Why More Companies Need Bold Biophilic Office Design: Lessons from a Day at Norrsken House in Barcelona

I’m writing this while comfortably lounging on a sofa, gazing out at swaying palm trees and the shimmering turquoise sea of Barcelona. I'm sitting outside, on the rooftop at the Norrsken House, a stunning co-working space I was invited to work from by a new friend, Katie.

We had just popped downstairs to grab lunch and couldn’t stop admiring the interiors—bold colours, plants spilling from every corner, and soft, natural light flooding the space.

I looked at Katie and said:

“This is a biophilic space—and I’d love to work from here every day!”

That moment sparked a reflection. Why is it that co-working spaces like this get it so right, while so many corporate offices still get it so wrong?

Norrsken House Barcelona - Rooftop

The Problem with Traditional Office Design

The traditional office—a sea of greys, sterile white walls, industrial lighting, maybe a token plant if you're lucky—feels more like a productivity trap than a place to thrive.

Let’s be honest:
That old-school office design doesn’t support the way humans are wired to work. It’s not just dull—it’s actually demotivating for employees, especially in a post-Covid world where we've realised just how much our environment affects our well-being.

I’ve seen this time and time again in my work across Barcelona and London. Business owners want to encourage their teams back into the office, but they forget one thing:

People don’t want to return to uninspiring spaces!

Traditional, uninspiring office space

What is Biophilic Design? And Why Does It Matter at Work?

Biophilic design is an approach to interiors that connects people with nature using natural elements like greenery, raw materials, organic textures, natural light, and colour psychology.

But the bold version I specialise in goes one step further:
It blends vibrant, mood-enhancing colours with natural materials and indoor planting schemes to create spaces that energise, soothe, and inspire—depending on the desired effect.

This isn’t just about making an office “look nice.” This is about creating an environment that makes people feel good, function better, and actually want to be there.

The Science Behind Biophilic Workspaces

In case you’re wondering whether this is just a design trend—it’s not.

Studies prove that biophilic office design significantly improves workplace well-being and performance. According to a major report by Human Spaces, offices with natural elements report:

  • 15% increase in employee well-being

  • 6% boost in productivity

  • 15% higher creativity

Additional research shows that colour plays a vital role in this. For instance:

  • Green tones are linked to creativity and calm

  • Blues enhance focus and mental clarity

  • Terracottas and ochres can stimulate energy and warmth

These are not just pretty colours—they are psychological tools.

Norrsken House Barcelona

Inside Norrsken House in Barcelona: A Bold Biophilic Success Story

Back to that magical day at Norrsken House

Every detail inside this space made me feel more focused, more creative, and more me. The textures, the open-plan layout, the eclectic mix of natural woods and colourful upholstery… I felt instantly at ease and uplifted.

It reminded me of what I aim to achieve for my clients:
A space that doesn't just look beautiful—it actually improves how you live and work.

If you're a business based in Barcelona or London, take it from me: investing in a bold biophilic interior is not a luxury—it’s a strategy.

Whether you're running a co-working hub, an open-plan office, a wellness clinic or a creative studio, the design of your space directly impacts your people’s energy, engagement, and satisfaction.

Benefits of Bold Biophilic Design for Businesses

Here are just a few of the advantages companies can expect when they work with Nicla D. Interiors on a bold biophilic office redesign:

  • Higher employee retention

  • Enhanced focus, creativity & productivity

  • Fewer sick days & burnout symptoms

  • Stronger brand identity & values through interiors

  • A magnetic space that people are proud to return to

And the best part? These environments aren’t only better for people—they're better for the planet, too. Using sustainable, natural materials and biophilic principles promotes both human and ecological health.

Book a Discovery Call!

Whether you're a Barcelona-based business looking to reimagine your co-working space or a London startup wanting to stand out from the crowd—I'm here to help.

At Nicla D. Interiors, I specialise in bold biophilic design that transforms workplaces into environments where people flourish.

Let’s create an inspiring office that supports:

  • Human well-being

  • Creative performance

  • Long-term growth

Ready to reimagine your workspace?

Click here to book a free discovery call with me!

📍 Serving companies in Barcelona & London Metropolitan Area.

Because when people feel good in their surroundings—they do great work!