Biophilic design, rooted in our human need to connect with nature, enhances well-being, reduces stress, and boosts creativity. This design philosophy connects people with natural elements through direct nature (plants and light), indirect nature (materials and colors), and spatial cues (textures and geometry). Tiles offer a unique, tactile canvas for biophilic design: durable, versatile, sustainable, and visually rich.

1. Choose Nature-Inspired Color

Tiles in earthy tones - greens, browns, blues - create a calming palette evocative of the great outdoors; plants, woods and ocean. Similarly the soft off-whites and beige's that have largely dominated Scandi and Japandi interior design offer the same effect, they inject warmth into the space without overloading your space with colour. 

2. Embrace Texture and Patterns of Nature

Tiles that mimic natural textures (like stone, wood, pebble textures) or showcase organic patterns (florals, leaves, water ripples) evoke powerful connections to the natural world.

3. Sensory Materials

The materials that make up tiles, although manufactured, are naturally occurring. Even porcelains are formed using natural clays and with the advancement in technology and design, many "effect" tiles offer a sensory experience, with textured surfaces and tumbled edges.

For a multisensory experience, look for tiles with slightly textured surfaces, a pebble-style floor tile in the shower, for instance, can be tactile and grounding. The popular Zellige tiles offer a handmade, variegated surface, creating organic visual interest with natural shading and imperfections. 

4. Pattern Placement and Spatial Flow

There are very few straight lines in nature, and I know what you're thinking, tiles are generally all straight lines and 90 degree angles. You would definitely be correct, however, smaller format tiles can be arranged in patterns that visually break up the straight lines. In larger formats, tiles could either be cut to form natural curves, or matching grout to your tiles can evoke a seamless look with no straight lines to be seen! Alternatively large-format tiles, bookmatched tiles or mural-like panels can become immersive focal points, for example, a sculptural porcelain slab wall in natural tones.

5. Integrate Direct Natural Elements

Tiles provide the foundational backdrop for your space, complementing them with real natural elements like light and plants is what truly finishes your space. Glossy tiles can accentuate these natural elements, bouncing light and shadows, brightening the space and enhancing visual interest.