Beat the Heat: 10 Biophilic Styling Tricks Designers Swear By for a Cooler Home

Team L&M

This summer, don’t just escape the heat—invite nature in to help you beat it. Biophilic design is the secret weapon designers swear by to keep homes cool, calm, and effortlessly chic. Think leafy layers, earthy textures, and airy layouts that breathe—literally and visually. From sun-filtering greens to materials that stay cool under pressure, these 9 styling tricks bring the outdoors inside—and the temperature down. Fresh, functional, and full of life—this is summer styling, the biophilic way.

Aparna Kaushik, Founder & Principal Architect, Aparna Kaushik Design Group
Step inside this living lounge, where walls dissolve into windows and the boundary between home and nature blurs. Light spills generously through expansive panes, carrying whispers of the outside world deep into the room’s embrace. Above, a chandelier draped in leafy forms hangs like a quiet ode to the forest canopy, casting dappled patterns that breathe life into every corner.
Earthy tones and natural textures weave through the space like an unspoken invitation—a gentle call to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel the cool calm that only nature can inspire. Here, biophilic design is less about decoration and more about crafting a sanctuary where the pulse of the outdoors hums softly within.

Saba Kapoor, Co-Founder, Nivasa
Incorporating biophilic design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a natural way to cool your home during peak summer months. As seen in this space, the integration of lush indoor greenery, earthy textures, and ample natural light brings down the temperature while enhancing wellbeing. The plants act as natural insulators, purifying the air and creating a refreshing, calming environment. It’s a sustainable approach that merges beauty with function, making interiors feel more breathable, organic, and effortlessly cooler.

Rashi Bothra and Ruchi Gehani, Founders and Interior Designers, Azure Interiors
To create interiors that feel cooler during the warmer months, focus on incorporating natural textures and breathable materials. Layer the space with indoor plants such as elephant ears or palms to introduce freshness and visual softness. Choose light fabrics like linen and cotton for curtains and upholstery to promote airflow and prevent heat retention. Integrate natural materials such as wood, cane, and terracotta for a grounded, airy feel. Stick to a palette of soft neutrals, gentle greens, and off-whites. Adding woven rugs and handcrafted accents brings a relaxed, breezy mood that helps maintain a soothing, temperature-balanced atmosphere throughout your home.

Priyanka Mehra and Piyush Mehra, Founders and Principal Architects, PS Design
This serene living space blends clean modern lines with nature-inspired elements; textured wood ceilings, filtered daylight, and potted greenery. The use of natural materials like stone flooring and soft, organic textiles enhances thermal comfort while adding tactile warmth. Light-toned sheers diffuse harsh sunlight, reducing heat while maintaining a gentle glow. Indoor plants not only purify the air but visually soften the space, creating a calming oasis. Thoughtfully curated with layered textures and earthy palettes, this room showcases how nature and design can harmoniously keep homes cool and inviting.- 

Aashi Gupta, Founder and Principal Designer, Aashi Gupta Designs
In this elegantly layered living room, biophilic styling breathes fresh energy into classical interiors. Designers embrace natural textures and hues—wooden accents, fresh floral arrangements, and linen draper to foster a calm, cool ambiance. Large windows allow ample daylight and frame views of greenery, while indoor plants subtly integrate nature indoors, enhancing air quality and thermal comfort. The soft color palette, inspired by earth tones, reflects heat and maintains a soothing temperature. Blending timeless luxury with biophilic principles, prove that even in opulent settings, nature is the ultimate ally in creating a cooler, more livable home.

Meera Pyarelal, Founder & Creative Director, Temple Town
This courtyard is a living poem—a heartfelt ode to nature, sustainability, and the timeless art of Indian craftsmanship. Crafted from warm, tactile wood and cradled by a lush embrace of plants, it transcends the idea of mere space. Here, every grain and leaf tells a story, weaving together heritage and earth in perfect harmony. It’s more than a courtyard; it’s a walking love letter to the natural world—cool underfoot, rich in culture, and alive with the quiet pulse of tradition meeting today. A sanctuary where the past and present dance softly amid shade and sunlight.  

Rohini Bagla, Founder & Principal Designer, Studio Rohini Bagla
Tucked away like a gentle secret, this dining nook is where nature and daily life meet in perfect harmony. The sleek wooden table and racks blend warmth with modern simplicity, crafting a space that feels both fresh and inviting. A touch of greenery—an indoor plant quietly thriving—adds a soft, lively whisper of the outdoors, making every meal feel like a calm, cutesy retreat. It’s a small sanctuary where style and nature come together effortlessly, soothing the soul one bite at a time.  

Ritu Gupta, Founder and Interior Architect, Nadora by Ritu Gupta
This airy space integrates lush potted plants that naturally lower temperatures and enhance air quality. Tall bamboo and leafy palms create a green curtain that softens sunlight, reducing indoor heat gain. Earth-toned walls, wooden flooring, and natural textures ground the space, while vibrant accents like a multicoloured chair adds personality without visual clutter. Open railings allow cross-ventilation, keeping the air flowing. With a touch of art and curated greenery, this setup proves that nature-inspired styling isn’t just beautiful, it’s functionally cool and environmentally conscious. 

Rudraksh Charan and Priyanka Khanna, Founders and Architects, 42MM Architecture
Biophilic styling seamlessly blends nature with design, creating tranquil, cooler interiors. Natural elements like lush green turf, manicured foliage, and soft, organic furniture textures evoke an earthy calm. The open layout, glass railings, and strategic lighting enhance outdoor views while inviting daylight and breeze, reducing indoor heat. Warm wooden ceilings balance modern metallic structures, softening the overall aesthetic. By layering greenery with breathable materials, maximizing ventilation, and ensuring a visual connection to nature,one can craft spaces that not only look refreshing but can be truly felt. –

Hardesh Chawla, Director; Monica Chawla, Creative Head, Essentia Environments
This balcony embodies biophilic design by seamlessly blending the comfort of indoor living with the serenity of the outdoors. A plush white sofa invites relaxation, while thoughtfully placed potted plants introduce natural textures and calming greenery. The open-air setting allows fresh air and natural light to flood the space, creating a soothing atmosphere that nurtures well-being. This cozy yet vibrant corner exemplifies how integrating nature into everyday environments can elevate mood, encourage mindfulness, and foster a deeper connection to the natural world—right from the comfort of home.