The Botanical Trend: How Plant-Focused Interiors Are Redefining Sustainability in Commercial Design

I love this new trend in bringing the outside in more and more in interior design. One of my favorite things I did in our master bedroom was hang plants in the south facing windows. Even on the coldest winter day I get to wake up to green and growing things. Not mention they’re very good for our air quality too!

(This is a collaborative post, for more information about our compensation please read our disclosure policy)

In the ever-evolving landscape of commercial design, a captivating trend is taking root, quite literally. The infusion of greenery into interior spaces, known as biophilic design, has emerged as a powerful force in shaping the way we experience restaurants, cafes, and various commercial establishments. This botanical trend adds aesthetic appeal and holds profound implications for sustainability and well-being.

The Rise of Biophilic Design

At its core, biophilic design seeks to reconnect people with nature by integrating natural elements into the built environment. From bustling city centers to serene countryside retreats, the principles of biophilic design are being embraced by architects, interior designers, and business owners alike. This movement is driven by a growing awareness of the benefits that nature brings to our lives, both physically and mentally.

Greening Commercial Spaces: Plants as Essential Elements

When you step into a restaurant or café adorned with lush greenery, you’re not just entering a space – you’re embarking on a sensory journey. The presence of plants enhances the ambiance, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for patrons. But the benefits extend beyond aesthetics. Plants are natural air purifiers, filtering out pollutants and replenishing oxygen levels, thus contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Strategically placing plants throughout a commercial space, whether through living walls, potted arrangements, or green partitions, can significantly improve air quality and overall well-being.

Several types of plants are known for their air-purifying properties, making them excellent choices for indoor environments. These plants are particularly effective at removing common indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Some of the most popular air-purifying plants include:

• Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the snake plant is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that thrives in low light conditions. It is highly effective at filtering out formaldehyde, making it a great choice for offices and other indoor spaces.
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): With its long, arching leaves adorned with tiny white flowers, the spider plant is not only visually appealing but also an excellent air purifier. It helps to remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air, making it a popular choice for homes and offices.
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.): The peace lily is prized for its elegant white flowers and glossy green leaves. It is known for its ability to remove common indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, as well as mold spores, making it a great choice for improving indoor air quality.
• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): With its lush, feathery fronds, the Boston fern is a classic choice for adding a touch of greenery to indoor spaces. It is highly effective at removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air, making it an ideal plant for offices and homes.
• Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): In addition to its medicinal properties, aloe vera is also an excellent air purifier. It helps to remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making it a valuable addition to indoor spaces.
• Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum): Also known as Golden Pothos or Money Plant, Devil’s Ivy is a popular choice for indoor spaces due to its trailing vines and easy care requirements. It is effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air, making it a versatile option for homes and offices.

What about the ever-popular Hoyas? Commonly known as wax plants or wax flowers, they are not typically considered to be among the top air-purifying plants. While they are prized for their attractive foliage and sometimes fragrant flowers, they are not known for their ability to filter indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, or trichloroethylene.

However, this doesn’t diminish their value as indoor plants. Hoyas are often chosen for their ornamental qualities, such as their waxy, succulent leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers. They can still contribute to a healthier indoor environment indirectly by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can have positive effects on overall well-being.

If your primary goal is to improve indoor air quality, it’s best to choose plants specifically known for their air-purifying properties, such as snake plants, spider plants, peace lilies, and Boston ferns. However, if you’re looking to add beauty and charm to your indoor space, Hoyas can certainly be a delightful addition.

These are just a few examples of plants that can help to improve indoor air quality. Incorporating a variety of air-purifying plants into indoor spaces can not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also promote health and well-being.

Check out a Hoya for sale for an elegant yet sustainable addition to your cafe or restaurant.

Bridging the Gap: Connecting Inside to Outside

In today’s fast-paced world, the line between indoor and outdoor living is becoming increasingly blurred. Biophilic design seeks to capitalize on this connection by seamlessly integrating interior and exterior spaces. Imagine dining alfresco under a canopy of trees or sipping coffee in a sunlit atrium – these experiences evoke a sense of harmony with nature that is both refreshing and rejuvenating.

By incorporating elements such as large windows, outdoor seating areas, and green roofs, commercial designers are redefining the boundaries of traditional indoor spaces, creating environments that inspire and uplift.

Purifying the Air: Plants as Natural Air Filters

Indoor air quality is a pressing concern in today’s built environments, where pollutants can accumulate and impact health and well-being. Fortunately, nature provides a solution in the form of plants. Certain species have been shown to possess air-purifying properties, effectively removing harmful chemicals and toxins from the air.

Businesses can create healthier and more productive environments for employees and customers by strategically selecting and placing these plants within commercial interiors.

Sustainable Construction Materials: Reducing Environmental Footprints

In addition to incorporating living elements, sustainable design also encompasses the use of eco-friendly construction materials. From recycled wood to low VOC paints and finishes, there is a wide range of options available to minimize the environmental impact of commercial interiors. By prioritizing sustainable materials, businesses can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of occupants.

In Conclusion

The botanical trend in commercial design represents a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable and human-centric approach to architecture and interior design. By embracing biophilic principles and integrating plants into interior spaces, businesses can create environments that delight the senses and promote health, well-being, and environmental stewardship. As we look to the future, the possibilities for plant-focused commercial design are endless, offering boundless opportunities to reconnect with nature and redefine the way we experience the built environment.

(This is a collaborative post, for more information about our compensation please read our disclosure policy)