My Journey with Biophilic Design: A Path to Healing and Resilience

Written by Mona Semroune

Biophilic design has played a transformative role in my life, shaping not only the spaces I inhabit but also my mental and emotional well-being. My first experience with it came after a deeply traumatic event that left me in a prolonged state of depression. At that time, I was advised to take medication, but I chose a different path — I decided to create a home that would serve as a sanctuary for healing, where nature itself could restore me.

I retreated into a space intentionally designed with biophilic principles, integrating natural light, organic materials, and elements that connected me to the outdoors. It became a place of renewal, where the presence of greenery, natural textures, and calming patterns helped me regain balance. This experience taught me firsthand that our environment has a profound impact on our mental and physical health.

The second defining moment came during the COVID-19 lockdown. By then, I was a single mother of two, and I knew that to protect my family’s well-being, both mentally and physically, I had to create a space that nurtured us. Drawing from what I had learned, I redesigned our home before the lockdown began. I incorporated green hues, palm-leaf-patterned rugs, nature-inspired textures, organic wood furniture, and an abundance of plants, all of which contributed to a sense of calm and grounding.

As the world grappled with fear, stress, and uncertainty, our home became a haven. While many households struggled with anxiety and isolation, we felt at peace. The thoughtful design of our space provided a sense of stability and comfort, transforming our lockdown experience into something that felt more like a retreat than a confinement. We remained mentally strong, physically healthy, and emotionally resilient — proof of the powerful connection between well-designed spaces and well-being.

These experiences have solidified my belief in the profound impact of biophilic design. Moving forward, I am passionate about inspiring others to create environments that foster healing, resilience, and harmony. Our spaces should do more than shelter us—they should restore, uplift, and sustain us.

Warm regards,

Mona 

Images by Mona Semroune

About Mona

Mona Semroune is a biophilic design advocate and interior design enthusiast with a background in international business and marketing. Her passion for nature-infused spaces emerged from personal healing—transforming her home into a sanctuary after a traumatic event and again during the COVID-19 lockdown. Drawing from her lived experiences, Mona believes deeply in the connection between environment and emotional well-being. She is dedicated to creating restorative spaces that support mental health, inspire resilience, and nurture a sense of peace.