Post pandemic, design plays a crucial role in how we experience our environment. Wholesome design, a growing trend, focuses on creating spaces that promote comfort, peace, and overall well-being. We will explore how wholesome design can positively influence our lives and how we can apply it to built environments to enhance the lives of occupants, guests, patients, or employees of these mindfully designed spaces.

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What is Wholesome Design?

Wholesome design is an approach that emphasizes well-being and comfort. It incorporates elements that promote relaxation, mental clarity, and a sense of peace. By integrating nature with architecture, it aims to create environments that benefit both our physical and mental states.

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Central to wholesome design is biophilic design, a concept that seeks to reconnect people with nature through design principles. This approach blurs the line between indoors and outdoors, bringing the tranquility and vibrancy of nature into living and working spaces.

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From mental health to neuroaesthetics, wholesome design is deeply rooted in understanding human interaction with spaces. It's about curating environments that emotionally and physically benefit inhabitants, aligning with the principles of Mindful Design to boost positivity and comfort.

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The Importance of Environment in Mental Health

Our surroundings have a significant impact on our mental health. Spaces that are cluttered or poorly organized can contribute to stress and anxiety, while well-designed spaces enhance our mental state. The choice of colors, the presence of natural light, and the positioning of furniture can all play substantial roles in influencing our emotions and stress levels.

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The benefits of innovative design strategies in enhancing mental well-being are becoming more pronounced across various industries, especially as people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Features such as increased window size in healthcare settings have been linked to patient recovery, showcasing the profound impacts of the environment on well-being.

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In the context of workspaces, integrating design elements that prioritize mental health can improve productivity and employee satisfaction, highlighting the importance of environment in not just psychological but also professional success. In healthcare environments, mindful and wholesome design can help patients heal faster and healthcare professionals avoid burnout with the positive psychological outcome of interacting with these spaces.

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Key Elements of Wholesome Design

Natural light, soothing colors, comfortable furniture, and the presence of plants are some essential components that foster a wholesome environment. These elements work together to create a space that feels inviting and nurturing, thanks to the positive effect of Biophilia on the human psyche. Incorporating features like preserved moss walls and foliage art can not only beautify spaces but also contribute to well-being by fostering a connection between nature and humans.

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Incorporating live plants into interior design has been scientifically proven to enhance air quality and reduce stress levels. The idea is not only to decorate but to use elements that bring tangible health benefits, such as improving cognitive function and fostering a peaceful atmosphere through nature. However, with the drawbacks of live plants(maintenance, bug infestation, and upkeep hardships), many designers turn to preserved moss and preserved garden installations for their ease of use and no maintenance aspects while having the same psychological, hormonal, cognitive, and behavioral effects on human psychology.

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Additionally, design flexibility offers personalized customization, allowing spaces to resonate with individual styles and needs. Having options like preserved moss walls that require minimal upkeep while offering maximum aesthetic and health benefits underscores the versatility of wholesome design concepts.

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Although the use of faux plants and fake greenery has increased in recent years, using a byproduct of the petrochemical process to associate with nature or well-being is not quite a winning strategy. One should consider the dangers of VOC leaching from plastic and its derivatives in designed spaces, as it will negatively affect indoor environmental quality(IEQ). Undoubtedly, using fake plants made of plastic will not create the connection between man and nature that wholesome design aims for.

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The Psychological Benefits of Preserved Gardens, Moss Walls, and Planters

The strategic placement of preserved gardens, moss walls, and planters in commercial spaces can significantly contribute to the overall well-being of occupants, guests, patients, and employees. These natural elements not only provide a visual connection to nature but also trigger positive psychological responses, such as reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced creativity. Studies have shown that exposure to natural elements, even in preserved form, can lower cortisol levels, increase serotonin production, and improve cognitive function. By incorporating these biophilic elements throughout space, designers can create environments that actively support mental health, leading to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.

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Wholesome Design in Daily Life

Incorporating wholesome design into daily life can be as simple as rearranging furniture for better flow, selecting calming color schemes, or ensuring adequate natural light. These small changes can have a big impact on well-being. Enhancing natural elements in the home or workspace can significantly influence your mood and reduce stress.

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Incorporating elements like plant foliage art in both residential and commercial spaces is a practical way to introduce nature's calming presence into daily environments. As explained, such art doesn't just beautify a space; it has profound effects on mental health, promoting relaxation and even productivity.

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Using soft lighting and earthy tones can also create a warm ambiance that feels both inviting and serene, making everyday environments more harmonious and balanced.

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Practical Ways to Implement Wholesome Design

Experimenting with different layouts, using soft lighting, adding greenery, and choosing decor that resonates positively with occupants are important steps to implement wholesome design. These practical steps can help transform any space into a sanctuary that supports health and happiness. This approach doesn't necessarily require big changes but rather thoughtful adjustments.

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Considering ways to incorporate low-maintenance, high-impact design elements like moss walls and plant art (horizontally or vertically),which are easy to maintain and offer extensive benefits to the occupants of these designed spaces. They can be strategically placed to enhance space aesthetics while providing the psychological benefits of a nature-inspired setting.

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Selecting the right plants or moss that align with space’s overall interior design and clients’ functional needs can greatly elevate an environment, turning ordinary spaces into wellness-centric havens with minimal effort.

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Embrace the Positive Impact of Wholesome Design

Embracing wholesome design principles can dramatically improve our daily lives, promoting a harmonious balance that nurtures both the mind and body. By prioritizing mental and physical well-being through thoughtful design, we create environments that enrich our lives in meaningful ways. The power of wholesome design lies in its ability to transform spaces into sanctuaries that support our overall health and happiness. Incorporating biophilic elements like preserved gardens, moss walls, and planters can create environments that actively reduce stress, enhance cognitive function, and foster a deep connection to nature, ultimately contributing to the psychological and emotional well-being of those who inhabit space.

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Conclusion

As we navigate the challenges of modern life, the importance of creating spaces that promote comfort, peace, and overall well-being has never been more apparent. Wholesome design offers a pathway to achieving these goals by providing a framework for designing environments that prioritize the health and happiness of their occupants.

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By embracing the principles of biophilic design, neuroaesthetics, and mindful design, we can create spaces that not only look beautiful but also feel nurturing and restorative. The integration of wholesome design principles has the power to transform the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings, ultimately leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life, whether in our homes, workplaces, or public spaces.

For more information on this subject and other related information, please visit our website: www.gardenonthewall.com

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