indoor

Winter Survival Guide – Bring the Outdoors In

/ Heather Helms

We were so anxious for 2020 to be over we forgot to consider what to do with ourselves once it was! With the excitement of the holidays behind us, we are now faced with several months of winter remaining before the temperatures warm up and eventually draw us out of our hibernation. It has been a long 10 months but the light is visible at the end of the tunnel. In this blog series, Winter Survival Guide, we will share a few tips and resources to nurture your mind, body and spirit to help you finish strong.

ADD GREENERY!

Using greenery with interior design

As humans we have an innate connection to nature. We also spend almost 90% of our lives indoors with little connection to it. And that is a pre-COVID stat! The practice of incorporating nature in our built environments is known as Biophilic Design and IT IS NOT A TREND. Biophilic design reduces stress, promotes well-being, improves the ability to concentrate, boosts our creativity and expedites healing. YES, PLEASE!

Don’t have a green thumb? No worries! Stick to succulents, aloe and cactus varieties. Need help getting started? Whether you prefer to shop from the comfort of your sofa or if you prefer to venture out, these local gems have you covered!

BOWOOD FARMS

Bowood Farms (4605 Olive Street, 63108) is an experience! They offer online and in-person shopping with curbside pick-up for your convenience. The Studio at Bowood offers a variety of uniquely fun and creative workshops (virtual options available!) and there is always something new to see in the beautiful courtyard and nursery. Prepared to be inspired!

Bowood Farms in St Louis MO

Here are some helpful links to get you started……

Classes – Plants – Containers

FLOWERS & WEEDS

Flowers and Weeds (3201 Cherokee Street, 63118) is open for business and observing social distancing to keep you safe! If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your own space, their online store offers a variety of terrarium kits, house plants and my personal favorite, the fiddle-leaf fig. And talk about immediate gratification, online orders are available for pick-up the next day! If flower arrangements are more your style they offer everyday arrangements for pick-up or delivery and a monthly flower subscription.

Flowers and Weeds in St Louis MO

Here are some helpful links to get you started…..

Floral & Retail – Pots – Tropicals & Houseplants

CHECK THIS OUT! It’s not to late to sign up for their Terrarium Virtual Class. Join them via Zoom on Saturday, January 23rd at 5 pm to create your own custom terrarium. All materials for the class are provided and available for pick-up the week prior to the session.

Hang in there and be well!

The Nature of Design

/ Heather Helms / 2 Comments

With what seems to be a never ending January in St. Louis I find myself desperate for sunshine on my skin, blooms on the trees and the chirping sounds of birds and crickets. As humans we have an innate connection to nature. We also spend, on average, 90% of our lives indoors with little to no connection to it. World populations are increasingly moving from rural to urban centers. With that comes more steel and concrete and less green spaces. So how do we fill the void while making a positive impact on our surroundings? That is where Biophilic Design comes in. It is the practice of incorporating nature in to our built environments and will continue to gain popularity as sustainability practices and urbanization trends build.

EFFECTS OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN

Research has shown that biophilic design reduces stress, promotes well-being, improves the ability to concentrate, boosts our creativity and expedites healing. Exhaustive research has been completed on the effects and applications of biophilic design. With all of the positive impacts it makes you wonder why more people aren’t embracing the principles in their own spaces. When you think about it more thought goes in to the habitats at our zoos than goes into creating our built environments.  For the purpose of this blog we are going to focus on a few ways to introduce the benefits of biophilic design in your home and office setting.

INCORPORATING BIOPHILIC DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Visual Connection to Nature – a view of natural elements.group of potted indoor plants

Material Connection to Nature – incorporating the use of materials and elements found in nature.natural fiber placemat

Presence of Water – refers the ability to see, touch or hear the sound of water.indoor water feature

We would love to hear from you. Let us know how you are embracing nature in your space. Better yet, show us!