There is a reason some outdoor spaces immediately make you feel more relaxed.

It's not always the size of the home or the cost of the furniture. More often, it's the way the space connects with nature.

One of the most influential approaches shaping outdoor design today is biophilic design. At its core, biophilic design is about strengthening our connection to the natural world through the environments we create. Rather than treating the outdoors as an extension of the home, it encourages us to design spaces that feel like a natural part of the landscape.

After spending more than two decades in the furniture and design industry, one of the biggest shifts I've observed is a move away from high-contrast outdoor settings and towards palettes inspired by nature. This was evident across many of the collections and displays presented at Sydney Design Week, where earthy colours, tactile materials and softer forms dominated.

Below: Cane-line Gem Chair

The Rise of Earthy Tones

Outdoor furniture has traditionally been defined by crisp white, bright aluminium and darker charcoal finishes. While these colours still have their place, today's leading collections are embracing a more organic palette.

Think warm taupe, olive green, clay, sand, limestone, soft charcoal and natural timber.

These colours don't compete with the landscape—they become part of it.

Whether your home overlooks the ocean, backs onto bushland or sits within a suburban garden, earthy tones create a quieter visual language that complements the surrounding environment rather than overpowering it.

Why Nature-Inspired Spaces Feel Different

Research into environmental psychology suggests that spending time in natural environments can support reduced stress, improved mood and greater feelings of wellbeing. Biophilic design seeks to bring elements of that experience into our built environments through colour, materials, texture and form.

While no single colour can guarantee a particular emotional response, spaces that combine natural tones with organic materials, soft textures and layered planting are often experienced as more comfortable and restorative.

This is why thoughtful outdoor design is about far more than selecting a furniture setting.

It's about creating an environment where people naturally want to gather, unwind and spend time.

Below: Cane-line Al Dente 

More Than a Colour Trend

Earthy tones are not simply fashionable.

They reflect a broader movement towards homes that prioritise wellbeing, longevity and a stronger connection to the outdoors.

Rather than designing spaces to make a statement for a season, homeowners are investing in outdoor environments that feel timeless, functional and easy to live with for years to come.

It's a philosophy that values quality materials, considered proportions and colours that age gracefully alongside the landscape.

Bringing Biophilic Design Into Your Own Outdoor Space

Creating a calmer outdoor environment doesn't require a complete renovation. Often, the most effective changes are the simplest.

• Choose furniture in warm, nature-inspired colours rather than highly contrasting finishes.

• Layer natural materials such as timber, stone, ceramic and woven textures.

• Incorporate planting that softens hard architectural lines and creates seasonal interest.

• Select upholstery in muted, enduring tones that sit comfortably within the surrounding landscape.

• Allow space for the eye to rest by avoiding too many competing colours or decorative elements.

The goal isn't to recreate nature. It's to design with nature.

Below: Albatros Extendable Dining Table

Caroline's Perspective

One of the greatest compliments I hear in the showroom is, "I don't want to leave."

For me, that's what great outdoor design should achieve.

A well-designed outdoor space shouldn't simply look beautiful in photographs. It should encourage you to linger over breakfast, host long lunches, read a book in the afternoon sun or gather with family well into the evening.

That's the power of thoughtful design.

As I continue this Design Psychology with Caroline series, I'll be exploring the principles that influence how we experience our homes—from colour psychology and materiality to furniture layout and the subtle design decisions that help outdoor spaces feel calm, welcoming and deeply connected to the way we live.

Because the best outdoor spaces aren't simply designed to be seen.

They're designed to be felt.