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Livingetc
Livingetc
Marianna Popejoy

Beware of ‘Wellness Washing’, Warns This Biophilic Designer — How to Spot When It Has Been Reduced to Styling Rather Than a True Spatial Philosophy

Biophilic living room with timber walls, panelled ceiling, table with sheepskin draped over, glass cabinet, white sofas, and lots of natural light.

From calming neutral palettes to artfully placed indoor plants, today’s interiors are saturated with the language of wellbeing. Homes are sold as sanctuaries. Offices promise restoration. Hotels advertise sleep-enhancing design. And yet, somewhere between the earthy beige linen curtains and the strategically placed faux fern, you’re left feeling… slightly flat.

Because not all 'wellness' spaces are created equal. Some are thoughtfully designed using biophilic design principles to support how we feel and function. Others are simply very good at looking like they do. Ever found yourself sitting in the car, doom-scrolling, just to delay stepping into your carefully curated home sanctuary? You’re not alone — and there’s a reason why.

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