One of the core tenets of interior design is the concept of emphasis, or the act of creating visual interest using a focal point within a room. You see this all the time, even if you don’t realize it – the beautifully tiled fireplace at the center of a living room, the oversized piece of art hung above a dining room credenza, or the charming accent wallpaper in your kiddo’s nursery. All of these design details are leaning into the principle of emphasis. But have you ever considered that the focal point of a room might not be on the walls, or even the floor?

Among the most popular interior design trends this year is a move toward nature-inspired spaces. Of course, our relationship with the natural world is nothing new, but as we all spend more time indoors at work and at home, the need to connect with our environment has only expanded. The principle of biophilic design addresses this innate need, creating spaces that improve our wellbeing by deeply integrating natural elements into our indoor surroundings.