The power of plants; why all people, should be plant-people
Indoor botanicals offer us more than a picturesque aesthetic. We explore why embracing plant-pot-parenthood is not only good for a space’s design but also the body and soul.
Indoor botanicals offer us more than a picturesque aesthetic.
They make us feel good, boosting both our mental and physical health whether that be within a residential home or a plant-packed commercial space.
Our human desire to connect with nature is not a ‘trend’, it’s a true biological need . In recent years scientific studies have shown undisputed correlations between the great outdoors and it’s calming effects, even when exposer is only brief. The age-old cure for feeling low has always been to get up and go outside, which most will recall does indeed work wonders, reducing mental fatigue and stress whilst increasing self-esteem. We all seek to connect with botanicals in their natural environments but in our modern lives most of our time is spent indoors and so greenifying interior spaces is undeniably important .
Plants add life to sterile workspaces, reducing noise levels whilst providing privacy. As a result indoor greenery utilized in these spaces has been proven to encourage concentration and creativity. As well-being improves and employees take less days off work due to illness, overall productivity subsequently increases.
The leaves of plants absorb and reflect noise, a benefit which throughout history has been utilised within exterior horticulture design, reducing noise in busy cities from transport and nightlife. More recently this concept has transferred into interior spaces with plants cleverly combined to reduce background level noise, sound-breaking to creating a tranquil environment.
Air pollution is an issue we all face every day and not just outside, we’re surrounded by unclean air in our workplaces and homes too. Sick Building Syndrome is a term often associated to this, used to describe sudden symptoms or illnesses by people who are otherwise healthy yet experience various health disorders when at work in large commercial buildings - symptoms in these cases usually disappear when employees are away from the building and reappear when back at work. It’s not just commercial buildings either, the compounds causing these effects can be found in almost every home.
Plants clean indoor air by absorbing harmful toxins, increasing a spaces humidity and producing the all important lifesource we need; oxygen. Purifying species such as snake plants, pothos, birds nest ferns and philodendrons are all ideal options when utilising plants in the fight against polluted environments.
Considering the power plants have on our daily lives, as well as human existence overall, it's difficult not to embrace them in our homes and social spaces. Keeping plants alive however, we know, can be tricky. Whilst greenery offers substantial health benefits and visual appeal it’s important to remember that plants are a living being, with life sources needed to survive too. Follow us here as we explain how to create an indoor jungle that thrives...
Milan moments; Our highlights from the world’s most influential design week
Each year the eyes of the design world firmly fix on Milans prestigious Salone del Mobile, the busiest design week on the interiors calendar. This year, we headed over to Milans creative districts ourselves, in search of the latest inspiration from the exhibition itself as well pop-ups, installations and more.
Milan's Salone del Mobile is an unmissable event.
It’s the busiest design week within the interiors calendar, on an international level, showcasing and celebrating creativity, innovation and quality in equal measure. Noting just six top highlights from the world’s most influential design week was, quite frankly, difficult but you will see one common characteristic found throughout this years showcase; the revival of an objects narrative value.
1.
Wallpaper Handmade - a world of wellness
Wallpaper magazine’s iconic installation dedicated itself this year to curating a sanctuary for the self with ‘Wellness and Wonder’; a specially commissioned collection of designs by skilled makers from across the globe.
British design studio Pinch London were a particular highlight, a brand created to enhance our daily lives with a core focus on warmth, substance and most importantly the human experience. Aiming to encourage and enable users to live well through carefully crafted design, Pinch showcased the new ‘Elan Armoire’ cupboard which utilised dynamic marquetry techniques to create a truly considered design inside and out. The British brand are also able to colour match to all Paint & Paper Library colour references for those in favour a monochromatic interior scheme...
2.
Nature invading
Interior botanicals have grown and multiplied - an organic progression for the plant trend that’s become a mainstay in most homes. The use of large-scale tropical plants, grouped and clustered, could be seen almost everywhere with a clear focus towards architectural styles, something previously highlighted during our visit to Tom Dixon’s, The Coal House.
The continued relevance of nature is based on our experience with greenery itself, which is instinctive, garnering dramatic effects on our emotional wellbeing and reducing stress; whether that be at work or in a home environment. We’ve already made a conscious effort to grow our own indoor-jungle at the studio, utilising nature to curate an impactful visual with holistic benefits.
3.
Cos X Phillip K Smith III - Open Sky
The sensory reactions of light, space and colour formed the basis of this years Cos collaboration with artist Phillip K Smith III. The immersive installation mirrored the structures Italian-renaissance surroundings at the Palazzo Isimbardi but also a 360 degree view of the sky; a meditative tribute to the world around us viewed with an ever changing perspective.
As a brand Cos consistently focus on the sensorial elements of tactility, modernity and functionality and these core values were clearly presented within Open Sky, curating a considered and unique experience.
4.
Minimalist lighting
The word ‘minimalism’ denotes a visual mood board of clean lines, monochromatic palettes and brutalist architecture however the true meaning is not an aesthetic…
Do our possessions offer purpose? That’s the question on every minimalists lips, a key sentiment apparent throughout a variety of the brands presentations this year with lighting in particular utilised as a tool rather than as a statement. Hidden LED lights behind mirrors or within cabinetry were cleverly combined with directional lighting, designed with function at its very core. Where pendant-lighting statements were made the forms were large but notably simple, even within British designer Lee Broom's latest product launch - titled 'Observatory'. Presented within an equally pared-back installation, each design played with sculptural and spherical forms, with mirror-polished finishes in modular systems, allowing the lighting sculptures to be built according to a spaces needs.
5.
Vitra - Typecasting
The iconic Vitra, a brand well known for its collaborative design ethos with design greats such as Charles & Ray Eames, George Nelson, Jean Prouve and Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec hosted Typecasting; an assembly of iconic, forgotten and new Vitra classics.
The opening party, held the evening prior to Milan’s Salone Del Mobile official opening, provided an exclusive and expansive view of Vitra's past, present and future. The curator of the exhibition, designer Robert Stadler, emphasised the social role furniture plays in our daily lives, of chairs in particular, exploring why identifying oneself with particular objects is essential for cultivating and projecting an individual self-image. The collection was split into various ‘profiles’, defined by the product’s characteristics and function. The 'Communals' profile was particularly interesting, a collections of objects designed to invite people to gather, share and communicate.
6.
Textual togetherness
Change is underway in global premium-living. In a constantly evolving world our homes social capabilities have become increasingly significant. The current mood of ‘Togetherness’ was consciously considered within the textured elements showcased this year, from modular sofas to silky high-pile rugs; comfort and customisation were consistently key.
Possibly the most refreshing considerations however were made within upholstery. Dining and lounge chairs were presented without the formalities normally associated to them, embracing suedes, finishes loose and gathered, for a more inviting and comforting experience.
The German brand, Rolf Benz, like us believe that a home is not a place, it’s a feeling - which is possibly why they’re contemporary, biomorphic concepts felt so inspiring to us.
