Biophilia: How Live Plants Can Benefit Our Wellbeing
3 minute read
Have you ever noticed how a walk through a wood or a visit to a botanical garden can make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated? There's a reason for that - it's called biophilia. Biophilia is a concept that suggests humans have an innate need to connect with nature. Incorporating live plants into our homes and workplaces is a simple and effective way to satisfy this need and improve our overall physical and mental wellbeing.
Adding live plants to our indoor environment can provide a range of benefits, from improving air quality to reducing stress levels. Here are just a few of the many ways that live plants can positively impact our wellbeing:
Improved air quality: Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to purify the air in our homes. This can reduce the risk of respiratory problems, headaches and fatigue.
Increased productivity: Studies have shown that having live plants in the workplace can improve productivity and concentration levels.
Stress relief: Being around plants can have a calming effect on the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety.
Boosted mood: Exposure to nature has been shown to increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing. Simply having plants in our homes can help to elevate our mood.
Better sleep: Some plants, such as lavender and chamomile flowers, can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
As an interior designer, I recognise the importance of biophilia in creating a healthy and harmonious living environment for my clients. Incorporating live plants into my designs can be an effective way to improve the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of a space while also contributing to the wellbeing of the people who inhabit it. Wellness-focused residential projects have increased by 200% globally from 2017 to 2021, according to biophilia design expert, Oliver Heath.
Here are some ways that I incorporate live plants into my design schemes:
Plants as a focal point: Large or visually striking plants create a focal point in a room, adding interest and depth to the space. I also include small plants on bedside tables or on window sills, particularly herbs on a kitchen sill.
Green walls: Living walls or vertical gardens can provide a dramatic and sustainable design element. A simple way to create a living wall is to install shelves one above the other on a wall and to dress them with plants of different types in a variety of pots and planters.
Interesting plant pots: Using a variety of planters, such as hanging baskets, terrariums or macrame plant holders adds texture and interest.
Incorporating live plants into our homes and workplaces is an easy and effective way to improve our overall wellbeing. By recognising the benefits of biophilia, we can create healthier, more harmonious environments that contribute to our physical and mental wellbeing.
Oliver Heath runs courses in biophilia: https://www.oliverheath.com/
