There’s something magic about walking into a space that carries both the calm of nature and the thrill of play. When I design spaces meant for leisure, relaxation, and entertainment, I apply biophilic design principles—which is to say I incorporate forms, patterns, and materials found in nature into the designs—because they help the space serve both the mind and the eye. A room meant for games should invite as well as excite; it should be an immersive experience that combines the joy of entertainment with the sound, scent, and fresh air of a walk in the woods. In this piece, I’ll share some strategies for creating such a space.
Bringing Nature’s Rhythm to Play Spaces
The playroom is often one of the most animated areas in the home, pulsing with energy and activity. It’s where you and your friends collect and laugh; where you unwind after a long day; and where we engage in playful competition or immerse ourselves in virtual worlds. In many ways, it’s a space of intense interaction. But how can we ground that intensity using the calming, restorative forces of nature? That’s where biophilia comes in. One of the core ideas in biophilia is fostering a sense of connection to nature, whether through the use of literal elements like plants and water or through more subtle, psychological cues that come from the shades of colors, textures, or arrangements of space that evoke nature. In game rooms, where overstimulation can easily become a problem, integrating natural elements helps keep the balance.
Let me tell you a short story. A few years back, I took on a little project for a friend. This friend of mine is a huge gamer and has all the latest and greatest in gaming tech, including virtual reality systems and a pinball machine. When I walked into his game room, I was blown away by how impressive the space was. Then I realized something: it felt sort of cold and artificial, like stepping into an arcade. So I suggested adding some biophilic design elements to the space: a live wall with trailing plants behind his gaming setup, some natural wood shelving for his game collection, and some other simple changes to bring nature into the room. Immediately, the space felt way more inviting and even, as my friend noted, calming during tense gaming moments.
Section 2: Principal Components of a Biophilic Game Room Let’s take a look at what it takes to make a game room a biophilic game room. The room should let in as much natural light as possible. Rooms are where people spend time. The game room must be well lit, and as well lit as the spaces around it, for the go-to tabletop gaming experience. Near light sources will be table lights for reading and doing proper tabletop tasks, such as painting miniatures; however, light is an important game room element, potentially making or breaking the room’s atmosphere.
One of my projects involved a game room with gardens on the other side of its windows. This large room had floor-to-ceiling windows that opened to an amazing view. Even in spaces intended for fun and even the most serious of games, the light and life of the outdoors become part of the room’s overall design. To achieve true enlightenment in any game room, the ambient lighting should not only be functional but also hint at the quality of light found in nature. I’ve found that warm-colored LEDs can simulate the feeling of sunlight, particularly when placed wisely behind screens and along walls to reduce glare while still keeping hyperrealism intact.
Utilization of Organic Materials The experience of space—whether tactile or visual—is of utmost importance, especially in a game room where the likelihood of handling controllers, joysticks, or game pieces is high. One’s choice of materials, particularly between organic and synthetic, can have a huge impact on the overall ambiance one tries to achieve. Synthetic materials can give off a harsh and sterile vibe; whereas organic materials introduce a warmth and authenticity that is hard to rival. Recently, I worked with a family that wanted their video game room to feel cozy yet modern. We opted for leather seats with natural wood bases instead of sleek plastic gaming chairs, and we replaced metal shelving with custom-built reclaimed wood shelves. It was a subtle yet effective transformation. Natural textures and forms are never harsh and always tend toward mellowness.
Integrating plant life into biophilic spaces is a no-brainer. In such a setting, you might expect high-tech devices and sleek modern furniture to rule the day, yet a game room can benefit from the calming presence of plants. In addition to their eye-pleasing appearance, studies have shown that many species of plants are excellent at reducing stress, boosting focus, and cleaning the air—all attributes that make a more peaceful, wholesome space designed for leisurely gaming. I keep a large fiddle-leaf fig next to my gaming station, and not only does the greenery help soften the room’s otherwise very modern feel, but I’ve also found that taking care of such a large, fuss-free plant reinforces a kind of ritual before I dive into an evening of gaming. Watering the fig doesn’t take much time or energy, but it helps remind me to be in the moment.
Here are a few plant suggestions for a cozy game room that also happens to be on the low-light side. Snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos will do just fine in the rather dim conditions of a game room. They’re tough little plants that don’t require much care and will reward you for your poor-light and poor-water conditions with some semblance of nature and a lot of good vibes.
To take your game room to the next level, you might think of incorporating a water feature. Water’s effect on humans is both physiological and psychological. We are drawn to it. We like to look at it and listen to it. It’s hard not to feel a little more at peace when you’re in close proximity to a gently bubbling brook, let alone a calmly cascading wall waterfall. And don’t worry — even if you have a giant flat-screen TV in front of you, you will still be able to hear your murmur of a mantel fountain in the distance.
Part 3: The Force of Hue and Natural Motifs
Color and pattern are what give biophilic design its visual appeal. In the case of a game room, the color scheme is often something eye-catching and modish. The aim, however, should not be simply to create something that grabs the eye. The color in the game room should facilitate relaxation. And how does one create a color scheme that does that while still being vibrant? By using natural colors. When we look at a color wheel, colors located directly across from one another are natural complements. They work well together and are pleasing to the eye.
The classic neon illumination and vibrant designs of arcades work well for small, isolated moments of thrill, but they can easily lead to overstimulation and fatigue when experienced for long periods. For a biophilic game room, the norm is to ground the space with natural colors. Earth tones like deep greens, soft browns, and muted grays pull users out of the interior of the building and into a serene outdoor backdrop, against which the gaming action can really pop. In one of my most memorable projects, we ditched the classic black and red gamer aesthetic for a forest-inspired scheme. The walls were painted a rich moss green, complemented by wood furniture and soft, gray textiles. The mood was calming and serene, the perfect blend of excitement and tranquility. And the central gaming setup, while still bright and LED-tastic, didn’t distract from the immersion experience.
One of the other methods for bringing biophilic colors into the environment is to use wall art. This could be substantial photography or murals. The most logical subject matter, of course, would be large-scale depictions of the natural world. But even art that isn’t strictly representational could work if it somehow conjures nature through colors, textures, or forms.
Patterns that mimic the shapes, forms, and structures found in nature are a great way to reinforce the biophilia theme. They provide an excellent opportunity to layer the space with a modern, immersive design that pays homage to natural forms without the use of kitsch. Think with me on this one: camouflage was a really big deal in the 20th century. Would a military history museum be less impactful if the exhibits were tucked behind tree branches? So why do we think that it’s okay to relegate natural forms to the past? What I’m getting at, in many words, is that a bit of textile could be plant cell wall, could be gorilla snot, could be leaf, could be branch, or could be tree.
It’s easy to ignore sound in interiors. Yet, for spaces used in gaming, where effects, music, and dialogue take center stage, biophilic design considers the whole sensory experience. We typically think of light, color, and even touch when it comes to the sensory experience—what we call the “senses of space.” But what about the “sound of space”? Interior designers focus so much on the appearance of a room that they forget about the auditory experience. So how can you make your interior design truly biophilic if you’re a designer or even a homeowner? I once worked with a client who was an avid fan of racing games. To enhance the experience, we installed speakers that softly played the sound of rustling leaves and flowing water in between races. He later told me he felt improved focus while playing the game and a distinct relaxation when he was listening to the sounds in the background.
Another practical advantage of soundscaping is its talent for concealing unwanted sounds. Game rooms can get raucous—especially if you’re playing with friends or family. By employing soft, nature-inspired soundscapes, you can insure a little more ambient chill for a woozy, mind-bending, pleasurable gaming experience.
I have always believed that the tactile aspect of design is one of the most underrated. We often concentrate on screens, lighting, and audio in a game room, but what about how the space feels to us when we are in it? When I reach for a controller or settle into my chair after hours of gaming, the texture of the space can profoundly influence my level of comfort and energy. That is why I strive to include as many natural textures—like smooth stones, rough wood, or soft, organic fabrics—as I can in a design. I want the space to not only be visually stimulating but also physically comforting. In one project, for example, we installed a feature wall made entirely of reclaimed wood planks, each with its own incredible texture. This became a favorite spot for the homeowner to rub and think while strategizing during board games.
In the same way, furniture selections can be inclined toward the natural and organic realm of comfort. Opting for leather chairs, wool throws, or linen upholstery—materials that make you want to touch and feel—can lean your living space in the direction of the natural realm. In my own home, a wool throw on the back of my gaming chair makes that particular piece of furniture not only a good choice for long gaming sessions but also a tactile bridge to nature that I never knew I needed.
Creating Equilibrium: The Biophilic Game Room in Practice
Biophilic design revolves around the notion of equilibrium—between the man-made and the natural, the energetic and the serene, the new and the usual. Take a game room, for instance. It’s hard to imagine a space that embodies more high-tech wizardry. Yet a biophilic game room achieves a thrilling balance between the allure of cutting-edge entertainment and the calming, grounding qualities of nature. By artfully integrating natural materials, undulating forms, vegetation, water, and truly thoughtful light, you can create an equally exciting and soothing space.
One of the most gratifying projects I’ve had was working with a homeowner who had a room dedicated to gaming. He approached me a few months after the completion of the project to share how much his life had improved since the renovation. The room had been transformed into something that was not only functional for gaming but was also useful for relaxation, reading, and even meditation. My client now spends a significant amount of time in the game room, but more importantly, he uses the space as a retreat for restoration.
If you are contemplating the design or redesign of your game room, consider the following: Incorporating biophilic principles can make the space not just more aesthetically pleasing but also more beneficial to your well-being. You will also be making a room that is fun to play in; you will also be making a space of retreat where nature and gaming exist in perfect harmony.
