Health Benefits Of Designing With Plants

 

 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PLANTS IN YOUR HOME

It’s easy to understand why there are countless health benefits to introducing plants and trees into your home or office. In order to gain from the positive impacts of this additional design element, and begin the journey of overall health and wellness of a space and its inhabitants, it is important to understand why, how, when, what, and which type of plants benefit a space and what they can do to serve you as you care for them in this undeniable symbiotic relationship.

To start, there are many types of plants and trees that can act as natural air purifiers and humidifiers. According to a study conducted by NASA results showed that introducing plants to an indoor environment can filter over 80% of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and various toxic pollutants from the air in a 24-hour course of time – pollutants such as carbon dioxide, benzene, formaldehyde, among others found in the built environment..

Additional studies have shown that cleaner indoor air helps alleviate asthma, allergies, and improve overall respiratory health. When planning to effectively cleanse your indoor air it is recommended to select roughly 1 large plant per 100 square feet placed strategically throughout your space. If you’d like to curate your plant and tree selection you could push the health benefits even further by integrating plants and herbs that fill your home with sweet or earthy aromatic smells that decrease cortisol levels and help to relieve stress and anxiety.

Aside from its air-cleansing properties, many studies show that introducing natural elements into your home brings a sense of grounding and calm. Plants have shown to reduce stress levels and promote a more restful sleep. Other studies have shown that by introducing green and natural, organic elements into a space often times enhances concentration, promotes a positive mood, increases self-esteem, and often reduces symptoms of ADHD.

 

DECORATING WITH POTTED PLANTS 

Depending on the aesthetic that you wish emanate, it’s important to take into consideration the shape, color, finish, and material of the pots and how they relate to the overall flow of your home and existing decor. One option is to go extreme with contrast by selecting a pot that is bold with color and wild with shape for a juxtaposing feel of play between the modern, built environment mixed with the natural edges of the organic world. The other option is to flow with the inherent curves of nature by selecting a pot made up of stone or wood that will complement the soft shapes and colors found in nature. Both design options are completely dependent on the look you are trying to achieve in the holistic visual play of your home or office.

What’s more, implementing potted plants can also be a great solution to a pesky corner or space that you just can’t find to the right piece for. Whether you decide on a pot sitting on the floor to ground the décor around it, or select one hanging from the ceiling to create a light, airy feeling in a furniture-dense area, introducing plants into your home can drastically transform your space with this healthy and visually-pleasing final design touch.  

 

Here at the office of Malgosia Migdal Design we understand the importance of introducing natural elements into every space we design or stage. We personally love the use of stone face planters as a fun additional design component that inherently balances human features with natural materials. This is a playful way to integrate air-cleansing indoor plants in our studio – creating balance between the elements will our signature edgy approach to interior design.