Biophilic Lighting: Designing with Nature in Mind. Manuela Hamilford, Founder of Hamilford Design, discusses the importance of creating mindful spaces that have people’s wellbeing at the forefront.

In the evolving landscape of interior design, there is a growing recognition of the importance of creating spaces that do more than just look good – they need to make people feel good too. Biophilic design has been a particularly powerful tool in transforming interiors and is increasingly discussed – it was even the subject of a recent panel discussion I was a part of at last year’s LiGHT 24 exhibition in London. The concept centres around reconnecting people with nature and natural light cycles, which have been shown to positively impact wellbeing, emotions, and sleep patterns. Biophilic lighting enhances both the aesthetic and emotional experience of a space.

When I founded my interior design studio, my goal was always to create spaces that foster wellbeing and happiness. Biophilic design has long been present in interiors, traditionally seen as maximising natural light and incorporating natural materials. However, we are now delving deeper into its psychological aspects. A Human Spaces research report found that biophilic design can improve productivity by 6% and boost creativity by up to 15%. It’s not just about adding a skylight – it’s about thoughtfully integrating lighting in a way that connects a space to the natural world. In our projects, we are reassessing our approach to biophilic lighting, which has become a key element in modern interior design, both residentially and commercially.

At its core, biophilic lighting is about designing with the natural world in mind, creating lightscapes that mimic the rhythms, colours, and qualities of natural light. Natural light plays a vital role in how we experience a space, influencing our mood, energy levels, and even our health. By harnessing the principles of biophilic lighting, we aim to enhance the sense of connection to nature, even when indoors.

One of its key principles is mimicking natural light cycles – incorporating daylight and its changing qualities while using artificial lighting to replicate the warmth, intensity, and colour temperature of natural sunlight. Having grown up in Italy, I am particularly aware of the challenges in a city like London, where natural light can sometimes be scarce. Introducing lighting that mimics outdoor light can significantly improve the experience of a space.

Incorporating biophilic lighting starts with a deep understanding of how light behaves in nature. The first step is to maximise natural light wherever possible – large windows, skylights, and open spaces are crucial in ensuring daylight is used to its full potential. However, natural light cannot always meet the needs of every space, particularly in the evening or in areas lacking direct access to windows.

This is where thoughtful artificial lighting comes into play. We often use a combination of warm, diffuse light to replicate the glow of daylight. Dimmable LED lighting in soft white and amber tones allows us to simulate the natural progression of daylight, from the bright glow of morning sunshine to the gentle hues of evening. The goal is to create an indoor lighting environment that reflects the shifting colours of the outdoors.

Throughout the day, sunlight transitions from warm yellow in the morning to crisp blue at midday, before softening to deep reds in the late afternoon and evening. Blue light, similar to natural skylight, stimulates serotonin production, promoting alertness and focus. As night falls and blue light diminishes, melatonin levels rise, encouraging relaxation and sleep. Striking the right balance between these two hormones can significantly impact sleep quality and overall wellbeing.

Beyond lighting temperature, the quality of light is key. We integrate layers of lighting – ambient, task, and accent lighting – to create a balanced effect that suits the needs of a space. Ambient lighting fills a space with overall illumination, task lighting focuses on specific areas or functions, and accent lighting highlights particular features or artworks.

We incorporate biophilic lighting into a wide range of projects, from luxury residential homes to commercial spaces. Each project provides an opportunity to explore how light can transform a space and evoke a connection to nature.

One particularly memorable project was a penthouse in central London, where the client was passionate about bringing nature into their urban home. We installed large floor-to-ceiling windows to flood the space with natural light, complementing this with carefully selected lighting fixtures inspired by organic forms. Tree-branch-shaped pendants and softly glowing table lamps brought a sense of the outdoors inside. We also integrated adjustable LED lighting systems that allowed the temperature of the light to shift throughout the day. Knocking through walls to open up the space and using glass doors to divide areas maximised light flow. Additionally, we incorporated living green walls, wood, and other natural materials to enhance the biophilic experience.

In commercial spaces, biophilic lighting has been linked to increased productivity and creativity. Offices that integrate natural elements and lighting often report higher employee satisfaction, improved focus, and enhanced collaboration. In our designs, we have found that biophilic lighting fosters a more positive, energised environment – whether in a home, an office, or a restaurant.

The benefits of biophilic lighting extend far beyond its visual appeal. Research shows that exposure to natural light – or light that mimics it – has a profound impact on health and wellbeing. Natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep and increased daytime energy levels. It also improves overall health by reducing stress and anxiety.

Looking ahead, demand for biophilic design, particularly in lighting, is only set to grow as more people recognise the importance of creating spaces that support physical and mental wellbeing. Advancements in technology, such as dynamic lighting systems that adjust in real-time to changing daylight conditions, will further enhance the impact of biophilic lighting on the spaces we design.

www.hamilforddesign.com