Over the lockdown there was a bit of a house plant boom. Spending so much time inside, we wanted to bring some of the outside in. Thankfully, this draw to become closer to nature has carried on.
Do you want to inject some energy into your spaces this spring? Are they feeling a little lifeless? Or maybe your minimalist/neutral interior needs a brush of colour.
Indoor plants can be a simple solution that provide more benefits than you may think. Plus, they are a more permanent solution than freshly cut flowers.
The right plants can not only add texture, colour, and intrigue, but also elevate one's mood and health!
SVM Interiors prides itself on employing biophilic design as a part of our core design ethos. Biophilic design works to boost occupants health by increasing their connection to nature.
Some key methods of Biophilic Design include the use of:
Natural and non-toxic materials
Direct nature: Plants and flowers
Indirect nature: References to nature (such as a foliage printed wallpaper)
Natural light & light design
Fresh air and cleaner air quality
Natural shapes in furniture, objects, and decor
Think of the calm that overcomes you on a relaxing walk in a park, beach, or a blossoming garden. It’s an innate sensory response; it lifts our mood!
This response is what biophilic design aims to mimic.
Currently, 54 percent of the world’s population live in an urban environment.
By 2050, it’s estimated that percentage will increase to 66 percent—two thirds of the world’s population. On top of that, humans spend 93 percent of our time indoors!
What are the health benefits of houseplants?
Reduce stress and anxiety: lowering your blood pressure and inspiring a sense of overall calm.
Filter the air: plants can improve the quality of the air in a space via photosynthesis, helping you breathe cleaner air - which is especially important in cities.
Help you sleep more soundly: some plants emit oxygen at night, an increase in oxygen is a proven sleep aid.
Boost your immune system: Plants increase humidity and decrease dust, which can help combat colds and allergies.
Increase productivity: Plants helps one stay more focused and boost creativity, mood, and memory.
How should you prepare to add plants to your home?
You want to play around to see what looks best where, however, to make it easier there are a few things to take into consideration first:
Analyse your space, which areas need to be brightened and where should you add more subdued plants.
The pot or container will live as a piece of furniture in the space, so it’s best to find something that will cohesively tie into the rooms palette.
Group plants together the way that they naturally grow. This not only makes care easier, but avoids any fight for space.
Choose locations that best fit the light requirements of each plant and go from there.
People say to avoid clutter, but the more the merrier - if that brings you joy!
Biophilic Design Principles: On display here in our Hyde Park project
What to look for & where to buy houseplants?
The most eco-friendly choice for purchasing your houseplants is from your local nursery. However, if you're ordering online or from a larger company - look for retailers that work closely with local growers and are transparent about CO2 emissions, pesticides, water usage and plastic packaging.
A fabulous small online business that prides themselves on ethically sourced, peat-free soil, plastic-free packaging, and special coconut fibre pots. I love their backstory - pure eco-friendly ingenuity and dedication!
Founded in 2020 - Growing their own plant collection at home they started to question what the environmental impact was. After some research they found they had no idea how the plant was grown or what they were unknowingly contributing to. The impact of peat soil, pesticides, plastic to name a few.
They started repotting their houseplants in a peat-free compost mix they had made themselves and found the plants were thriving.
They repotted in terracotta pots instead of buying bigger plastic pots - they wanted to add to their houseplant collection but had no desire to encourage the manufacturing of more plastic pots. As a result they started to search for alternative pots and found they did exist.
The most beautiful coconut fibre pots, previously considered a 'waste product’ repurposed to make pots. A sustainable pot for indoor plants. However, it was hard to purchase a good range in the UK. Responsible growers was next, growers that use natural resources and organic ways to grow the plants. The idea of The Conscious Houseplant Company was born. (via The Conscious Houseplant)
Planning a kitchen refresh this spring?
✨ Our guide Eco-Kitchen: Layout & Open Plan Pros and Cons can prepare you! ✨
Learn how to have your kitchen work to improve your lifestyle.