First of all, welcome to the very first Calvert's Plant Interiors blog post! We'll be kicking off this (hopefully) semi-regular publication by defining a cornerstone of our mission as an interiorscape company; helping our clients by tapping into the powers of biophilic design.
In today’s fast-paced world, modern interiors have evolved to do more than just serve functional needs. They are designed to improve our well-being, enhance productivity, and create environments where we feel connected to the world around us. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through biophilic design—an approach that integrates natural elements into our indoor spaces, helping bridge the gap between nature and modern life.
Succulent arrangements and a rhapis palm adorn the lobby of a new boutique hotel in downtown OKC.
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is built on the idea that humans have an innate connection, and thus attraction, to elements of nature. This hypothesis was proposed in 1984 by biologist E.O. Wilson, and postulates that humans have an innate psychological and physiological need to connect with nature. By incorporating natural elements—like plants, natural light, living or preserved plant and moss walls, water features, and organic materials—into interior spaces, this design approach fosters environments that promote mental and physical well-being. Whether in homes, offices, or commercial spaces, biophilic design strives to create more harmonious and calming interiors.
Large indoor plants in pots thrive in front of an east-facing window in this downtown OKC office atrium.
The Impact on Productivity
Research shows that introducing natural elements into the workplace can lead to a measurable boost in productivity. Here’s how:
Enhanced Focus and Attention: Being around nature, even in an indoor setting, helps reduce mental fatigue. Offices that incorporate plants, natural light, and outdoor views report improved focus and concentration among employees. With employees' focus and attention enhanced, increased productivity goes hand-in-hand; researchers at Human Spaces and the University of Exeter identified a 15% increase in productivity in workspaces utilizing natural elements in their design, such as living interior plants.
Reduced Stress Levels: Plants and greenery have been shown to lower cortisol levels (the body’s primary stress hormone), making employees feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed by their tasks. Less stress translates to better decision-making and increased productivity. A 1984 study by Roger Ulrich found that having a view of plants in a hospital room, even just from a printed poster, led patients to request less pain medication and even experience fewer post-surgery complications. This may seem like a lofty result, but when stress is the leading cause of a great deal of somatic symptoms, finding ways to reduce stress can have massively positive impacts beyond psychological.
Improved Creativity: Natural environments stimulate creative thinking. A study by the University of Exeter found that employees working in green office environments reported a 15% increase in creativity compared to traditional workspaces. Plants and green walls can also function as noise blocks, helping to create an overall better environment for collaboration and creative thinking.
Better Air Quality: Plants act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels. Studies show that indoor plants reduce components of air pollution, not only via photosynthesis, but also through the microorganisms present in their soil; up to 70% of air cleaning by indoor plants is done through their soil microbiome! Cleaner air enhances cognitive function, leaving people feeling more energized and alert throughout the workday.
Indoor plants in this OKC hospital perfectly complement the fountain installation.
Boosting Well-Being with Biophilic Design
Beyond productivity, biophilic design has a profound impact on our overall well-being. Bringing elements of nature into our indoor environments helps address some of the common mental and physical health challenges faced in modern life:
Emotional Balance: Natural elements have a calming effect on our minds. Incorporating greenery, water features, or wood tones helps reduce anxiety and creates a sense of tranquility. In fact, simply being in a green environment can decrease symptoms of depression and improve mood.
Increased Comfort and Happiness: Spaces designed with biophilia in mind tend to feel more inviting and comfortable. Employees and visitors alike benefit from an environment that feels more human, nurturing feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
Healthier Indoor Environments: In addition to improving air quality, biophilic elements can help regulate temperature and humidity, creating a healthier and more balanced indoor climate. This reduces the risk of respiratory issues and fatigue associated with poor indoor air.
Connection to Nature: Many of us spend the majority of our days indoors, disconnected from the natural world. Biophilic design restores this connection, giving us moments of calm and reflection, even in urban and office settings.
Our designer Madeline puts the finishing touches on this Dracaena 'Lisa' in a new urban office space.
Integrating Biophilic Design in Your Space
Incorporating elements of biophilic design doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you have our team at Calvert's to help you out! Here are a few simple ways to bring the benefits of nature into your modern interiors:
Add Plants: The easiest way to start is by introducing indoor plants to your space. Our experienced design team will work with you to choose from a variety of species and aesthetics that fit your space. From small succulent arrangements to larger floor plants, adding any sorts of plants to your space will create visual interest and improve air quality.
Maximize Natural Light: Whenever possible, design spaces to allow in more natural light. This not only boosts energy and mood but also mimics the psychological experience of being outdoors; and the indoor plants love it!
Use Organic Materials: Incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, or bamboo in your furniture and decor to create a more organic, calming feel.
Water Features: Consider adding a fountain or other water feature to bring the soothing sound of water into your interior. Fountains work beautifully in large planted atriums to create an indoor paradise, and Calvert's can order the perfect one for you.
Natural Color Palettes: Use colors inspired by nature—greens, earth tones, and blues—to evoke a sense of serenity and connection to the natural world. Our extensive selection of large indoor/outdoor pottery is rich in these natural tones.
Even a simple pair of rhapis palms in a landing helps to create a softened, aesthetically pleasing environment.
Final Thoughts
As the world moves toward a more health-conscious and environmentally aware future, biophilic design has become more than just a trend—it’s a way to make modern interiors more livable, productive, and enriching. At Calvert’s Plant Interiors, we’ve seen firsthand how incorporating nature into our clients' spaces transforms not only the aesthetic but also the overall atmosphere and well-being of the people who spend time in them; and we've been enhancing these spaces in Oklahoma City and beyond for nearly 50 years now.
If you're looking to elevate your space with the power of nature, contact us today. Discover how incorporating the benefits of biophilic design can transform your environment and elevate your everyday experience!
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