“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

In Australian aged care, the smallest details often have the biggest impact. And when it comes to creating a space where residents feel at ease, inspired, and connected, biophilic design isn’t just a trend — it’s a tool for improving day-to-day happiness.

Biophilic design simply means bringing elements of the natural world into the built environment. This can be as subtle as the grain of timber in a chair armrest or as immersive as a garden-view lounge. And the good news? You don’t need a massive renovation budget to start seeing results.

Here are seven small changes you can make through furniture choices — each with five easy, actionable ideas — that can lead to big improvements in resident wellbeing.

1. Choose Natural Timber Finishes

Natural timber instantly brings warmth, authenticity, and a sense of craftsmanship into a space — qualities that can be deeply reassuring for aged care residents who may find modern, clinical interiors cold or impersonal. Its natural grain, gentle colour variations, and tactile surface provide a direct, sensory connection to nature, offering both visual comfort and a familiar touchpoint that can spark memories of home.

5 ways to make it happen:

1. Swap metal or plastic armrests for solid timber options in lounges and dining chairs.

2. Use timber table edges to make surfaces warmer to the touch.

3. Opt for timber bedside tables in resident rooms for a homelier feel.

4. Incorporate mixed timber tones rather than a single uniform finish for visual interest.

5. Consider timber-look laminates in high-wear areas if solid timber isn’t practical.

2. Incorporate Nature-Inspired Colours

Colours drawn from the natural world have a powerful effect on mood and perception, often calming the mind and softening the atmosphere of a room. Soft greens can evoke leafy gardens, gentle blues can recall the sky or ocean, and warm earthy tones can remind residents of soil, sand, and familiar landscapes — all of which help create a sense of comfort, safety, and belonging.

5 ways to make it happen:

1. Select chair fabrics in muted greens, sky blues, or sandy tones.

2. Use accent cushions or throws in nature-inspired patterns.

3. Choose upholstery with subtle leaf or floral motifs.

4. Pair natural colours with plenty of natural light for maximum impact.

5. Use colour zoning to create a sense of different “outdoor” areas within a larger room.

3. Maximise Views and Light Through Furniture Placement

The way furniture is positioned can determine whether a resident experiences a room as open and inviting or closed-off and confined. By maximising exposure to daylight and sightlines to gardens, courtyards, and trees, you create an unbroken link to the outdoors — a connection proven to boost mood, reduce feelings of isolation, and encourage social engagement.

5 ways to make it happen:

1. Position seating so residents face windows, courtyards, or gardens.

2. Avoid blocking light sources with high-backed chairs in communal spaces.

3. Place smaller tables near windows for morning coffee spots.

4. Create nooks that take advantage of sun-filled corners.

5. Keep window areas clear of bulky storage units.

4. Introduce Textures That Mimic Nature

Texture is more than a visual detail — it’s an underappreciated sensory experience that can change how a room feels in an instant. Surfaces that recall the softness of natural fabrics, the grain of wood, or the weave of wicker invite touch and interaction, providing comfort and grounding for residents, particularly those with limited mobility or vision.

5 ways to make it happen:

1. Use woven fabrics that feel natural, like linen blends or cotton.

2. Choose furniture with visible wood grain rather than flat, uniform surfaces.

3. Incorporate soft, chunky-knit throws in reading corners.

4. Mix smooth finishes (like polished timber) with rougher ones (like rattan).

5. Avoid synthetic-feeling upholstery that can feel cold or clinical.

5. Use Plants and Greenery as Furniture Companions

The presence of greenery, even in small doses, can enliven a space and create a natural focal point. Plants bring a sense of vitality and rhythm to the environment, helping residents feel more connected to the changing seasons and cycles of life — an important emotional anchor in the often-structured routine of aged care living.

5 ways to make it happen:

1. Place small potted plants on side tables and shelving units.

2. Choose low-maintenance indoor plants like peace lilies or snake plants.

3. Use plant stands to vary height and create a layered look.

4. Incorporate planters built into furniture pieces for space efficiency.

5. For low-light rooms, opt for high-quality artificial greenery.

6. Create Outdoor-Inspired Social Spaces

Social areas modelled on familiar outdoor gathering spots can evoke fond memories and make communal interaction feel more natural. Whether it’s the sense of togetherness around a campfire, the gentle sway of a veranda chair, or the intimacy of a courtyard conversation, these design cues help residents feel at ease and more likely to engage with others.

5 ways to make it happen:

1. Use round tables to encourage conversation, like an outdoor gathering.

2. Arrange seating in semi-circles to mimic campfire-style setups.

3. Place rocking chairs or gliders in lounges for a veranda feel.

4. Use outdoor-style wicker indoors for a garden-room aesthetic.

5. Add subtle background sounds like soft bird calls or water features.

7. Highlight Local, Natural Materials

Using materials that reflect the local landscape adds layers of meaning and connection to a space. When residents see and touch timber from nearby forests or fabrics inspired by native flora, it can trigger a sense of place and belonging, strengthening their emotional ties to their surroundings and sparking conversation about shared memories.

5 ways to make it happen:

1. Source furniture made from Australian timbers.

2. Use fabrics designed by local artists or inspired by regional flora.

3. Display a small plaque or tag noting the local origin of materials — a talking point for residents.

4. Choose colours and finishes that mirror the surrounding environment.

5. Incorporate reclaimed or recycled materials for an added story.

Why This Matters for Resident Happiness

Biophilic elements in furniture aren’t just about looks. They can:

• Reduce stress and agitation in residents with dementia.

• Improve mood and social interaction.

• Encourage residents to use communal areas more often.

• Support a sense of familiarity and home.

• Enhance the overall perception of care quality.

And for facility managers, these are changes you can start today — often without major cost.

Final Thought

Just as a single tree can transform a barren field into a place of shade, shelter, and life, even the smallest natural element in your furniture can transform the way residents feel in your care environment. Biophilic touches — a timber armrest, a leafy view, the grain of a well-crafted table — may seem minor, but they carry deep emotional weight. They can stir memories, offer comfort, and subtly remind residents that they are surrounded by life, beauty, and care. In aged care, where every detail contributes to dignity and wellbeing, these small choices are not just design decisions — they are daily acts of kindness that residents will feel, notice, and appreciate.