Bringing Nature into the Kitchen: Key Takeaways from NKBA's 2025 Biophilic Design Webinar

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The NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) hosted a thought-provoking webinar focused on a rising trend that’s reshaping how we design kitchens in 2025: biophilic design. The session featured expert insights from Donna Signorelli of Greenair and Nicola Ross of Nicola Ross Design—two passionate advocates of integrating nature into interior spaces.

Here are the biggest takeaways from the session.

🌿 What Is Biophilic Design?

If you're hearing the term "biophilic design" for the first time, you’re not alone—so was the webinar host! As Nicola Ross explained, biophilic design is a design approach that connects people with nature, even within indoor environments.

This involves more than just adding a few plants. It includes:

• Using natural light and ventilation

• Incorporating organic materials and textures

• Embracing natural patterns and forms

• Creating spaces that reflect nature’s balance and complexity

The goal? Foster a sense of calm, improve well-being, and create more emotionally resonant spaces.

🪴 The Three Experiences of Nature in Design

Donna Signorelli outlined the three foundational principles of biophilic design, which can easily be adapted to kitchen spaces:

1. Direct Experience of Nature

This involves real interaction with natural elements:

• Natural light through larger windows or skylights

• Fresh air via proper ventilation

• Indoor plants or even indoor herb gardens

• Water features, where practical

These elements have been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and enhance mental clarity—all benefits we could use in a busy kitchen!

2. Indirect Experience of Nature

Even when space or practicality prevents direct interaction, we can still bring nature indoors:

• Use natural materials like wood, stone, or clay

• Opt for earthy tones and organic patterns

• Incorporate imagery of landscapes or botanical prints

This layer of design helps mimic the feel of nature and creates a strong psychological connection to the outdoors.

3. Experience of Space and Place

This principle focuses on how a room feels spatially, inspired by how we naturally navigate landscapes:

• Provide open spaces for movement and collaboration

• Include cozy nooks or seating alcoves for retreat and quiet

• Use wayfinding and balance to guide how the space is used

In kitchens, this might translate to zoned layouts that accommodate both high-energy cooking and quieter moments like morning coffee.

🧠 Why This Matters for Kitchen Design

The kitchen is no longer just a utilitarian space—it’s the heart of the home, where people cook, socialize, and find comfort. Integrating biophilic design allows kitchen designers to:

• Enhance the wellness of the people who use the space

• Promote calm and clarity in high-use environments

• Increase the emotional appeal and resale value of the kitchen

Whether it’s choosing woodgrain cabinetry, maximizing natural light, or designing layouts with layered functionality, even small biophilic elements can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

This webinar was a timely reminder that the future of kitchen design goes beyond trends—it’s about creating healthier, happier, and more human-centered spaces. As Donna put it, biophilic design isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about building a real emotional connection to space.

As the demand for sustainability and wellness grows, biophilic design is more than a buzzword—it’s a design imperative.