Biophilic design has the potential to completely upend spaces, in how it can bring nature into the built environment in ways that many wouldn’t even imagine. The vanity area is one of the most intimate spaces in any home, and whether it’s in your bathroom or an impromptu makeup space on the kitchen table, it’s where you really attend to your appearance and exude the confidence that allows you to go out into the world. And when biophilic principles are applied to the vanity space—meaning it’s not just beautiful in the usual ways we consider but is also connected to nature in a way that aids our performance and well-being—the results are nothing short of transformative.
I am most captivated by the ways that simple, nature-inspired adjustments can entirely change how a room is perceived. I have even begun to think of these ideas in the context of the age-old biophilia hypothesis: that our need to be connected to nature is part of our primitive genetic wiring. We have known for a long time that nature has a powerful influence on us, but people may not yet be aware of how biophilic design can impact the kind of spaces we inhabit or the lives we lead.
While the influence of biophilic design is far-reaching, it may seem that the application of these ideas is highly varied across context or space. That is, until you consider the vanity as both an object and an idea.
I often prompt clients or homeowners to consider the stories ingrained in the building materials they select. This can add a profound resonance to the experience of using something as common as a bathroom vanity. I worked on one project for a couple who was renovating their bathroom. They had picked out synthetic materials for the vanity top and were even angling for something that would make the space shine and, I suppose, make the area feel more modern. But they changed their plan when I suggested that they use reclaimed wood for the vanity top and not go with synthetic materials, and that suggestion really softened the whole space and made it feel much more inviting.
The stone was used expertly in the hotel I visited. Not just stone but the fine art of stonemasonry, from which few modern hotels do not shy away. I could feel the slight vibration from the skill of the person who turned a simple stack of stone into an art object—and an indulgent vanity—on which my bathroom supplies could sit without feeling like an affront to both design and nature. One hopes that few actions in one’s life are as vain and wasteful as bathing. And yet in the abominable heat of summer in the Upper Midwest, when sweat is running in a steady bead down the small of your back and you are engaged in the Sisyphean task of keeping the children and the dog inside on the hottest day of the year, the only alternative to a lukewarm shower might be a dry sauna.
Every time they looked at the marbling, it was as if they could see a river bending or the silhouette of a mountain. This slabs of marble are so breathtakingly beautiful that one may forget their intended purpose. However, the biophilic design of a bathroom vanity is truly an example of form following function; these vanities incorporate flowers (in the form of their sculpted rock) and water (the sinks) into the space, with the intent of making a morning routine both visually stunning and soothing. Living elements (in the form of plants) and a waterfall make the natural beauty of the bathroom sink even more pronounced.
And biophilic principles make the design of the vanity ‘successful’ in that it serves a calming function to its user.
In one of my own setups at home, a delicate trailing pothos plant graces the top shelf of my vanity, cascading down in a picture of gentle growth. Every morning, when I am at my vanity, I see how the plant’s leaves unfurl from the tendril, which makes sense in the context of what a tendril is: an adaptation that allows certain plants to hold onto whatever surface they’re growing alongside. Personally, I find it a much better picture for a vanity space than a plant that just propped itself up with a sturdy stem. However, a cluttered silly vase of vanity flowers propped up beside a bathroom sink could hardly have been said to derive any greater benefit from the tendril as a way of holding onto a surface.
Vanity areas can truly benefit from the incorporation of biophilic design elements, and water features rank high on the list of things one can do to render a space more biophilically-friendly. Now, I am not suggesting that one install a fully plumbed fountain in the place where countertops meet cabinetry; but a simple, small, and contained tabletop feature—that is, a water feature that doesn’t require you to carve a pond into your mahogany vanity—is definitely something to consider if you’re interested in rendering your bathroom a bit more like a spa. And, really, who doesn’t want to feel more like they’re at a spa when they’re going about their business of washing their faces, brushing their teeth, and what-have-you?
Let’s not overlook the significance of natural illumination. A vanity is a place where light is not merely a nicety but an absolute necessity, for reasons both practical and intimate. Whenever possible, I try to get my clients to position their vanities near a window. Soft, diffused daylight is a gift, and if you can catch even a little of it before it travels around the sky and changes character, your beauty routine will be the better for it. By my lights, the best vanity location is directly beneath a skylight. Once, we put one in over a client’s vanity, and the combination of sunlight and moonlight (not to mention star shine) has, in my opinion, always made the scene look more beautiful than any makeup can manage.
3. Constructing Environments That Facilitate Quietude and Meditation
Biophilic design goes beyond mere appearances; it nurtures wellness and a feeling of connection. I feel that the most beautiful vanity spaces are those that invite a moment of stillness. In our modern society, with its whirlwind pace and incessant demands, having a tiny oasis in which to collect one’s thoughts is a treasure. I’ve witnessed the ways in which biophilic vanities—those that incorporate natural elements and provide eye-catching glimpses of the great outdoors—can foster this type of moment.
One of my cherished daily routines is to spend a few still moments each evening at my vanity, shifting my focus from the day’s busyness to the calm that awaits me in the nighttime hours. I light a candle, take in the delicate aroma of eucalyptus (one of my favorite reminders of nature), and allow my mind to settle. I am a huge proponent of incorporating nature into our everyday lives. I believe that these tiny reminders—whether through scent, touch, or sight—can have profound effects on our well-being. It’s something I encourage everyone to do at their vanities.
I frequently suggest augmenting these types of projects with tactile elements that promote tranquility. Consider, for instance, the presence of soft, finely woven towels—an oh-so-simple detail that gives a kind of zen to the otherwise rigorous routine of hand-washing. Or a polished stone tray. Or a wooden comb. If we elevate personal grooming to an art form (which it certainly is in many cultures), then the way one grooms in private should also become a part of the conversation, and the design of the space should certainly endeavor to obviate any sense of shame or embarrassment.
I recall a project I did for a client who was a very enthusiastic gardener. We included small, artisanal ceramic planters in the vanity area, each holding a small herb like lavender or rosemary. These natural essences wafted through the space. But more than that, the act of tending to the herbs—perhaps just brushing against the lavender on the way to a brush or mirror—made for a vanity experience that was so personal and grounding.
The final topic is yet another excellent opportunity for biophilic design: mirrors! I personally am drawn to mirrors with organic shapes. I find mirrors with geometric or regular shapes quite boring. For example, I had to source a simple round mirror for a project and found it quite underwhelming. I would have much preferred using a mirror in an irregular shape that mimicked a pool of water. Long story short: Mirrors are biophilic design opportunities playing to the strengths of particular mirrors’ appeal against the aesthetic of boring mirrors.
Ultimately, making a biophilic vanity is more than just putting some plants in the bathroom or using organic materials. The biophilic bathroom allows for feeling and moment-to-moment connection to the natural world. VNAY is for sure the first vitamin B1 for vanity, in part because of all the aesthetic appeal and emotional resonance that being biophilic imparts. If you want to biophilize your vanity, you’re going to use standard materials. Wood, stone, and concrete are the three big ones. In fact, if you’re using any of those, your vanity is technically biophilic. Nonetheless, there are areas where you can exert more control and possibly make your everyday life more tranquil via vanity biophilia.
Section 2: Augmenting the Biophilic Vanity: More Profound Components of Bonding and Individualization
This system of biophilus vanity may not bind all its elements together—may not even connect all of them as parts of a whole or a self. Still, in the context of umwelt and the wall, a nod toward deep structure or profoundness of individualization is a step in that direction. The biophilic component of vanity can incorporate almost anything that has been anthropocentrically personalized and given a digital humanity. Still, because of our umwelt and the wall, it can and must emphasize components that have at least some or a great degree of profoundness.
When one discusses the development of an ideal biophilic vanity, one must understand that it is more complex than merely a design problem. The functional, aesthetic, and experiential qualities of a vanity represent the forces at work in all spaces that could be described as biophilic. It is this trifecta that makes biophilic design work well; it is capable of transforming even the most utilitarian of spaces into something with inherent value.
Biophilic design is, in essence, a return to nature. One of its foundational principles—specifically in its manifestation within interior design—is personalization. It allows and invites you to put something of your personal character and nature into the space. A beautifully designed vanity that might appear as if it were out of an interior design magazine can certainly provide a space for the meaningful ritual of grooming to take place in a manner that feels good and is functionally satisfying. But what happens when you infuse that space with elements that have personal or emotional signifiers?
At that point, the space has become nonsensical to replicate, because it possesses your singular character, nature, and sense of (literal and figurative) space.
Consider, for example, a project I was involved in for a traveling couple. They wanted their vanity area to shine with the places they had seen, so instead of your run-of-the-mill bathroom décor, we used stones they had gathered from beaches all over the world. We placed these mineral accents on their countertop, and the unique texture, color, and pattern of each stone made for a beautiful and cohesive display—not to mention the contemplation-worthy sense of place each stone afforded. We also used framed prints of botanical illustrations that represented the flora they had seen on their travels, rendering a basic bathroom vanity into a gallery of memories, both beautiful and ecologically focused.
A further instance originates from my domicile. I have always been attracted to the beauty of stones covered in moss and the way moss seems to take root in the most unlikely of places. When I was particularly stressed, I built a small moss garden near my bathroom vanity. I thought the act of cultivating such a thing might serve in some small way to ground me. Yet I have to admit, my garden is just barely hanging on, in terms of both health and aesthetics. Nonetheless, I find its very sameness to be a balm. It has been a quiet week at my house—no contractors, no deliveries.
In this stillness, I can hear the steady trickle of water from my fish tank to the little basin in my biophilic vanity.
4. Melding Aroma and Discord: Drawing Nature’s Sensory Palette
When it comes to biophilia, we often consider only the visual aspects of it, like sight or touch. But what about the things we can smell or hear? The bathroom is a great place to express some of these olfactory and auditory concepts. Scent is a simple but powerful way of creating a calming, nature-inspired space. I recommend using essential oils or naturally scented candles in the bathroom. My go-to oils are eucalyptus, which invigorates as much as it calms, and lavender, which is very soothing. Keep in mind that when it comes to these spaces, less is more.
If I were to suggest something to a client, I would consider the setup of an oil diffuser with just one to two scents to be a very peaceful way to express biophilia in this room. On a larger scale, you might want to diffuse a more complex blend of oils, like rosemary or sage, which are said to be inspiring and creative. To achieve either of these states in the bathroom, you’re better off burning a simple, unscented candle when you’re soaking in the tub. (If you do have a bathtub and can light a candle while you’re using it, then clearly you have my dream bathroom.) …
5. Tapping Into the Potential of Color in Nature-Inspired Bathroom Design
Although the textures, materials, and living elements are the mainstays of biophilic design, we can’t underestimate the power of color. In my experience, color has a huge psychological payoff, and a few well-chosen touches can take a space from blah to biophilic. I like to think of nature when I choose colors. For me, the color palette often found in a natural landscape, like a forest, is really grounding. You have soft greens, muted browns (probably from trees or the forest floor), and warm beiges that make a space feel connected to the earth. That’s not to say a palette has to be earthy to be biophilic.
Bright, vibrant colors found in the natural world—think the bold red of autumn leaves or the deep yellow of sunflowers—can be used in a biophilic bathroom design. And the colors can act as accents without taking over the whole space. For instance, I recently worked on a vanity for a client who adores vibrant colors, and we used bright sunflower yellow in some cabinetry and binoculars. The place felt energizing but also felt very natural.
6. Illumination: An Essential Component of Biophilic Vanity Spaces
Biophilic vanities require charm and elegance. And yet, one of their most charming aspects is their lighting. It may be the most underappreciated element of the biophilic vanity, but it plays an essential role. Of course, the ideal is for vanities to be near windows so that the beauty of natural light can pour over the sink area. Many bathrooms, however—especially in urban environments—simply do not have the option of a window. Thoughtful artificial lighting fills in the gap. I often recommend full-spectrum LED lights for biophilic vanities. Why full-spectrum? Because at the vanity, you need lighting that closely mimics qualities of natural daylight, that is, warm, soft, and even.
Full-spectrum LEDs come as close to “sunlight in a can” as you can get, and they work very well for the indoor daylight environment that vanities require. In one windowless bathroom, lighting quite literally served as a lifesaver, making the space feel almost as bright and open as the day outside. By layering the light, using recessed and pendant fixtures, and then also utilizing mirrors, you could say that we made the vanity truly biophilic. To be perfectly frank, I’ve done this a lot with mirrors. There’s no picture of the inside of the bathroom in the final project proposal.
I think that’s for the best.
Biophilic design is heavily about how people interact with a space in three-dimensionality, especially because we live in a world where physicality matters. By incorporating not just visual elements but also textures reminiscent of nature, biophilic design draws a person that much closer to the natural world. A vanity space is an underappreciated and, quite frankly, a somewhat forgotten realm of interior design. When my firm had this opportunity, I introduced a concept for what could be understood as a counter to the traditional countertop basin. The wall-mounted basin vanity silhouette is almost like the Cabinet of Curiosities for natural history—it invites you to touch and explore.
Besides texture and pattern, the form is also important in biophilic vanity design. Organic, flowing shapes create a more natural and relaxing atmosphere, unlike sharp, angular lines, which tend to give off a more modernist vibe. When you think of the curves of a river or the soft edges of a hill, you’re recalling the forms we encounter in nature, and these are the shapes that feel harmonious and balanced. In one of our recent projects, we used a vanity with a curved, asymmetrical form that mimicked the flow of water. The result was a calm, organic space in tune with the natural world, yet it was also a practical and robust space that could withstand the daily use and the moody hazard of life in a bathroom.
Balancing artistic and experiential aspects with practicality and resilience is the key to making a biophilic vanity that truly works.
When formulating a biophilic bathroom vanity, the first very practical aspect to consider is durability. The challenge is to marry beauty with sturdiness. Natural materials like wood, stone, and plants can enliven a space, but they also require a fair amount of upkeep to ensure that they last. Bathroom vanities are probably some of the most tested spaces in terms of wear and tear. Our clients want to be able to use the “living element” of a vanity without having to worry about its lap time in duration when it’s an element that’s needed for the main function of a bathroom (think non-slip, water-resistant, not-mold-or-mildew-prone surfaces, etc.).
In my opinion, the “Biophilic Bathroom” vanity should be made from materials that are both conducive to health (which is always a huge reason why an interior space is designed in a certain way to embrace nature and natural elements) and are also tough enough to withstand daily use.
In the same vein, stone surfaces like marble and limestone, while stunning, are porous and might stain. I usually recommend sealing stone vanities to keep them looking their best and protect them from the daily abuse that could leave other surfaces looking tired and worn. One of my favorite projects involved a client who wanted something really out of the box for their bathroom vanity. After much discussion, we landed on the idea of using a rough-hewn granite slab instead of something more traditional, like marble. I found a special sealant that was supposed to maintain the texture while allowing them to “enjoy” the appearance without maintenance that would amount to a full-time job.
… Finally, I impressed upon them the need to choose biophilic plants to inhabit their semi-aquatic vanity.
The appearance of any vanity depends a great deal on how its storage is managed. A biophilic design challenge is to hide the storage needed to maintain the appearance of the wet space for today’s demands without compromising the look of the uncrowded vanity. Biophilic design principles can be applied to storage, too, with an emphasis on the organic. In several of my design projects, I have installed cabinetry whose facades are made of natural wood. In keeping with the principles of biophilic design, I have used natural reclaimed wood taken from sustainably managed resources. The result: ample hidden storage that maintains the largely uncluttered appearance and organic feel of the space.
Another of our tried-and-true methods is to use open shelves with an arrangement of natural elements. Floating shelves made of live-edge wood, for example, can do double duty as storage and are wonderful for display. They provide just the right amount of space for towels and jars; a few small, decorative elements like a plant or a handsome rock could be right at home here as well. In one project, we created a vanity with open shelves where the client displayed a collection of sea glass and driftwood amassed over the years. The vanity not only told the story of the client’s love of the ocean but also fit the narrative of a space that was connected to the natural world.
I have also designed vanities that utilize woven baskets, stone trays, and ceramic containers for storage of items like cosmetics and the other personal aspects of bathrooms. These materials and their forms are so much more beautiful than typical bathroom vanities and genuinely elevate the space. And I love how these natural materials are also connected to the larger biophilic vision because they provide a kind of earthiness that is tied to personal bathroom spaces.
10. Sustainability: The Ethical Side of Biophilic Design
One dimension of biophilic design that excites me is sustainability. When we create spaces that connect us to nature, shouldn’t we also be concerned about the conservation and respect of the natural world? That’s why, in my vanity designs, I prioritize sustainable materials, energy-efficient lighting, and eco-friendly practices whenever possible.
Getting materials locally is one way to cut down on a project’s environmental footprint. When I can, I work with local artisans and suppliers to use reclaimed wood, sustainably harvested stone, and locally made design elements. This supports the local economy and cuts down on the carbon costs of long-haul transportation. In one project, for instance, we collected river rocks from a local stream to use as accents in the sink and vanity design. These rocks add a dramatic, local touch to the space while keeping the project Earth-friendly.
In addition to selecting sustainable materials, the next important choice is about energy—specifically, how to use it efficiently. I always recommend biophilic lighting solutions for vanity spaces. Solutions of this kind use light that is as close to nature as possible. LED lamps come very close to this ideal. They are also the most energy-efficient option. In one project, we pushed this concept further and used only solar-powered LED lights, which are as bright as anything but the sun and can go nearly anywhere. However, LED lights needn’t be a niche ecodesign feature. They can be easily specified for any project.
Conserving water is profoundly important, particularly in bathroom vanities. I frequently recommend the installation of water-efficient faucets and the integration of greywater recycling systems. These little things can make a BIG difference in the amount of water that’s used. They also make conserving water a design element in biophilic bathrooms—yet another way to align bathroom design with sustainable living.
11. Personalizing Space for Nature’s Resonance
Personal connections underpin the power of biophilic design. It’s not sufficient to design a vanity space in semblance with the natural world, say experts in the space of biophilia. For a setting to truly express biophilic qualities, the design must harness not only the elements of the natural world but also the pervasive influence of nature’s presence and forms, which are powerfully recalled by our own personal history and emotional palette.
I frequently prompt my clients to consider the natural environments they hold dear. The elements of these treasured places can easily be adapted to the design of a vanity. I often ask clients to describe aspects of their favored setting—beach, forest, or mountains—that we might incorporate into their design. This biophilic approach not only creates a beautiful space but also ensures it has a deeply personal connection.
One of my all-time favorite side projects was taking rocks from my garden and using them to create a pretty amazing vanity. Over the years, I had gathered stones from different places I had lived, each one with its own special memory. They’re not just ordinary rocks. They’re kind of like magic rocks. And now, they’re part of a magic vanity.
In one instance, a customer who had a strong passion for mountain hiking wanted their bathroom furniture to reflect the wild beauty of their favorite landscapes. For the base of the vanity, we used raw, unpolished wood, as rugged and tough as the logs they encounter on their hikes. For the counter, we used a stone look-alike, mottled and did not work to a standard polished finish, so that it looked like a natural rock formation. And for a finishing touch, we included flora that really is a poor representation of what they might see up high but echoes it quite well.
We planted that in the top of the vanity, and in the end, their space is a personal retreat.
12. Conclusion: The Everlasting Allure of a Vanity in Tune With Nature
A vanity in tune with nature is not just a space to freshen up in the morning; it can be a site of ritual, wherein a few calm moments allow for the kind of mental reorientation that is often more needed now than ever. Integrating natural materials and forms, living elements (hello, plants!), and making good use of the copious amounts of light that can pour into the bathroom, a nature-inspired vanity can serve a meditative function.
My years of working with biophilic design have taught me that the best spaces do not merely exhibit surface beauty. They inspire connections with our natural world, with whatever virtues and values we hold as meaningful. And I daresay these spaces are not just pretty to behold; they are compelling, and they possess a kind of power. Whether achieved through the use of living textures, the incorporation of plants and flowers, or the design of forms that mimic the shapes and contours of the human body, a biophilic vanity dares to remind us of our connection to nature, elevating what might otherwise be a quotidian moment into something more resonant.
