In the past couple of years, there has been a trending resurgence within the interior design world to bring plants and other natural elements indoors in order to create a sanctuary within living spaces. As humans, we sometimes fail to recognize how impactful the natural world has on our daily lives. Neglecting this very basic human need can result in disharmony from being so disconnected from nature. We truly need a healthy dose of greenery each day in order to feel wholesome, renewed, and healthy.
Now more so than ever, the need for plants, trees, and other natural elements in our living spaces has become invaluable for our collective well being during a worldwide health crisis. With an unprecedented amount of time spent indoors this year, we must recognize the need for nature indoors, and begin to design our interiors with this in mind. Not just in our personal homes, but also in our places of work, hospitals, medical centers, and educational institutions. By integrating the outside indoors, we can provide health sanctuaries for our clients, customers, and patients and help everyone remain as healthy as possible.
So why plants?
Many of the invaluable health effects of plants and the environmental benefits of these leafy greens are lost on the general population. Most of us are not educated on the importance of plants and what they provide for our planet, what they do for our indoor and outdoor air quality, and their ability to enhance human moods. Countless studies have shown that the integration of indoor plants into an interior space has improved the indoor air quality and become a natural system of filtration that keeps everyone breathing healthy air and getting the oxygen we need.
“Studies have proven that house plants improve concentration and productivity (by up to 15%), reduce stress levels, and boost your mood. To create your perfect green haven, it’s worthwhile spending a little bit of time researching the plants that are best suited for each room and what kind of environment.” -Sophie Lee, NBC News
In addition to the elemental benefits that plants provide, they also have shown to be mood-enhancers and concentration boosters through scientific studies. Whether our human needs show that we truly feel happier and more comfortable in an environment that mimics the outdoors, or if there is actually some chemical benefit that increases our serotonin, the emotional effects on our health are unquestionable.
Where are plants best used?
Of course, it’s wonderful to surround yourself with plants in your own home, but even better is integrating these beautiful beings into otherwise sterile environments that could be elevated to enhance the occupant’s experience. Hospitals are one of the best places that we should begin to integrate more plants and greenery into. The invaluable asset of good interior design on one’s ability to heal and recover is huge. Not only do plants freshen the air, but they also create harmony within an indoor environment that is otherwise devoid of life. Artificial lighting, little visibility to the outdoors, and in general, a meek surrounding can oftentimes lead to patients’ dissatisfaction, length recovery times, and general sadness while in medical facilities.
“Not only do plants enhance oxygen levels but some studies indicate a plant nearby can lower blood pressure, reduce the need for painkillers, and enhance the overall mood of a patient. Incorporating indoor and outdoor viewing gardens into hospital plans has been undertaken for several years now, and the evidence is clear regarding healing plants and their uses.” -Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist, Gardening Know-How
How can plants thrive indoors?
Most interior house plants are not exactly designed to survive in completely dark, shaded indoor environments. Indoor plants still need plenty of secondhand indoor light, which is easily provided through light-allowing windows and full-sized Glass Wall Partitions, for example. If you have a medical facility and would like to begin integrating more greenery into your interiors, you also must take into account the available light you’re working with. Installing easy to clean, medical-grade Sliding Glass Wall Partitions and floor to sliding glass room dividers will help to bring in tons of natural light that will excite not only the plants but also your patients.
By providing a more health-centered medical facility complete with beautiful greenery and increased natural light, you can improve the quality of life and health for your patients and staff. Make your wellness facility as safe as possible for everyone involved. With full hospitals and medical facilities due to COVID 19, ensure your facility a safe place by integrating glass room dividers and glass partitions. Visit Space Plus, A Division of the Sliding Door Company online to view our online catalog, and Get a quote from one of our professionals today.
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