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INTERIORS
thanks to our innate attraction to the natural world.
Understanding which aspects of commercial spaces negatively impact wellbeing is crucial in deciding how to incorporate biophilia into interior design for the workplace. For example, harsh, artifi cial lighting can both interrupt circadian rhythms and have negative effects on mental health, increasing the likelihood of depression, mood disorders and cognitive impairment. It can also prove overstimulating for employees, especially neurodiverse colleagues, which can lead to a lack of engagement, reduced productivity, and increased likelihood of employee burnout. Likewise, plain, uninspiring interior design may seem cost-effective and practical, but the reality is that incorporating biophilic design into the workplace does not have to be costly, and can be as simple as designing spaces with more natural materials in mind. Flooring is the foundation of interior
design, and when selected mindfully, it can aid in curating calm spaces that avoid contributing to sensory overload. Flooring can be used as a wayfi nding tactic in commercial spaces, through the use of different textures, patterns and shades to delineate separate zones. This can further aid in reducing sensory overload in the workplace, as employees sare able to intuitively move throughout the space without experiencing a barrage of information.
Flooring is the foundation of interior design, and when selected mindfully
While adding trees or water features can be a great way to incorporate biophilic design into the workplace, it can be as simple as choosing naturalistic hues and textures for walls and fl ooring.
Employees and businesses greatly benefi t from this, as workers in biophilic offi ces are 6% more productive and 15% more creative compared to workers in non- biophilic offi ces, and report a 15% higher level of wellbeing.
Human nature
By incorporating more of the outside world into workspaces, architects have the ability to create a signifi cant, positive impact on employee wellbeing. Experimenting with texture, colour and sources of light when designing commercial spaces can encourage employees to feel a greater sense of calm,
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The impact of prioritising more natural elements and neuro-inclusive design choices is that increased employee wellbeing may save businesses money long term, as they are able to retain happier, healthier workers who take fewer sickness absences and feel more engaged and productive in their surroundings at work.
Natural choice in future
As businesses continue to learn more about how they can support their employees, selecting thoughtfully and sustainably designed fl oor coverings and decor that take inspiration from the natural world is a simple yet highly effective way to bring organisations closer to their goals of encouraging and developing their employees and businesses for the better.
Laura Light is the concept design team leader at Interface
ADF FEBRUARY 2026
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