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“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.”
— Frank Gehry

A five-star lobby doesn’t need to announce itself. It feels effortless — a quiet confidence that welcomes, impresses, and restores. The secret lies not in excess but in understanding how light, proportion, and nature can come together to create balance.

At Amlings, we’ve spent more than a century shaping environments that achieve this kind of understated luxury. From Chicago’s landmark office towers to its most prestigious hotels, our design team understands that beauty and calm are not opposites — they are partners in creating atmosphere.

The world’s most memorable lobbies are not defined by marble floors or chandeliers, but by how they make people feel. Step into The Langham, the Wrigley Building, or any space elevated through thoughtful design, and there’s a rhythm at play — a visual and emotional harmony between architecture, materials, and nature. Everything is intentional, but nothing feels forced.

In recent years, biophilic design has become the foundation for this kind of timeless luxury. Rooted in the human instinct to connect with nature, biophilic spaces use living elements, organic materials, and natural light to enhance well-being. The International Living Future Institute notes bringing nature indoors reduces stress, boosts creativity, and promotes focus — qualities that make even the busiest lobby feel like a sanctuary.

Plants, when thoughtfully integrated, bring warmth to modern architecture. Living walls that climb against concrete, sculptural fiddle leaf figs placed like art — these details invite both energy and stillness. A lobby that incorporates greenery not only feels alive but becomes a reflection of balance and curation.

Texture is another hallmark of five-star design. Layering natural materials like stone, linen, or wood introduces depth and subtle movement. Light plays across these surfaces, revealing tones and shadows that shift throughout the day. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) emphasizes this interplay between sustainability and sensory design — how the tactile and visual experience of a space can enhance environmental and emotional health simultaneously.

Color, too, shapes emotion. The Pantone Color Institute reminds us each year that color reflects culture, hues that define modern luxury are often drawn from nature. The green of olive leaves, the gold of warm sunlight, the subtle taupe of river stone all ground the design and serenity.

To make a lobby feel like a five-star hotel, every element must feel intentional. The result isn’t simply aesthetic; it’s sensory. It’s the way light filters through glass in the morning, the rhythm of footsteps softened by greenery, the stillness that lingers even in motion. Think of the atmosphere that surrounds you and influences your emotion through your five senses.

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) emphasizes design as an “intrinsically human-centered profession” with the power to transform how people feel in a space. In a lobby, that means every element tells a story: the architecture, the lighting, the decorations. When design becomes narrative, function transforms into feeling.

Ultimately, the secret to creating a five-star atmosphere is understanding that luxury isn’t about what’s seen — it’s about what’s felt. It’s about harmony, rhythm, and restraint. It’s the quiet confidence of design that breathes, embracing imperfection and allowing people to belong.

Because true luxury is not a look. It’s an experience.

Biophilic design is a return to timeless principles that great designers have always known: spaces that thrive are those that connect structure and life. It’s not a passing trend but a rediscovery of something deeply human—the instinct to feel at home in nature. As Frank Lloyd Wright said, “Love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”

The Human Connection: Core Principles of Biophilic Design

At its essence, biophilic design is about integrating different life forms (plant and human)—creating environments where living forms work in quiet harmony with architecture. It’s about designing spaces that feel alive. Skylights that bathe interiors in sunlight. Sculptural greenery that softens the edges of modernism.

This approach is not new to Amlings—it’s the foundation of how we’ve worked for more than a century. What began as a family floral and plant business has evolved into one of Chicago’s leading interior landscape design firms, trusted by Class A office buildings, luxury hotels, and landmark properties. Our design-first philosophy ensures that every installation—whether a lobby statement piece or a lush rooftop terrace—feels intentional, elegant, and connected to its surroundings.

This philosophy mirrors the vision behind celebrated organic works like Casa Orgánica by Javier Senosiain—a structure where form and function coexist in effortless flow. Its design, like all biophilic spaces, rejects rigidity. It follows the curves of the earth, inviting light and shadow to move through it naturally. The lesson is simple: when we design in conversation with nature rather than in control of it, we create places that feel timeless, restorative, and deeply human.

Why Biophilic Design Matters: Research and Results

Research from the International Living Future Institute and the American Society of Interior Designers has shown that spaces enriched with natural elements profoundly affect how people think, work, and feel. Employees are more engaged, guests stay longer, and visitors describe a sense of calm that lingers. For property managers, designers, and hospitality brands alike, the benefits extend beyond beauty—they shape brand perception and experience.

Biophilic design also carries a quiet sense of responsibility. Guided by the sustainability principles of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), it encourages material choices and construction methods that work with the environment rather than against it.

Across Chicago’s most iconic spaces—John Hancock Center, Wrigley Building, Aon Center, and the grand interiors of The Langham Hotel—biophilic design has become a quiet revolution. It’s the art of building environments that breathe. Living walls that thrive against steel and glass.

For more than a century, designers and horticultural innovators have carried this philosophy forward, shaping how cities like Chicago experience nature indoors. Their commitment to craftsmanship, design integrity, and sustainability continues to redefine how we think about biophilia in the built environment.

Because when design breathes, so do we.

What Is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is more than just a design trend—it’s a movement that brings the natural world back into our built environments. Derived from biophilia, meaning “love of life,” this concept aims to reconnect people with nature through architecture, interiors, and landscaping. Whether it’s a lush indoor garden, living green walls, or natural light flooding a workspace, biophilic design helps us feel calmer, healthier, and more inspired.

In recent years, homeowners, architects, and business leaders alike have discovered that integrating natural elements indoors can improve mental well-being, creativity, and even productivity. As Amlings, a trusted leader in plant services and maintenance, emphasizes: a touch of green can change everything.

Contact Amlings for professional plant services to bring biophilic design into your home or workplace today.

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The Science Behind Biophilic Design

Why Humans Crave Nature

Studies in environmental psychology and neuroscience reveal that humans are hardwired to thrive in natural settings. Our ancestors evolved outdoors, surrounded by trees, water, and sunlight—conditions that promote relaxation and cognitive balance. When modern life confines us to glass, concrete, and screens, we lose that essential connection.

Incorporating biophilic design elements—such as greenery, natural textures, and flowing water—can trigger the same stress-reducing and focus-enhancing responses we experience in nature.

Health and Productivity Benefits

• Improved Air Quality: Plants absorb pollutants and release oxygen, making indoor air fresher and healthier.
• Enhanced Mental Health: Natural light and greenery have been linked to lower anxiety and depression levels.
• Increased Productivity: Offices that embrace biophilic design report up to a 15% boost in productivity and creativity.
• Faster Recovery Rates: Hospitals featuring natural elements see patients recover faster and with fewer complications.

Learn more about how Amlings can enhance your environment with biophilic design solutions.

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Core Principles of Biophilic Design

1. Direct Connection to Nature

Biophilic design begins with incorporating natural elements directly into spaces. This includes plants, water features, sunlight, and natural airflow. A central atrium filled with greenery or a calming koi pond in a lobby can dramatically shift the mood of a building.

Image placeholder: [Alt text: indoor garden with lush plants illustrating biophilic design principles]

2. Indirect Connection to Nature

When real nature isn’t possible, nature-inspired materials and patterns step in. Think wood grain surfaces, stone textures, earthy tones, and artwork featuring organic shapes. These subtle references still evoke a sense of natural harmony.

Image placeholder: [Alt text: wood and stone textures used in interior design inspired by biophilic design]

3. Natural Light and Spatial Harmony

Lighting is one of the most powerful biophilic tools. Maximizing natural light through large windows or skylights enhances circadian rhythm and mood. Pair that with open layouts that mimic natural landscapes—flowing, asymmetrical, and breathable—and you have a perfect biophilic balance.

Image placeholder: [Alt text: office with natural light demonstrating biophilic design lighting concepts]

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Applications of Biophilic Design in Different Spaces

Biophilic Design in the Workplace

Office environments once focused solely on efficiency. Today, the shift is toward human-centered design, where employee well-being drives performance. Open green areas, plant walls, and natural materials create workspaces where people feel happier and stay longer.

Companies that have implemented biophilic office design have reported:

• Reduced absenteeism
• Higher job satisfaction
• Greater employee retention

Bring nature into your office! Contact Amlings for corporate plant services and maintenance.

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Biophilic Design at Home

Residential spaces are increasingly being shaped by biophilic interior design principles. Homeowners are blending outdoor and indoor living through patio gardens, vertical plant walls, and indoor planters.

Simple ways to add biophilic elements to your home include:

• Incorporating houseplants such as snake plants, peace lilies, or ferns.
• Using natural materials like bamboo flooring or reclaimed wood.
• Introducing daylight-maximizing layouts and earth-tone palettes.

Image placeholder: [Alt text: living room with natural light and greenery showing residential biophilic design]

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Biophilic Design in Healthcare

Healthcare settings benefit profoundly from biophilic principles. Research shows that patients exposed to nature recover faster and require fewer pain medications. Hospitals and clinics with natural light, green courtyards, or indoor gardens foster a sense of calm and healing.

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Biophilic Design in Education

Schools and universities adopting biophilic learning environments report improved student concentration, attendance, and overall morale. A classroom with views of trees or a courtyard garden can make learning more immersive and engaging.

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Integrating Plants: The Heart of Biophilic Design

At the core of any biophilic environment are plants. They are living, breathing reminders of our connection to the Earth. Whether you’re designing a new building or refreshing an existing space, plant integration is essential.

Choosing the Right Plants

• Low-light options: ZZ plant, pothos, and philodendron
• Air-purifying favorites: Spider plant, peace lily, and rubber plant
• Statement pieces: Fiddle-leaf fig, bird of paradise, or large palms

Partner with Amlings for professional plant selection and maintenance services.

Maintenance Matters

Biophilic spaces thrive only when their plants do. Professional plant care ensures that greenery stays lush and vibrant. Amlings provides tailored plant maintenance programs for offices, hotels, and commercial buildings—so your investment in biophilic design stays beautiful year-round.

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Sustainable Synergy: Biophilic Design and Green Building

Biophilic design aligns seamlessly with sustainable architecture. Green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient materials are not just eco-friendly—they create healthier, more harmonious living environments.

Sustainability and biophilia share a mission: to design with nature, not against it.

Image placeholder: [Alt text: green roof architecture showing sustainable biophilic design integration]

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Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Beyond aesthetics, biophilic interiors nurture the human spirit. Exposure to natural elements reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), improves mood, and restores mental energy depleted by urban overstimulation. The result is a deeper sense of balance, creativity, and fulfillment.

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The Future of Design: A Biophilic Revolution

As cities grow denser and digital screens dominate our attention, the importance of reconnecting with nature has never been greater. Biophilic design isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of architecture and interior spaces.

Leading companies, wellness facilities, and architects now recognize that designing with nature leads to happier people and healthier environments.

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How Amlings Helps Bring Biophilic Design to Life

Amlings specializes in transforming ordinary spaces into living ecosystems of beauty and balance. From concept to care, their team of horticultural experts and designers creates custom plant solutions that reflect your brand’s identity and values.

Services include:

• Interior and exterior plant design
• Living walls and vertical gardens
• Ongoing plant maintenance and replacement
• Seasonal refreshes and floral displays

Ready to elevate your space? Engage with Amlings today for comprehensive biophilic design services.

Contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation.

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Conclusion: Reconnect with Nature Through Biophilic Design

Biophilic design invites nature back into our lives—enhancing our health, productivity, and happiness. By embracing plants, natural light, and organic forms, we transform buildings from lifeless shells into thriving ecosystems that nurture the human spirit.

Don’t just decorate—design for life.

Discover how biophilic design can transform your environment into a sanctuary of well-being and beauty.

Contact Amlings for plant services

A Celebration of Green Spaces

Every third week of September, designers, horticulturists, and property leaders across the country recognize National Indoor Plant Week. While it is a nationwide observance, for commercial interiors, this week is more than just a celebration. It serves as a vital reminder that indoor plants shape how people experience the spaces they move through every day.

Greenery is an essential part of the environment where we work, gather, and interact. In a dense urban environment like Chicago, the presence of indoor plants takes on meaningful importance. The impact these living elements have on the atmosphere is felt immediately, and their ability to shift the character of a room lasts long after installation day.

At Amlings Interiors, we believe that National Indoor Plant Week is not simply a themed observance ; it is a reminder of the role greenery plays in shaping human experience inside commercial environments.

Why September Matters for Interior Plant Design

You might wonder why National Indoor Plant Week falls in September. September marks a natural turning point in the year. It comes from the light changes, temperatures drop, and people settling into busy routines.

This timing is strategic for commercial real estate and facility management. It is the moment before holiday energy begins that buildings become more active, and interior spaces often feel ready for a refresh. National Indoor Plant Week arrives at exactly the time when commercial environments benefit from renewed color, warmth, and vitality.

This specific period encourages property teams to step back and ask whether their spaces feel inviting with the experience they want their guests to have. For property managers and building owners, National Indoor Plant Week is a natural opportunity to assess the buildings current landscape and plan ahead.

The Ideal Moment for Updates

September offers the ideal moment for updates: summer installations may be ready for refinement, and winter preparations are just around the corner. Before holiday décor arrives, there is a window where greenery can reset the tone of an entire lobby.

Expert Tip: Are you ready to refresh your commercial space before the holiday rush? Contact Amlings today to schedule your interior landscape assessment.

The Science: Impact of Plants on Well-Being

When we talk about indoor plants for commercial buildings, we are talking about more than aesthetics. We are talking about human performance and health. Decades of research in environmental psychology show that indoor plants improve mood, reduce stress, and encourage mental clarity.

In the modern workplace, interior design with plants creates tangible benefits:

• Acoustics: Plants soften acoustics and help people feel grounded in otherwise fast-paced environments.
• Focus: In workplaces, greenery improves focus and promotes an atmosphere of productivity and calm.
• Comfort: In hospitality settings, greenery increases dwell time and enhances perceived comfort.

Humans respond positively to natural elements, and interiors that include plants feel more complete and more connected to how people prefer to experience space. For workplaces, hospitality venues, residential towers, and public buildings, interior landscaping is one of the most effective ways to create atmosphere, improve well-being, and elevate the visual identity of a space.

Elevating the Standard for Class A Environments

For those managing Class A environments, tenants and visitors notice the details. A refined, healthy interior landscape communicates professionalism, pride of ownership, and a commitment to maintaining an elevated experience.

Plants in these spaces are part of the brand and part of the promise the building makes to the people who use it. This is why interior plant design is a critical line item for property management.

Amlings Approach to Seasonal Design Our interpretation of National Indoor Plant Week is rooted in elevating the spaces we manage. Rather than focusing on simple plant additions or desk-size arrangements, we concentrate on thoughtful updates that bring new energy to the interior landscape.

This could include:

• Re-sculpting existing displays.
• Introducing early fall color.
• Refreshing signature pieces.
• Planning for larger seasonal installations.

For clients preparing for the holiday season, this week often becomes the starting point for transforming lobbies and public spaces into environments that feel warm, welcoming, and distinct.

Call to Action: Does your buildings interior reflect your brands standards? Upgrade your space with Amlings professional horticultural services.

For Designers and Architects: Plants as Architectural Elements

Interior greenery has become an integral part of high-end design. We encourage architects and designers to view plants not as accessories, but as architectural components that influence scale, shape, contrast, and emotion.

National Indoor Plant Week highlights this connection between nature and design. It reinforces the idea that plants contribute to the overall architectural language, helping to transform static rooms into sensory environments.

The Role of Plants in Modern Architecture:

1. Connective Tissue: They act as connective tissue between materials.
2. Softening Hard Surfaces: They soften the austerity of modern surfaces.
3. Adding Depth: They bring depth to minimalist interiors.
4. Guiding Movement: They create focal points, guide movement, and define the character of a room.

When selecting the best indoor plants for office or lobby design, remember that they serve a structural purpose.

Amlings Philosophy: Navigating the Chicago Climate

At Amlings Interiors, indoor plants represent more than momentary enhancement. They are part of a long-term philosophy: interiors should feel alive. Our work is rooted in design, guided by horticulture, and shaped by an understanding of how people experience commercial spaces.

Adapting to the Season September is one of the most important evaluation points in the year. As light diminishes, temperatures shift, and humidity changes, plant programs must adapt. It is a time when our team refreshes displays, introduces seasonal botanicals, and prepares for the transitions ahead.

The Chicago Factor Chicagos climate demands thoughtful, responsive plant care that anticipates these nuances.

• Indoor Warmth: Indoor plants provide emotional warmth during the colder months.
• Visual Contrast: They offer visual contrast when outdoor landscapes fade.
• Vitality: They maintain a sense of vitality inside spaces that otherwise remain static for long periods of time.

Conclusion: Making the Change

The places where people spend their days influence how they feel, how they work, and how they connect with one another. Plants make interiors warmer, richer, and more dynamic. They transform the environment in ways that are immediate yet lasting.

For Amlings, this is the value we bring to every installation and every maintenance visit, not just during National Indoor Plant Week but throughout the entire year.

Are you ready to transform your commercial space? Dont let your interior landscape fade as the seasons change. Partner with Amlings to create a vibrant, healthy, and architectural environment for your tenants and guests.

Final Call to Action: Contact Amlings today to schedule your consultation and bring your interior to life.