From the Editor

The Healing Power of Biophilic Design

Updated September 7, 2026

Dear Readers,

Letter From the Editor: The Healing Power of Biophilic Design is a Dayhouse Living Issue 1 article from Dayhouse Studio — Dorothy Huntsman’s introduction to biophilic design as a path to wellbeing at home. Complementary to medical care, not a substitute. Based in Salt Lake City, we share personal story and science for restorative living.

Dr. Ellen Langer, the mother of mindfulness has said, "We shouldn't strive to add more years to our life but more life to our years." This sentiment resonates deeply with our philosophy at Dayhouse as well as the framework of biophilic design. I remember the moment I first lived in a space designed with nature in mind. The soft glow of natural light filtering through wooden blinds, the gentle rustling of indoor plants, and the calming presence of natural materials made me feel, for the first time in years, truly at home. It was like stepping into a sanctuary—a haven that breathed life into my wearied spirit.

Biophilic design is more than just a passion for us—it’s a mission. A mission to reconnect humanity with the natural world, to support our bodies and minds, and to foster environments where we can thrive. Conveying the profound impact of biophilic design has been a delightful challenge, and today, I want to share why this approach is something everyone should know about, embrace, and integrate into their lives.

Imagine walking into a room and feeling your heart rate slow, your breath deepen, and a sense of calm wash over you. This is not a coincidence but a physiological response. Scientific research shows that specific materials, when used thoughtfully in our spaces, elicit positive reactions from our bodies. For instance, the presence of wood elements can decrease our heart rate, triggering a cascade of chemical reactions that support calm and overall wellbeing.

For me, the journey into biophilic design was deeply personal. I had been battling debilitating symptoms from long-term exposure to toxic mold in my home. Traditional remedies fell short, leaving me desperate for a solution. That’s when I turned to biophilic principles and evidence-based self-care practices. I purchased an old, charming house, unaware of the invisible mold lurking within. What followed was a transformative remodel, addressing not only the mold but also infusing my home with natural materials and elements. The change was nothing short of miraculous. My environment transformed, and so did my health. The natural elements in my home didn’t just enhance its beauty—they became integral to my recovery and daily well-being.

Biophilic design is a powerful bridge reconnecting us with the natural world. In our modern lives, we've distanced ourselves from our true essence, and this disconnection has tangible, harmful effects on our health. Reintegrating natural elements into my home was not just about aesthetics; it was a crucial part of my healing journey. The calming, nature-infused environment played a pivotal role in my daily restoration and rejuvenation.

This revelation was mind-blowing. When you understand the power of biophilic design, you begin to experience spaces differently. You notice how environments affect your mood, your stress levels, and ultimately, your health. Stress impedes our body’s ability to repair and rejuvenate, accelerating aging and leading to disease. Conversely, relaxation is the sweet spot we want to achieve—when we feel relaxed, our bodies are actively restoring and rejuvenating. A biophilically designed space isn’t just pleasant; it’s therapeutic, fostering a state of relaxation essential to our health and well-being.

Through this magazine, we aim to seamlessly blend design, nature and science—the very essence of biophilic design. We want you to see that home design can support healing and wellbeing — complementary to medical care, not a substitute. Imagine offices designed for health, healthcare environments that are inherently healing, and schools where biophilic design enhances learning and creativity. In this issue, you'll discover articles like "Healing by Design," which explores the transformative power of nature in the living spaces throughout the home, and "The Trend with Staying Power," showcasing the enduring appeal and benefits of integrating natural elements into our built environments.

We'll delve into "Breathing Life: The Healing Power of Urban Trees on Human Health," highlighting the incredible impact urban greenery can have on our well-being, and "The Making of a Biophilic Pool," offering insights into creating serene, health-promoting aquatic spaces. Additionally, "Ancient Paint’s Environmental Renaissance" explores the health benefits of using natural lime paint in your home.

We are excited to connect the dots with you, showing why biophilic design is so crucial for your health and well-being. We hope to spark many "aha" moments, empowering you to become the captain of your own health journey. By embracing biophilic principles, you can connect more deeply with your health, both physically and mentally, and feel a profound sense of empowerment. Our ultimate wish is for you to strengthen your love for yourself and your life, then spreading that love to those around you and beyond.

As we often say here, self-care is health care. Nurturing self-care is not a luxury—it’s essential. Biophilic design is a powerful tool in this journey, offering a path to grow old with grace and ease. In response to Dr. Langer, I ask, why not have both? Let’s add years to our life and life to our years!

Thank you for joining us on this hopefully transformative journey. Let’s embrace biophilic design together and create spaces that restore, inspire, and nurture us. Reach out and talk to us! Let us know what you want to read about, how you want to grow and how we can help.

Welcome to DAYHOUSE LIVING.

SOURCES / Further reading

Healthy Dwelling (MDPI 19/4/2248)

Therapeutic Home Environment (MDPI 14/9/1123)