Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has revealed exactly how he styles his sofa to keep his style timeless – and no, it’s not what you would have expected.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your living room seating ideas, look no further, as sitting down with me to discuss his recent partnership with Sofology, Craig spilled the beans on how he likes his sofa to look.
And while you might expect swathes of bold colour from the ballroom legend, Craig revealed that he believes the key to a timeless sofa is to keep it neutral, while using soft furnishings to nail any colour trends.
(Image credit: Sofology)
As you would expect from the TV star, Craig admits he can be very ‘fussy’ when it comes to his home’s interior design. Hence, why he’s Sofology’s new Head of Fusstomer Experience. Whether you’re investing in one of the best sofas or even the best modular sofas, Craig recommends opting for a neutral colourway to stop your sofa from dating too fast.
‘Everyone knows I’m not afraid to speak my mind, and I’ve got high standards. I expect nothing less than fabulous, darling,’ Craig told me.
‘Back in the ‘90s, of course, I went for outrageous colours and all of that stuff, but I’ve calmed down and I’m in a country property. I want the sofas to be really comfortable, as you do spend a lot of your time on them. I want them number one to be comfortable and number two to look amazing.
‘So I try and keep them as plain as possible colourwise, so I can add cushions with colour if I want to, and then you can keep changing your mind. If you fancy a splash of orange, you can do that. It’s amazing how adding a simple thing like a cushion can change the entire outcome of what you’re trying to achieve, interior design-wise.’
Sign up to our newsletter for style inspiration, real homes, project and garden advice and shopping know-how
(Image credit: Future PLC/Davide Lovatti)
For Craig, his sofa is a blank canvas that can be dressed up or down with accessories. I dare say a neutral colour scheme will never go out of style, making this a practical choice as sofas are both expensive and designed to last you for years.
This year, patterned sofas have been a breakout trend, while green sofas continue to be a growing sofa colour trend. But Craig is a little wary of embracing these bolder trends, stating you can end up ‘stuck with it’ if they go out of style.
‘At the moment I have a huge, broad selection [ of cushions],’ says Craig. ‘Everything I want in the form of sofas is neutral, from your stone to oatmeal, that sort of thing. Then you can team that with some great big splashy things like a red apple – sometimes I’ll put that in the corner as decor and then match the cushions to it.’
‘That’s the beauty of going a little bit plainer rather than having a bright green sofa, as you’re sort of stuck with that colour scheme. For me, I prefer the relaxation of the neutrals, the more earthy colours – maybe that comes with age!’
If you want to take a leaf out of Craig’s book, here are three soft furnishings in trendy colourways that will help elevate your sofa’s look.
M&S
Velvet Scallop Cushion
Brown has been the ‘it’ colour of 2025 and it is perfect for cosy season. The stunning scalloped edges gives it extra visual interest, too.
Dunelm
Catherine Lansfield Disco Cherries 3d Cushion
A statement cushion can bring your sofa to life. While Craig mentions using an ‘apple’ cushion, I think these cherries are very funky.
DUSK
Ribbed Flannel Faux Fur Sofa Throw – Aubergine
Rich reds and purples are another key colour trend for this season, plus this throw looks so cosy. I have a couple of DUSK throws and can vouch that they are super soft.
Any sofa colour can look timeless if you love the look of it. However, if you can’t settle on a colour, you can’t go wrong with a timeless neutral sofa dressed up in bold and bright cushions you can change with the seasons.
Before I decided to be a writer, I wanted to be a chef. My love of food started with watching Rachael Ray, Giada De Laurentiis, and Alton Brown on the Food Network when I would get home from middle school. Naturally, I made my way into the kitchen to try out the recipes I saw on…read more
Any meal prepper will tell you that storing prepped meals in your freezer can sometimes feel like a complicated (and very cold) game of Jenga. If you’re struggling to organise your freezer or are simply short on space, may I introduce you to Souper Cubes – the storage solution that should be on every meal prepper’s wish list.
While there are plenty of ways to organise a freezer, a fair few of the Ideal Home team would argue that Souper Cubes deserve to be at the top of the list. Allowing you to ditch multitudes of plastic pots, Souper Cubes allows preppers to store individual portions of soups, stocks and sauces.
Whether you’ve made a batch of roasted red pepper soup or multiple portions of bolognese, these handy storage pots can be stacked even vertically to make freezer organisation even easier – here’s everything you need to know.
Souper Cubes
Souper Cubes 1 Cup Silicone Freezer Tray With Lid – 2-Pack
Souper Cubes
Souper Cubes 1 Cup Silicone Freezer Tray With Lid
Souper Cubes
Souper Cubes Large 2 Cup (500 Ml) Silicone Freezer Tray With Lids – 2 pack
I’m an avid meal prepper. I don’t like spending a fortune on my food shop, and meal prepping allows me to plan ahead, eat healthily and save the pennies too. I already use OXO’s meal prep bags to help organise my fridge, but I won’t lie, my freezer is a mess.
Living in a one-bed flat, I have a small under-the-counter fridge in my poky kitchen, which means my freezer is just one little compartment at the top of the fridge. It’s a struggle to get a pot of Ben & Jerry’s in there, and often I find myself getting overly frustrated when the plastic tubs I use to freeze food won’t stack properly.
Souper Cubes are made from food-safe silicone that is both oven and freezer-safe. The trays are flexible but have a steel rim to make transporting contents to the freezer easier.
So, when Lindsey Davis, Ideal Home’s Ecommerce Content Director, recommended Souper Cubes, I raced to pick up a pack myself. The tray also has handy fill lines to ensure you portion food evenly.
Sign up to our newsletter for style inspiration, real homes, project and garden advice and shopping know-how
(Image credit: Souper Cubes)
‘Initially, the price had put me off buying Souper Cubes as they seem expensive compared to other freezer containers, but I bought one tray (the 4 x 250ml tray from Lakeland) while they were on offer and have been able to give away most of my plastic tubs. I have paired them with a set of Joie reusable freezer bags and now my batch cooking takes up a fraction of the space,’ she told me.
‘I have my freeze-and-store process down to save as much space as possible. I can freeze more than one meal at once, then when each block is frozen, I transfer it to its own smaller bag, which is much easier to tessellate among the other boxes and bags in my freezer. It also feels safer than freezing the meal in bags, which, though advertised as leak-proof, still feels a bit precarious to transfer anything thick or heavy to.’
(Image credit: Souper Cubes)
‘I now have one tray of 250ml sections, which is perfect for soups, or things like chilli that will be paired with a carb after cooking. Then I also bought a set of the 500ml Souper Cubes that I can use for whole meals, such as lasagna or portions of cottage pie. You can cook in them too, as they are oven safe, but I rotate use of them so often that I generally use them for the freezing stage, then transfer to a bag before taking them out to cook in an oven-proof dish,’ said Lindsey.
‘My favourite Souper Cube hack is making blocks of soup concentrate. I simply season, roast and blend any leftover veggies, then freeze before adding the stock so that they take up less room. They are so easy to pop out of the silicone tray during the week and add to a pot of stock for a very quick, easy and nutritious mid-week dinner.’
If, like me, you’ve been looking for clever ways to maximise your freezer space, Souper Cubes are a great investment. While they do cost more than a standard storage pot, these silicone containers will last you a long time, and free up some much-needed space.
If you’re looking for some statement festive decor to wow your guests, look no further, as Very’s Three Kings 120 cm Lit Giant Christmas Nutcracker is just the tonic to create a bold Christmas centrepiece.
This year, nutcracker-themed decor has emerged as one of the biggest Christmas trends, reflecting a significant shift towards nostalgia and tradition in our Christmas decorating ideas.
But suppose you’re looking to take this trend to the next level. In that case, Very’s 120cm nutcracker decorations maintain the level of nostalgia we’re looking for, whilst giving the trend a big maximalist twist. Because if you can’t go all out at Christmas, when can you?
Three Kings 120 cm Lit Giant Christmas Nutcracker – Navy/Gold
Three Kings 120 cm Lit Giant Christmas Nutcracker – Traditional
Three Kings 120 cm Lit Giant Nutcracker – Gold/Silver
Last year, we saw giant gonks make an appearance within festive collections, but now giant nutcrackers have become a more sophisticated upgrade. Perfect for positioning in front of the best artificial Christmas trees or mantlepiece, the Three Kings Lit Giant Christmas Nutcracker is made from metal and hand-painted in a traditional style.
There are three giant nutcrackers on offer: Traditional, which is painted in festive red, green and gold, a gold and silver nutcracker for a glitzy look, and finally navy and gold for a sleek, stylish look.
Each stands on a painted plinth, so you don’t have to worry about them falling over. Standing at 120cm, they’re large enough to make a statement on their own, but just in case they weren’t impressive enough, the ornament also has 23 warm LED lights to give it an added cosy glow.
(Image credit: Three Kings)
At £119.19, these aren’t exactly the cheapest Christmas decorations you’ll find on the high street this year; however, they will stand out against any other decoration, and the reviews have been impressed so far.
Sign up to our newsletter for style inspiration, real homes, project and garden advice and shopping know-how
‘I bought this nutcracker for my husband as a thank you. We both like nutcrackers and have a couple of the smaller ones. This one is quite expensive but, as we have seen, is well worth the money (also helped that I had a 20% off voucher). When lit up, it looks stunning, also has a timer function and comes on at the same time each day for 4 hours, or you can use it as you want it on,’ said one.
‘This Nutcracker is absolutely beautiful, been wanting one for ages. Well-made and Stunning. So happy with it,’ said another.
Why are giant nutcrackers trending?
Nutcrackers are a classic motif of Christmas, but why are we seeing a resurgence right now? What it boils down to is a desire to seek out the traditional, nostalgic Christmases of our childhoods.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)
‘This year we’re seeing a wave of more maximalist and nostalgia-heavy decorating trends. As well as the ‘Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic’ that has been all over TikTok, we’re predicting the rise of ‘Retromaxxing’, which gives Christmas a twist of kitsch. By drawing on heirloom treasures and vintage finds like nutcrackers, these vintage-inspired looks are both sentimental and delightfully quirky — is there anything more festive?!’ comments Whinnie Williams, Interior Designer and Trends Forecaster for Balsam Hill.
‘Even if you have less space to work with, don’t feel the need to shy away from oversized pieces. These can still have a great impact and even make a small space feel larger – you just need to be conscious of scale and clever about placement, especially if your giant nutcracker is in the same room as your Christmas tree.
‘Using repetition will help bring rhythm to your decor. When styling your giant nutcracker, I’d suggest picking out a colour from the decoration and repeating it throughout your scheme as an anchor, so that everything feels cohesive.’
If you want to go bold and colourful this Christmas, a giant nutcracker is an easy way to achieve this. Can you see one perched by your Christmas tree this year?
When the clock goes back, winter really seems to set in. As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, most of us are ready to cosy up at home for the rest of the season. But this can be such a beautiful time of year. Here are a few ways to make the most of it.
Focus on Cosiness and Warmth
When it’s dark by five, home lighting makes all the difference. Layer your lights — add table lamps, fairy lights, and dimmable bulbs to create warmth and atmosphere. Candlelight softens a room instantly; even one flickering flame can make a cold evening feel special.
Soft textures are another winter essential. Swap out light summer throws for chunkier knits, fleece or wool blankets, and add cushions in tactile fabrics like velvet or bouclé. If you have wooden or tiled floors, a good rug not only warms the room visually but also insulates against draughts.
And don’t forget scent, as the subtle power of fragrance can transform how a home feels. Think woody, spicy, or smoky notes like sandalwood, clove, or amber. Light a candle or simmer a pan of orange peel and cinnamon on the hob for a natural aroma that fills the whole house.
Warm Up Your Routines
Drawing in for winter isn’t only about the home environment; it’s about how you live day to day. Introduce rituals that bring comfort. Maybe it’s lighting a candle when you finish work to mark the start of your evening, or starting your day with a quiet cup of tea before anyone else wakes up. Small, intentional moments like these can make the season feel gentler.
Make time for simple pleasures, like watching a film under a blanket, writing letters, baking bread, or learning a craft. Slower hobbies feel perfectly in tune with the darker months. And if you work from home, consider building short breaks into your day, for stretching, looking out the window, or stepping outside to catch what daylight there is.
Decorate for Christmas
One of the most loved things that comes with the winter season is Christmas. We all love the spirit of Christmas. From the lovely decorations that we get to bring out to the way the wholesome feel in the air, there’s so much to get excited about. So why not decorate a bit earlier this year? If you want to get some new Christmas decorations, you can visit the website here for a selection of artificial trees, and get started. You’ll find that every day feels magical when your home is lit up ahead of Christmas.
Make The Most of Daylight Hours
If you miss being outdoors, make a point of stepping outside daily — even for ten minutes. Wrap up warm, breathe in the cold air, and feel the change in the season. It’s good for your mood, circulation, and sleep patterns. There are also so many exciting winter activities available at this time of year, that you can do in the daytime. That way, you can enjoy the fun but still cosy up in the evenings.
Bring the Outdoors In
Just because your garden may be resting doesn’t mean nature has to disappear from your home. Bringing greenery indoors adds life and freshness to your space. Plants such as ivy, snake plants, and peace lilies thrive in lower light conditions and help purify the air. A small vase of evergreens or winter berries on the dining table can be enough to remind you that life continues to bloom, even in the darker months.
Declutter and Reset
Winter is when your home works hardest — you spend more time indoors, you accumulate coats, boots, blankets, and extra layers. Before it all builds up, take a weekend to declutter. Clear surfaces, tidy the hallway, donate what you don’t need, and make space for the things that truly make winter living more comfortable.
This is also a brilliant time to rethink your layout. Maybe move your favourite chair closer to a lamp for reading, or shift furniture slightly so it feels fresh again. A little rearranging can make your home feel newly inviting without spending a penny.
Feed Yourself Well
As the temperature drops, our bodies crave comfort and warmth. Winter is the season for slow cooking, roasting, and one-pot wonders that fill the kitchen with irresistible smells. Stews, soups, and casseroles not only taste good but bring a sense of contentment that quick summer meals rarely match.
Batch cooking on a Sunday can also be a game-changer. Having a pot of soup or a ready-to-reheat casserole waiting in the fridge makes midweek dinners easier and means you’re less tempted by takeaway when it’s dark and cold outside.
If you have a garden or an allotment, this is also a good time to make the most of winter produce — think squash, root vegetables, kale, and leeks. Eating seasonally connects you to the natural cycle and supports local growers too.
Look After Yourself
Remember that winter self-care doesn’t have to be fancy. It’s about staying connected, to yourself and others. Check in with friends, arrange cosy nights in, or start a Sunday roast tradition. Exercise, even if it’s just a brisk walk, helps keep your energy up. And don’t underestimate the power of light — if you struggle with the darker days, a daylight lamp or sitting near a sunny window can help.
Final Thoughts
Drawing in for winter is really about acceptance — leaning into what the season naturally offers instead of fighting against it. There’s beauty in slowing down, in turning inward, in finding warmth and joy in smaller, homelier moments. When you make peace with the darker days, you might just find they bring a quiet kind of happiness that summer never quite manages.
Black Friday is officially just around the corner, and many retailers, such as Argos, have graced us with the surprise of starting their sales a little bit early. This yearly sales event also perfectly coincides with the time to hunker down inside our homes and embrace home cooking – and with this comes an urge to upgrade some of our cookware. Argos’ Black Friday sale is the ultimate place to start.
Autumn is the perfect time for batch cooking, baking and hosting, so having the right small appliances and kitchen tools to make cooking simpler will make dinner times stress-free. Whether you’re on the hunt for the best air fryer, the best stand mixer or the best food processor, Argos’ Black Friday sale has some of the lowest prices I’m predicting to see over the course of the sales event.
Don’t let the early sale put you off – this is the lowest that Argos’ prices will go, so if there’s something you’ve got your eye on, then it’s best to snap it up fast. These are my favourite picks from the sale that I’ll be snapping up to spruce up my kitchen.
Argos’ Black Friday Sale
Black Friday officially starts on the 28th of November this year. However, last year we saw the sales launch as early as the 1st November, and this year it appears to have started even earlier, with Argos deals kicking it off.
Black Friday deals are always some of the biggest discounts that you’ll see all year round, and I was astounded when I saw that Argos had discounted the KitchenAid Stand Mixer by £219. I love my own KitchenAid Stand Mixer, and if I didn’t already own one, then I would certainly be hitting purchase, but it also makes a fabulous gift for someone special in your life.
There are also a few bigger-ticket items that I have had my eye on to upgrade my kitchen; the Kenwood Food Processor is a do-it-all piece of kit that will last for years, while the Nutribullet will make my morning smoothies much easier to make.
Here are my top picks from the sale, which have a whopping combined saving of £410. I would recommend snapping these picks up sooner rather than later if there’s anything you have your eye on.
Sign up to our newsletter for style inspiration, real homes, project and garden advice and shopping know-how
Cookworks
Cookworks 9l Dual Air Fryer – Black
This dual airfryer is a bargain at £50 – it’s perfect for bigger families or those who need two zones for meat and veggie cooking.
Nutribullet
Nutribullet 600 Series Blender – Black
Don’t wait until summer to invest in a Nutribullet – buying now will save you money and you’ll be thrilled when smoothie season hits.
Kenwood
Kenwood Chp61.100wh Easychop Mini Chopper
I don’t know how I ever survived without a mini chopper; this makes chopping up veg for batch cooking a walk in the park.
This Kenwood Food Processor is a kitchen essential that you’ll have for years – it quite literally does everything.
Kitchenaid
Kitchenaid 5k45ssbob Classic Stand Mixer – Black
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the price of the KitchenAid Stand Mixer. It comes in both black and white and I would be surprised to see this price go lower anywhere else over Black Friday.
Morphy Richards
Morphy Richards 20l 800w Solo Standard Microwave – Silver
It’s no fun to spend a lot of money on practical purchases such as a microwave – you can’t go wrong with this Morphy Richards option discounted to £45.
Heading into Black Friday with a few key items in mind will help you to make worthwhile purchases. It’s always good to be mindful before hitting the sales shopping, but I’d definitely recommend to not wait around too long.
I’m seeing tortoiseshell lighting everywhere this autumn, and I’m obsessed with this cosy trend. But the best looking I’ve seen is the Habitat Glass Tortoise Shell Lamp (£30), and right now you can get an extra 20% off.
I’m a sucker for a pretty lamp and an avid follower of all the different lighting trends. Luxe mood lighting that casts a cosy glow has set the trend for autumn this year, and tortoiseshell, with its warm and luxurious brown tones, is the perfect way to achieve this.
The Habitat Glass Tortoise Shell Lamp combines cosy lighting with stylish structure, perfect if you want your lighting options to look like a work of art.
Habitat
Habitat Glass Tortoise Shell Table Lamp – Brown
I love everything about this a lamp from the warming tortoiseshell glass to the bold sculptural design.
Tortoiseshell is not a new pattern by any means, but it is one I consider to be timeless. We typically see it emerge in the colder months, and recently, it has been everywhere from manicures to tortoiseshell kitchen accessories this year.
Habitat’s tortoiseshell lamp looks as much like a sculpture as it does a table light. Its half-moon design gives it oodles of visual appeal, while its classic tortoiseshell pattern is warming and timeless. Meanwhile, the bulb itself sits inside a glass dome, making every aspect of this lamp interesting.
At £30, this lamp is a steal. Habitat table lamps never disappoint, thanks to their affordable prices and high-quality designs. I’m sure you’ll agree that this lamp looks far more expensive than its price tag, and could easily be mistaken for a higher-end brand. And right now, get more for your money as this lamp has a further 20% discount if you use the code ‘LIGHT20’ at checkout.
Why is tortoiseshell lighting trending?
‘As with most trends, you don’t have to look very far to see why a certain colour, pattern or design is having a moment in interiors. This is certainly the case for tortoiseshell lighting, as one of the latest ‘animal prints’ to be influencing everything from manicure choices to glasses and footwear., says Olivia Sauerwein, resident Style Advisor and Art Director for Wayfair.co.uk.
Sign up to our newsletter for style inspiration, real homes, project and garden advice and shopping know-how
‘The perfect print for autumn, bringing warmth and depth, its caramel amber tones adds a luxe look to elevate a room. With its semi-translucent quality, when lights are switched on it creates a gorgeous diffused glow – making the design the perfect choice to create a cosy autumn-winter space.’
(Image credit: Habitat)
Tortoiseshell lighting is essentially a neutral so it can be paired with a wide range of colours. However, to lean into its sophisticated and luxurious look, consider pairing it with rich olive or navy walls.
‘To style it at home, consider a statement tortoiseshell floor lamp in a living room or elegant pendants over a dining table, ensuring the warm light enhances the space. Complement these pieces with natural textures like brass, wood, or linen, and select warm-dim LEDs to perfect the ambient glow. Whether paired with ochre and olive for a warm scheme or ink and sage for a striking contrast, tortoiseshell lighting adds a touch of refined luxury,’ comments Julian Page, Head of Design at BHS.
If you’ve developed a taste for tortoiseshell lighting like I have, here are three more stunning options to browse.
M&S
Glass Tortoise Shell Easy Fit Shade
I love this pendant light from M&S. It will fill your room with an amber glow, and the pendant itself is bang on trend.
Next is one of my favourite places to secure on-trend homeware and fashion, but right now, their take on the year’s most ‘marmite’ has me obsessed – I’ve never seen a brand do leopard print so well.
I’ll admit, I’m a big fan of leopard print, but I appreciate that it’s not for everyone. However, give me just five minutes, as these six Next leopard print buys prove that this somewhat gaudy trend can look super stylish.
The range is so expansive that there truly is something for everyone, wherever they are on their pattern journey. I’ve even spotted a leopard print pedal bin (£75) nestled in Next’s vast inventory.
Next
Set of 2 Black Leopard Print Coupe Glasses
I genuinely can’t stop thinking about these coupes – they’re just so chic! This print is also available on champagne flutes if you prefer.
Next
Brown Long Leopard Print Faux Fur Throw
Cosy is without doubt the set mood for winter this year, and I don’t think I’ve seen anything as snuggly as this stunning throw.
Next
Set of 2 Green Cheetah Print 100% Cotton Face Cloths
If you’re a little unsure about a leopard print, these pretty hand towels give the trend a subtle nod.
Next
Black/brown 200 Thread Count 100% Cotton Leopard Print Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set
I’ve always been a little on the fence about leopard print bedding, but I’ve come round to it. This set will create an opulant, yet playful look in the bedroom.
Next
Black/animal 43 X 43cm Velvet Faux Leopard Print Fringe Cushion
A cushion is an easy way to introduce pattern to your home as it is not a permanent change – play around and find out what you like!
If you really want to make a statement, there’s no denying this chair is simply fabulous.
Leopard print has a retro, ‘70s style that I love, and for me, it is associated with fashion icons such as Kate Moss and even Jackie Kennedy. Having never really left popular culture, I’d argue that leopard print is a timeless print.
Working with patterns can feel intimidating; however, if you’re following the rules of Shania Twain, leopard print is a neutral. If you’re looking to introduce a pop of the print to a neutral space, I’d recommend Next’s Velvet Faux Leopard Print Fringe Cushion (£24). A statement cushion can help you experiment with bolder patterns and colours without making any permanent changes.
Sign up to our newsletter for style inspiration, real homes, project and garden advice and shopping know-how
On the whole, Next’s leopard print range is opulent and luxurious. Whether you love or hate this animal-print trend, I’m sure you’ll spot something you like.
Our homes have evolved into more than just living spaces —they’ve become sanctuaries for mental clarity, physical well-being, and creative inspiration. Enter Biophilic Design 2.0, a revolutionary approach that combines nature, technology, and human-centered design to create living environments that promote both wellness and innovation.
This modern take on biophilia isn’t about filling your home with a few potted plants. It’s a holistic philosophy where design, materials, and digital tools come together to nurture the connection between humans and the natural world — all while embracing the conveniences of smart living.
Understanding Biophilic Design 2.0: A New Era of Natural Connection
The term biophilia means “love of life” and is a concept first introduced by biologist Edward O. Wilson. Traditional biophilic design focused on incorporating natural materials, sunlight, and greenery into built environments. But in the 2020s, the movement has evolved.
Biophilic Design 2.0 integrates digital innovation and sustainability into every corner of the home. It’s about creating spaces that balance organic warmth with technological intelligence, blending physical comfort with mental rejuvenation. Imagine natural light automatically adjusting to your circadian rhythm, air quality sensors syncing with ventilation systems, and wall art dynamically responding to your mood, all while surrounded by calming textures of wood, stone, and greenery.
This fusion of nature and technology is no longer futuristic — it’s here, redefining the way we live, work, and recharge.
The Three Pillars of Biophilic Design 2.0
1. Nature-Integrated Architecture
Modern architects are moving beyond superficial green aesthetics and designing homes that breathe with the environment. Green walls, vertical gardens, and living roofs not only purify the air but also enhance energy efficiency by regulating indoor temperature.
Windows are now positioned strategically to maximize natural daylight and views of outdoor landscapes. Water elements, such as indoor fountains or aquaponic systems, introduce calming sensory experiences that reduce stress and improve cognitive focus.
Digital visualization tools, often used by leading design professionals, help simulate how natural light interacts with space before construction begins. This allows homeowners to choose layouts that truly enhance both beauty and well-being.
2. Smart Tech for Sustainable Living
The second evolution of biophilic design comes from its partnership with smart home technology. Today’s sustainable homes leverage automation to make eco-conscious living effortless.
Smart lighting systems mimic sunlight patterns, adjusting brightness and hue to improve sleep quality and productivity.
AI-driven thermostats learn your preferences to optimize comfort while minimizing energy waste.
Smart irrigation systems nurture indoor plants and gardens precisely when needed, conserving water and resources.
These innovations make biophilic living not only beautiful but also practical — merging modern efficiency with the soothing rhythms of nature.
3. Designing for Mental Wellness
A home that feels connected to nature also deeply supports emotional health. Research shows that exposure to natural materials and patterns lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, and enhances creativity.
Interior designers now use textures that are natural or mimic organic surfaces, such as linen, cork, and bamboo, to cultivate tactile comfort. Meanwhile, colors inspired by earth, sky, and foliage stimulate calm and balance.
Digital art and immersive media installations are also playing a role. Many homeowners curate interactive visuals that change with time or respond to environmental cues. For example, a large digital frame could display animated landscapes that adapt to your local weather — rain, sun, or snowfall — creating a sense of harmony between indoor and outdoor life.
The Digital Dimension of Modern Home Design
Biophilic Design 2.0 thrives at the intersection of creativity and technology. And digital creation tools are now making it easier for homeowners to conceptualize, customize, and visualize their dream spaces with professional precision.
These platforms help users explore how natural light interacts with design choices, how textures complement each other, and even how their decor choices affect mood. The same creative software that professionals use to edit photos, design layouts, and craft visual stories is now empowering everyday homeowners to express their own aesthetic and emotional connection to nature.
For those looking to add a playful or personal touch to their design journey, tools like a meme editor offer a lighthearted way to blend humor and creativity into home inspiration boards, mood trackers, or digital art pieces. It’s a reminder that creativity and design are not limited to architects — anyone can take part in shaping the modern living experience.
Bringing Nature Indoors: Practical Steps to Start
If you’re ready to integrate biophilic principles into your own home, here’s how to get started:
Start with Light. Natural sunlight is the foundation of wellness. Remove heavy curtains, use sheer fabrics, and position mirrors to reflect daylight deeper into rooms.
Add Layers of Greenery. Incorporate indoor plants that suit your lifestyle — from low-maintenance succulents to air-purifying species like peace lilies and snake plants.
Choose Natural Materials. Replace plastics and synthetics with materials like reclaimed wood, clay, and linen for an earthy aesthetic and tactile warmth.
Bring in Nature Sounds. Use subtle background audio featuring rainfall, ocean waves, or forest ambiances to reduce stress and boost focus.
Balance with Smart Tech. Introduce automation that enhances — not interrupts — natural harmony. Smart lighting and air systems should support your daily rhythm rather than dominate it.
Personalize with Creative Expression. Digital platforms allow you to visualize, document, and refine your ideas before implementing them. Experiment, adapt, and let your space evolve naturally with you.
A Vision for the Future: Digital Nature and Emotional Wellness
The future of interior design lies in balance, between the tactile and the digital, between aesthetics and emotion. Biophilic Design 2.0 represents a new mindset: it’s not about replicating nature, but reestablishing a relationship with it through thoughtful, human-centered design.
As technology continues to evolve, our connection to nature doesn’t have to fade. Instead, it can deepen — through intelligent systems that support sustainable living, creative digital tools that amplify imagination, and living spaces that nurture both body and mind.
In the end, biophilic design is not just about decorating your home — it’s about redefining how you live within it. A space that breathes with you, learns from you, and inspires you to live in harmony with the world around you, that’s the true beauty of Biophilic Design 2.0.
The combination of a blooming, colourful garden and chirping birds is a lovely one. And more often than not, your flower garden and garden birds rely on each other, which is why wildlife experts are urging gardeners to plant this one bulb now to attract birds and wildlife to their gardens.
If you have a wildlife garden, I’m sure you’ll already know that attracting birds via your beds and borders is a highlight. Birds rely on plants for food, while plants rely on birds for protection from pests and pollination.
This is why experts want you to plant camassia in your garden this autumn. With striking purple flowers, this spring bulb will attract an abundance of beautiful wildlife to your garden – and the best thing is, you can plant it now.
‘Birds are immediately drawn in by the vibrant hues of Camassia, yet ironically, they don’t even tend to eat the bulbs or the flowers. Camassia supports biodiversity in the garden, supporting a thriving insect population, which is scarce in winter but an essential source of food for many birds like robins,’ says James Ewens, gardening expert from Green Feathers.
‘While insects are still scarce when the ground is frozen, spring will see insects galore. The star-shaped blooms attract bees, hoverflies, beetles, and butterflies in late spring. These insects, in turn, draw insect-eating birds such as robins, wrens, and blue tits that feed on them.’
When to plant camassia
The best time to plant camassia, like with most spring bulbs, is in the autumn, so there’s still time to add this plant to your shopping list when looking to buy bulbs.
Sign up to our newsletter for style inspiration, real homes, project and garden advice and shopping know-how
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘When introducing camassia bulbs into your garden, the best time to plant is from September through to November as the remaining heat in the soil will encourage the bulbs to produce roots and become well established prior to colder weather and the ground freezing,’ says Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.
‘Ideally find a spot in your garden for camassia bulbs where they will get either full sun or light shade and be in moist, well-draining soil. Unlike many other bulbs, camassia bulbs have adapted to suit their native soils of the Pacific Northwest of North America, where they are found growing in moist meadows and by the sides of streams. This means that you could even plant camassia in clay soil, close to garden ponds and also make an attractive addition to natural, long-grass lawns.’
Where to buy camassia
Planting camassia is beneficial to you, your garden and the wildlife that visit it. It’s a beautiful flower, and one that deserves a spot in your garden.
