only if they’re visible. That’s why we design our handcrafted kitchens, so the material speaks for itself.
3. Think Shapes, Patterns and Flow
Nature rarely moves in straight lines - and neither do the most relaxing kitchens. Organic forms like curved kitchen islands, vertical timber panelling, or feature walls with natural textures can soften the space and bring in that outdoorsy calm. A rounded island worktop with integrated seating also invites conversation and ease.
4. Let in the Light
Natural light plays a huge role in our mood and circadian rhythm. When designing bespoke kitchens in Wales, we always look at how light moves through your home. That means choosing pale colours to reflect daylight, keeping tall cabinets to rear walls, and sometimes even using a mirror to bounce the light around the room.
5. Design for Connection
Kitchen design isn’t just about materials - it’s about people. Shared meals and easy conversation play a huge part in human happiness. That’s why our designer William recommends island seating on two sides rather than one long row - so you can chat, connect, and create memories together.
Whether you’re planning a luxury bespoke kitchen, exploring ideas for a custom kitchen remodel, or simply looking to add some natural elements to your space, we’d love to help.
Book a free consultation today or come along to our next event:
Cymru Kitchens Open Morning, Saturday 28th June, 10am–12pm
Enjoy coffee, croissants, and kitchen inspiration in our Newport showroom and contact victoria@cymrukitchens.com for more information
