Biophilic Design in Amsterdam and Earth Tones: How to Bring Nature into Your Amsterdam Apartment.

Tommy's Service
Aug 1
4 min read

Living in the heart of a metropolis as vibrant as Amsterdam has an undeniable charm. The historic architecture, dynamic culture, and network of picturesque canals create a unique energy. Yet, amidst this urban rush, we increasingly crave a space that offers respite, tranquility, and an authentic connection to something primal. The answer to this need is one of the strongest interior design trends for 2025 and beyond: biophilic design.

At Tommy's Service, we believe that luxury is not just about the highest quality materials, but above all, about the quality of life. That's why today, we'll explore how to use the philosophy of biophilia and a palette of earth tones to transform a typical Amsterdam apartment into a private oasis of peace and harmony.

What Exactly is Biophilic Design? Biophilic Design in Amsterdam.

The term "biophilia," popularized by biologist Edward O. Wilson, describes the innate human tendency to seek connections with nature. In the context of interior design, it's much more than just placing a few potted plants. It is a holistic design approach aimed at creating a space that supports our mental and physical health through the conscious integration of natural elements.

Studies show that interiors designed in this spirit can:

Reduce stress levels and blood pressure.
Improve concentration and creativity.
Increase overall feelings of happiness and well-being.

It's an investment in yourself that begins at your own front door.

The Foundation: A Palette of Earth Tones

Before we introduce physical elements of nature into an interior, we must create the right backdrop for them. A color palette inspired by the earth is the foundation of biophilic design. It is warm, enveloping, and timeless. In 2025, we are moving away from cool grays in favor of colors that evoke a sense of security and stability.

Warm Beiges and Sands: Shades reminiscent of the Dutch dunes create a bright and serene base that perfectly reflects light—a key feature in often densely built townhouses.
Deep Browns and Terracotta: Referencing the color of fertile soil, tree bark, or traditional brick. They work perfectly as an accent color on a feature wall, in custom furniture, or in accessories. It's worth noting shades like "Mocha Mousse," tipped to be a color of the year.
Soothing Greens: From sage to bottle green—these are the colors most directly associated with nature. They bring calm and balance, making them ideal for a bedroom or home office.
Off-Whites and Stone Grays: These serve as a neutral complement, adding elegance without overwhelming the interior.

Key Elements for Bringing Nature Indoors

With a solid color base, we can begin to introduce the key elements that define luxury biophilic design. Biophilic Design in Amsterdam

1. Natural, Noble Materials These give an interior authenticity and character. At Tommy's Service, we focus on materials that age beautifully and are pleasant to the touch.

Wood: Not just on the floor. We use it to create custom furniture, wall paneling, or even ceilings. Oiled oak, American walnut, or ash—each species brings a different story and texture.
Stone: Travertine, marble, or slate on kitchen countertops, in bathrooms, or as a fireplace surround is synonymous with timeless elegance. Its natural, unique veining is a work of art in itself.
Textiles: Opt for natural fabrics. Luxurious linen curtains, thick-piled wool rugs, and cotton or silk bedding—all contribute to a multi-dimensional, sensory experience.

2. The Play of Light and Space Nature is not just matter, but also phenomena. Light is one of the most important. In Amsterdam apartments, we maximize daylight with large, unobstructed windows, strategically placed mirrors, and light-colored surfaces. Artificial lighting is just as crucial—multi-point, with a warm color temperature (around 2700-3000K) and dimmable, it allows for creating the right mood for any time of day.

3. Greenery – An Architectural Element of the Interior In modern biophilic design, plants are no longer just decoration; they become an integral part of the architecture.

Green Walls: A spectacular feature that becomes a living painting and the focal point of a living room or dining area. Such a wall not only captivates but also naturally filters the air.
Integrated Planters: When designing custom furniture, we can incorporate spaces for plants, creating a cohesive and well-thought-out whole.
Indoor Trees: In apartments with higher ceilings, an olive or Ficus tree in a large, designer pot can be an impressive sculpture.

4. Organic Shapes and Fluid Lines Nature is rarely perfectly straight and angular. Introducing furniture with rounded edges—oval tables, sofas with soft lines, round mirrors—breaks up rigidity and brings harmony, mimicking the fluidity of forms found in the natural world.

Case Study: A Tommy's Service Project in a Canal-View Apartment

Let's imagine a renovation project we recently completed. The client, a busy professional, dreamed of creating a sanctuary in his apartment that would allow him to disconnect from the city's hustle and bustle. We opted for a consistent biophilic concept. The floors were laid with wide, whitewashed oak planks. In the open-plan living space, we installed custom-made walnut cabinetry that seamlessly transitioned into a hidden door to the home office. The focal point of the kitchen became an island with a raw travertine countertop, and the wall above it was finished with a plaster with a natural, uneven texture. The color palette, based on sage green and sandy beige, combined with matte black hardware details, created a cohesive and incredibly elegant interior. The finishing touch was a mini-greenhouse with an automatic irrigation system, integrated into the shelving.

Your Power Place in the Heart of the City

Biophilic design is not a fleeting trend. It is a return to our roots and an understanding that the space we live in has a fundamental impact on our well-being. Bringing nature into an Amsterdam apartment is a conscious decision to invest in quality of life, peace, and daily regeneration. It is about creating a luxury that is felt, not just seen.

Dreaming of creating your own oasis of peace, perfectly tailored to your needs and rhythm of life? Contact the Tommy's Service team. With passion and precision, we will help turn your vision into a reality that inspires every day.