Bring your space to life with plants

The word biophilia originates from the Greek word 'philia' meaning 'love of'. It literally means a love of life or living things. Humans have a deeply engrained love of nature which is an intuitive and natural drive imprinted into our DNA. But more recently this is being introduced to many homes and office spaces.

One of our amazing suppliers and a world renowned florist, Paula Pryke, talks to us about biophilia and when this was first introduced.

'When I started my flower business back in the late 1980s the influence of the biophilia philosophy was very evident,' says Paula. 'Architects were specifying indoor landscaping, indoor landscaping companies were springing up all over London and every new headquarters featured large tropical plants. I remember when The Financial Times moved to a new headquarters on Southwark Bridge I was commissioned to design a changing seasonal colourful flowerbed in the reception area. Another firm of lawyers designed their reception around a tropical waterfall and the reception desk had giant vases built in to ensure they had a regular supply of seasonal flowers. Plants and cut flowers took a dramatic new direction.

'Nature had become a big trend again before Covid 19, but in the enforced lockdown and with the absence of many of our usual relationships and pleasures, nature became very reassuring. The cycle of rebirth in nature is very comforting. Biophilia is more than a philosophy; it supports psychological well-being, physical health and cognitive function. The relationship between well-being and nature is well documented and proven. Life is better when we are nearer to nature and in tune with it. It is also proven that if you look at plants and flowers it sparks a sense of happiness within the brain!'

So where would we use plants in design? Leigh Hall, owner of Strive for Design, comments: 'No matter which room, project or scheme that we're specifying we're always encouraging clients to put green into the room. This not only breaks up the colours but also sparks happy endorphins to the brain. Many worry that green is just a colour not to be used, but green tones have become more and more prevalent with designers and florists. There are many Instagram accounts now doing exceptionally well at selling not only real plants and flowers, but also many faux items. These latter obviously don’t give off the oxygen and carbon dioxide that real plants do, but just looking at the beauty of some of the arrangements that have been put together brings joy!

'Commercial projects however, take this to another level, with live walls and flowerbeds along with tropical trees in reception areas, while many hotel interiors are just covered with beautiful fresh flower arrangements. Along with visiting hotels, being surrounded by plants and features day to day helps to create a happy natural feeling while in a working environment. Roof gardens and communal spaces are also popular places for plants, enabling the use of roof space for staff recreation or events, along with flowered arches over restaurants such as The Ivy, with the theming changing for key dates such as Valentine's Day and Christmas as well as the seasons throughout the year.'

If you would like more information on how we can help you embrace biophilia by introducing greenery into your design project, then please call us on 01223 622688.

Leigh Hall from Strive for Design is an interior designer in Cambridge, so if you're looking to redesign your home, please contact us.