It’s important to watch for the signs that tell us when we’re approaching capacity. Sometimes these signs present themselves in a subtle manner – sometimes not so much. And self recognition isn’t always so easy. Sometimes it takes a friend or colleague to help us see when this is happening.  You may be fortunate enough to have a culture at work where your supervisor/manager does regular check ins to ensure that you are taking the necessary actions to maintain a healthy mental state.

Remember each one of us has a very individual tipping point when it comes to stress. Once you have been able to develop an awareness of when you should take a mental break then you can explore how to take that break. Once you have been able to identify how to take that break it’s important make it a habit. If we liken mental wellness to physical wellness; when we exercise our physical body on a regular basis we can increase our physical stamina – when we exercise and strengthen our mental capacity it is possible to strengthen our tolerance and capacity for stress.

So how do we exercise and strengthen our capacity for increased mental wellness in support of mental health?

During the pandemic, when at one point or another each of us reached our maximum capacity for stress, the prescribing of “walks in nature” by medical practitioners increased in frequency. Although the idea that interaction with nature is of great benefit to our mental health was not a new concept the idea of prescribing it as a cure or remedy was a new delivery method.

Jillian Mock published this article on April 27, 2022  about walks in nature;

“When it comes to how nature exposure helps our stressed-out brains, researchers have two main theories, says Gregory Bratman, Director of the Environment and Well-being lab at the University of Washington. The first, known in scientific circles as the Stress Reduction Theory, is that exposure to many forms of nature engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and digestion and encourages stress recovery. (It’s nicknamed the “rest and digest” system.) The other, the Attention Restoration Theory, suggests that nature engages people’s “soft fascination,” says Bratman. This gives our directed attention, which we use to focus, time to replenish, he says.”

Other than “forest bathing” how can we engage the parasympathetic nervous system to encourage our body to rest and digest; how can we disengage ourselves from directed attention to allow our brains to rest in support of psychological and cognitive wellbeing? What can we do with the everyday space around us to create an environment that will allow our minds and bodies the white space needed to rest and rejuvenate between tasks and meetings? Similar to when we place focus on our physical health – how do we work to make these activities a habit and part of our everyday life?

Hospitals, long term care facilities, office buildings and residential communities are ensuring that a green space is part of their overall plan. In hospitals and health care facilities we are seeing the installation of courtyards as they are being considered an integral part of the healing process. In the construction and selecting of spaces for offices if there is not the capacity to build a courtyard there is consideration given to the possibility of a green roof or proximity to a local park. When a developer begins the planning of a residential subdivision it’s now commonplace that there is a provision for a neighbourhood park as mandated by the governing body releasing the building permits.

So there is a recognition of the importance of green space and how it impacts our mental health. Although it may not be consistent, there is a plan in place to ensure that nature is available to support physical healing and mental health. How do we take these learnings and create concepts that can be applied to the interior spaces of our built environment?

Again, as each of us has our own specific tolerance to stress – each job description within each industry may have some predefined stress factors to be considered when planning the built environment to promote mental wellness. Front line workers, as an example, may have the need for a quiet space to de-escalate their thoughts and emotions after dealing with a traumatic event. An office worker whose day to day role may include data entry may have different requirements fro quiet spaces. As the “hybrid workspace” is defined on an individual case by case basis as identified by the specific needs of each organization, so the issue of mental wellness needs to be addressed by each organization based on their specific and individual requirements. There are however a few basic concepts that can be generally applied as a starting point.

• Consider the needs at an individual level – at each individual workstation or office. The installation of sit to stand workstations not only support physical wellness by requiring the occupant to move – this also necessitates a need to shift mental focus to another activity. Think of other ways, such as the strategic placement of non-corporate graphics and/or pictures, to create some visual white space.
• Consider the needs at a departmental level – specific to each area. What does your collaborative space, cafeteria or break room look like? Ensure that the space is pleasing to the eye so it creates a relaxing environment. Curate this space so that it allows the occupants to effectively brainstorm or take a true mental break. Ensure this space is reflective of the white space needed by considering various noise reduction components to allow for group or private conversations and/or solitary reflection. Take time to plan the furnishings in this area to ensure that they are comfortable to support relaxation and shift of mental focus.
• Consider how your building or neighbourhood supports mental wellness. Consider a dedicated space for regular meditation or yoga classes – both being exercises to shift the focus of our mind to alternate activities. Support the leadership team in their personal engagement of these activities so that the importance of taking breaks is clearly communicated throughout the organization. If there is not access to daylight, outdoor spaces, break areas – consider alternate ways to bring these concepts in to the environment.

Some of these might feel like big things but there are also many little things that can be implemented to support mental wellness in your organization. Think of things that you can do on an individual level to support your own mental wellness.

Think of ways you can engage your parasympathetic nervous system to encourage your body to rest and digest; what can you do to disengage from directed attention to allow your brain to rest in support of psychological and cognitive wellbeing?

Linda Bischoff; PMP, ARIDO Intern, Well AP, IFSG Red Ribbon

Over the past 35 years, Linda has worked with Design Firms, Office Furniture Dealerships and Facilities Departments in both public and private sectors. Her involvement redesigning office workplaces during Covid19 has given her a broader perspective of what is needed. As we emerge from the pandemic, we are beginning to see much change in the social fabric and culture of workplaces. The post pandemic office will demand unique solutions to create a successful workplace lifestyle redesign.

Her business focus is on creating meaningful connection with the built environment. Linda combines her knowledge of interior design, biophilia and feng shui to help create balance and harmony in homes and workspaces.

She lives in Halton Hills, Ontario. Learn more about Linda at avalonlanestudio.ca and join her on IG @avalonlanestudio.

The post Designing for mental well-being: Finding calm in a busy world appeared first on Quiet Earth Moss.

Trend #1: Organic, tactile materials

While featuring natural materials is a core value of biophilic design, we are going to see a growing emphasis on this design element in 2023. Many design experts connect this trend to a lingering response to pandemic-era isolation, which saw many of us deprived of regular access to the proven benefits of touch. Materials like stone, brick, and natural wood are obvious choices, providing a multi-sensory experience, making a space feel more grounded and connected to the natural world.

Reindeer moss is known for its multi-dimensional texture and softness while Sheet moss is flatter, resembling green grass. For more dynamic texture there is Mood moss (Dicranum Scoparium), a species that grows prolifically throughout the United States, Asia, parts of Europe, and other regions sprinkled with damp, humid woodlands. It has a unique “temperamental” appearance that changes according to humidity and ambient moisture levels. Mood moss can appear fluffy and vibrant with deep emerald hues.

As a 100% organic design feature, preserved moss draws people to touch it, to explore the intricacies of its natural design as a way of reconnecting with nature. Used alone or in combinations, preserved moss gives a designer the flexibility to create multiple layers of texture and dimension in any size space.

FUN FACT: Quiet Earth Moss is preserved to look and feel real, which means no watering is required and it can be used in low-light areas. You will be surprised how many clients and visitors are convinced your moss wall is real!

Trend #2: Color and more color

Neutral and safe whites/greys might have been the palettes of choice when designing office spaces in the past, but designers and architects are leaning into the trend of color with gusto. Whether choosing paint colors that mimic natural environments or creating feature walls to highlight rich, natural textures, designers are constantly looking for ways to bring a wealth of color into today’s work environment.

Cultivated and harvested according to ecological best practices, preserved moss is created from 100% natural lichens and mosses using an innovative, eco-friendly use of natural oils and food dye. Without the use of chemicals, the natural oil mimics the water in the moss, allowing each cluster or strand to maintain its authentic look and texture for years.

When talking color choices, flexibility is the word. Our moss is available in dozens of possible color combinations, from various shades of green to blue lavender or even ice blue. With 25 colors of sustainable EzoBord backing, it is safe to say that the decision to add color to your work environment just became a lot easier.

Trend #3: Use natural geometries

Deliberately connecting nature to office design is the hallmark of biophilic trends. Natural shapes and contours are a cornerstone of new design or renovation features. Based on what is known as the Golden Ratio, this design strategy reaches all the way back to 12^th-century Italy. It was here that the mathematician Fibonacci introduced his famous sequence of numbers that can be found in abundance in the natural designs of flower petals, pinecones, seashells, and even hurricanes.

Preserved mosses are rich with Fibonacci sequences that reconnect us emotionally to the natural world. From the clusters of Reindeer moss to the flowing feathers of Mood moss, our products bring a natural geometry to any workplace. Combined with the 6 standard shapes of our Moss Art Tiles and the use of geometric shapes, your creation is limited only by a designer’s imagination.

Looking for something even more dramatic or that reflects your company brand more directly? Contact our in-house team of experts to discuss how we can make preserved moss a key element in your branding strategy.

Biophilic design is no longer a trend. It is a key element of workplace design that has been shown to have beneficial impacts on your staff and your business. Quiet Earth Moss works with designers across North America to help bring these benefits to your company in a cost-effective way. We also keep track of the biophilic trends in order to provide the most expertise and best in-house services available.

The post Biophilic Design: Trends and Predictions 2023 appeared first on Quiet Earth Moss.

Some employers proposed that coffee stations, free lunches and supporting some new Perks would make their staff flock back into the office. However the concepts of The Great Resignation Wave and Quiet Quitting indicated that the return to office was not about added perks or even about money. People were no longer defining personal success by the speed and/or height in which they climbed the corporate ladder.

People were craving a sense of belonging, a sense of self worth and most of all a sense of community. Was this a result of working in isolation for months? Was this a result of having to focus on the finite details of having to create a balance of work/life priorities? Maybe…

In a recent blog I talked about Sensory Design and how the impact of our environment is from the total experience of all of our senses. There are many design concepts that impact our senses and ultimately how we interact within our spaces. It’s not unrealistic to believe that by implementing some of these concepts a sense of belonging and community can be organically created.

Wellness by Design is about curating the spaces around us to support and ultimately benefit our physical and mental health. Is the space where you work designed to support your wellness and the wellness of the people around you? Let’s explore some basic principles of Wellness by Design and how you might add them to your space to support wellness.

For many years, ergonomics have been at the forefront of how we design spaces. It is important that the height of desks and tables will accommodate people with a varying range of abilities. Our physical health can also be supported by how we experience our surroundings. If our minds are not calm and relaxed it can result in poor physical health. As an example – it has been proven that a cluttered and chaotic environment can and will impact your anxiety levels. Excessive and constant anxiety can have an impact on our central nervous system, cardiovascular system, excretory and digestive system, immune system, and our respiratory system. That’s a lot of our body’s systems that can be impacted by stress.

By creating calm zones we can control the feelings of chaos or over stimulation that may be experienced within or when entering a new space. Calm zones can also be viewed as areas of respite; where one can stop and rest to “regroup”. Think of the foyer in our homes; where we get to take a quick break before we enter. Think of this as a transition space – where you make changes physically (removing jackets and shoes) and mentally prepare for how you will greet and interact the people already in that space. How can you replicate this transition space for people coming into your workspace?

In addition to being strategically located, calm zones with an organic and soothing palette are generally more impactful. When we more fully understand our need for sensory stimulation we begin to appreciate the impact it has on our experience with our environment. The use of natural materials, biophilic colours and creating a connection to the outdoors are all ways to allow our senses to experience calm. By integrating colours and/or fractal images that are found in nature we can support the much needed connection to the outdoors in the indoors.

We can add these design elements to spaces to promote sense of community, but let’s not overlook personal sense of belonging. By considering the needs of each individual using the space and adding personal spaces for each person we can support their desire to return to office. If your office is moving towards hybrid there may no longer be a need for individual workstations or desks for each individual. Perhaps personal lockers are the best solution to accommodate an “owned” and personal space. This allows everyone to have an individual space to call their own but they also have the ability to move freely through the space and truly integrate with the community.

What are some of the concepts of Wellness by Design that you can begin to integrate into your space to support a sense of community and belonging in your space?

Calm zones…soothing palettes…personalized organization…what combination of these things would work best for your space?

Linda Bischoff; PMP, ARIDO Intern, Well AP, IFSG Red Ribbon

Over the past 35 years, Linda has worked with Design Firms, Office Furniture Dealerships and Facilities Departments in both public and private sectors. Her involvement redesigning office workplaces during Covid19 has given her a broader perspective of what is needed. As we emerge from the pandemic, we are beginning to see much change in the social fabric and culture of workplaces. The post pandemic office will demand unique solutions to create a successful workplace lifestyle redesign.

Her business focus is on creating meaningful connection with the built environment. Linda combines her knowledge of interior design, biophilia and feng shui to help create balance and harmony in homes and workspaces.

She lives in Halton Hills, Ontario. Learn more about Linda at avalonlanestudio.ca and join her on IG @avalonlanestudio.

The post Creating a Sense of Belonging: Wellness by Design for a Healthier and Happier Workspace appeared first on Quiet Earth Moss.

Not surprisingly, the wellness industry is often at the frontline of addressing many of these concerns. Valued at over $4.5 trillion, the global wellness economy has continued to show robust growth during the pandemic, and projections are for more of the same for the next 5 years as the world works to rebalance and transition to new life and work patterns. Key sectors in this growth industry include:

• Fitness and Mind-Body
• Meditation and Mindfulness
• Preventative and Personalized Health
• Spa Economy
• Workplace Wellness.

The Spa Economy alone, for example, is projected to reach $128 billion by 2022, with the top 5 markets driving most of that growth: the United States, China, Germany, Japan, and France.

Trying to take advantage of this projected growth, spa and studio owners are always looking for innovative design ideas to set them apart from the crowd. Recent studies have shown that focusing on the following design opportunities can have a

Eco-Friendly Building Materials

As we have detailed in previous blogs, the applied practices associated with green design have come a long way in the past decade. Gone are the days of a few straggly low-maintenance plants scattered around the studios as a half-hearted commitment to a healthy workplace environment. Today, the trend is to toward a much more holistic integration of as many benefits of nature as possible, from interior walls transformed by greenery and cascading natural light to full and flourishing rooftop gardens.

Drawing on the ancient architectural and design concept known as biophilia, the goal of this emphasis on integrating nature into wellness studios is clear: creating an environment that supports the emotional, psychological, and physical wellness of all guests.

As the Pilgrimage of the Heart blog suggests:

Nowadays, yoga studio visitors are highly conscious about preserving the environment and stay up to date on eco-friendly trends. It has become increasingly important to invest in sustainable options when designing a studio, such as bamboo, linoleum, natural stone, and other recycled materials. Yoga students want to be in a space that has been curated according to environmental best practices, but they also want to experience the ambiance of nature.

Made from a 100 percent natural product, preserved using natural oils, preserved moss is a relatively maintenance-free, cost-effective way to integrate nature into any studio space. Preserved moss products also provide natural acoustic dampening, reducing invasive noise levels (both internal and external) that studies have identified as one of the primary sources of stress within shared environments. According to researchers from the Centre for Architectural Ecology at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), preserved moss combined with ezoBord backing has a sound absorption value (AW) of 0.96. This number means that a preserved moss acoustic panel absorbs sound at the same rate as a standard office carpet with underlay.

Natural, Tranquil Colours

Designers recommend that “When it comes to finding the perfect color palette for your yoga studio, consider not only branding, but the type of atmosphere students are looking for when entering a yoga studio.” Studios often make the mistake of focusing on vibrant colors that work against a wellness focus on peace and clarity. The best alternative: “Try using light pastel shades and natural earthy tones which positively affect everyone’s mood and energy during yoga practice.”

Available in a range of hues that help designers create an interior color palette that emphasizes the beneficial greens and blues, which trigger emotional responses like calm, peacefulness, and tranquility. As a unique design feature, preserved moss products can be used in a single-moss accent wall or combined into a custom moss installation that creates repetitions and patterns that mimic those found in the natural world.

A Focus on Greenery

As the Pilgrimage blog notes, “these days, you certainly won’t find a modern yoga studio without loads of greenery. Greenery helps tie the design concept together and aligns with the philosophy of creating a healthy sanctuary and holistic connectedness. Made from 100-percent natural moss cultivated and harvested according to ecological best practices, Quiet Earth Moss is preserved with natural oil that ensures the moss appears alive and maintains a natural appearance for years to come. Our moss is also non-allergenic, requires no watering, and is perfect for areas of a studio that has no natural light. Additionally, Quiet Earth Moss uses ezoBord backing, made from recycled plastic bottles, so it is environmentally friendly and sustainable.

And installers love Quiet Earth Moss custom-framed pieces. Screw your custom-framed moss wall art directly to drywall or plywood, or have it suspended from the ceiling. Weighing as little as 1.5 pounds per square foot, these custom pieces are a fraction of the weight of a living plant installation and require no special infrastructure for light or watering.

Conclusion

As British designer Oliver Heath has noted, “biophilic design creates spaces that are inspirational.” As the wellness industry continues to flourish in the post-pandemic world, design elements will be increasingly important in differentiating a studio from its competitors. Contact Quiet Earth Moss today to help you create the brand and studio ambiance that keeps clients coming back.

The post Biophilic design in Yoga and Wellness Studios appeared first on Quiet Earth Moss.

It’s important for us all to feel “at home” in the spaces that we occupy.

Not dissimilar to the concept of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs – if we feel comfortable in our surroundings, we can focus on the things we need to do. If we don’t feel comfortable our focus turns to making ourselves comfortable. If we can focus on the things we need to do, without distractions, we make better decisions. If we’re feeling distracted, we tend to lose focus. By having the ability to make better decisions we can increase the health and wellness of our business. When our business thrives, it has a direct impact on our personal health and wellbeing. And the cycle continues to build…

So, what is Sensory Design and how can it help us to feel comfortable in our surroundings and increase our health and wellness?

Sensory design is the consideration of the total experience of the environment around you and how it impacts all your senses. The way a space has been designed has a great impact on how people think, feel and behave in those spaces. Forms and patterns, natural daylighting, ceiling height … these are a few of the things to consider when planning spaces.

There are studies that support the concept of how our surroundings can help us get well. Healthcare facilities have spaces that have been designed specifically with autism and dementia patients in mind. These spaces have been designed around the people using the spaces. These spaces have been designed not with a particular task in mind but to help the people using those spaces feel more comfortable in their environments. What if we looked at some of those concepts and applied them to our everyday workplaces to keep people happy and healthy on a day to day basis?

There is a type of hierarchy of the senses that we can consider when planning. We rely on our sense of sight more than any of the others. Our brains have a vison focus that connects what we see to the activity in our brain. Now this isn’t to say that all the focus should be put on visual cues within a space. The concepts of Diversity Equity and Inclusion should be applied to all the varying abilities of all the people that may using your space. So, all of the senses should be considered when designing a space – for example ceiling height can have an impact on sound transmission which can then have an impact on the ability to focus in a space. All of our senses help our brain to collect data about our surroundings. It is important however to keep in mind that most of the information collected by our brains relative to our environment is collected through the sense of sight.

Think of things that allow us to feel comfortable and relaxed in a space. It’s important not to overlook the importance of curating organic interaction between people and the spaces they occupy. Organic wayfinding is important so that people coming into your space understand how the space works and how they can get to where they need to be. A biophilic connection – this is key to the feeling of comfort. How can you incorporate this into your space? Consider natural daylighting or having views to nature. How can you “manufacture” views to nature?

As more and more organizations move to hybrid its’ becoming increasingly apparent that creating a “home away from home” can be a critical thought process when designing office spaces. Some organizations are electing to replicate spaces in our work environments that come from our home environment. Collections of furniture become conversation spaces promoting collaboration and can become impromptu meeting areas. In our homes, these are our living rooms. Spaces that promote casual collisions for people to socialize – this can be achieved in an open kitchen space. Organizations are placing thought into what that space should look like to accommodate and promote the culture they want in their office. This space could have a large harvest table or maybe a coffee station with a collection of gathering areas in the form of comfortable tables and chairs. The curation of a space gives our brain all the visual cues it needs to determine how we feel in that space.

After all – when our surroundings support us it allows us to feel comfortable. When we feel comfortable, we have more focus. When we have more focus, the decision-making process becomes more deliberate. When we make better decisions, this ultimately leads to greater health and wealth.

Look around you – what can you change to make your space more supportive and increase the health and wellness in your office?

Linda Bischoff; PMP, ARIDO Intern, Well AP, IFSG Red Ribbon

Over the past 35 years, Linda has worked with Design Firms, Office Furniture Dealerships and Facilities Departments in both public and private sectors. Her involvement redesigning office workplaces during Covid19 has given her a broader perspective of what is needed. As we emerge from the pandemic, we are beginning to see much change in the social fabric and culture of workplaces. The post pandemic office will demand unique solutions to create a successful workplace lifestyle redesign.

Her business focus is on creating meaningful connection with the built environment. Linda combines her knowledge of interior design, biophilia and feng shui to help create balance and harmony in homes and workspaces.

She lives in Halton Hills, Ontario. Learn more about Linda at avalonlanestudio.ca and join her on IG @avalonlanestudio.

The post Sensory Design for Health and Wellness in your workspace appeared first on Quiet Earth Moss.

We spend 90% of our time indoors.… 90% …based on data collected before the pandemic.

It’s not surprising that experiencing what is outside of our built environment has become increasingly important. Much focus is being placed on the benefits of getting outside and connecting to nature. People are being encouraged to get up and move to create different experiences. I’m sure we’ve all noticed an increase in traffic on the hiking trails near our homes. The human body was not designed to maintain static positions for long periods of time. Not only is there a physical benefit but there are many psychological benefits.

Being in nature reduces our feelings of anxiety by reducing our blood pressure and muscle tension. When people are in a more relaxed state they can think more clearly and ultimately function better. The elements of nature contribute greatly to our mental well-being in this way.

But what if it’s not possible to get outside? Well, let’s explore some ways to bring nature indoors to help make us better.

Subtle changes can be made to add some “life” to your day. Perhaps you just need to place a little bit of nature within reach. Maybe its as simple as adding a plant to your line of sight. Maybe it’s ensuring that you have access to a window. These are things that can easily be put in place to make your home office a more comfortable place to work.

Workplaces are also beginning to understand how deeply our connection to nature impacts our sense of well being. Architects and Designers are more consistently using the principles of Biophilic Design to curate workplaces that support the human element.

Both active and passive spaces can benefit from these design principles. Active spaces which are designed to promote engagement and collaboration. Passive spaces that allow for resting and thinking…a respite area that allows for nesting or solitary work.

Consider how these elements are represented in your office space.

1. Natural Daylighting – gone are the days when the thought process of sitting near a window was perceived as distracting. Areas that have a view to the outside add greatly to the creative process. Natural daylighting is also important in the support of mental health. We’ve all heard of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and how it affects people. Treatment for SAD can include light therapy which supports the concept that natural daylight has an effect on our moods. Natural daylighting is important in both active and passive spaces in support of collaboration or deep-thinking activities. There are so many reasons to include some element of natural daylighting to your office. If sitting near a window is not an option, consider having your lighting represent natural daylighting as closely as possible.

2. Natural Materials – think about how to bring the elements of nature indoors in some subtle more abstract ways. What is it about your view of nature that brings you comfort? How can you replicate those elements in your office? One of the first things that comes to mind is adding plants or a living wall. Not all offices can accommodate this concept so think outside the box. Think about the addition of moss walls. Features like these require little or no maintenance. If your office space is moving toward a hybrid solution or rotational office attendance this may be the ultimate solution.

3. Use of Fractals – Fractals are the shapes that are found in nature. Think of leafy patterns or the patterns we see in snowflakes. This can be done in a more subliminal way through carpet and fabric patterns or in art installations. The use of fractals to bring the elements of nature indoors is probably the most abstract way of adding Biophilic Design principles to our spaces. Over 90% of what our brain processes is done through the subconscious. Our brain recognizes these shapes and patterns as belonging to nature. This results in feeling more relaxed and contributes to the reduction of stress.

Good design is not linear but has many layers. These are a few ways that you can create a more natural environment in a corporate office space. There is a strong connection between our surroundings and our sense of well being. It’s possible to make subtle changes that have a large impact. A subtle change to an environment can alter how we feel, think, behave, and interact.

Linda Bischoff; PMP, ARIDO Intern, Well AP, IFSG Red Ribbon

Over the past 35 years, Linda has worked with Design Firms, Office Furniture Dealerships and Facilities Departments in both public and private sectors. Her involvement redesigning office workplaces during Covid19 has given her a broader perspective of what is needed. As we emerge from the pandemic, we are beginning to see much change in the social fabric and culture of workplaces. The post pandemic office will demand unique solutions to create a successful workplace lifestyle redesign.

Her business focus is on creating meaningful connection with the built environment. Linda combines her knowledge of interior design, biophilia and feng shui to help create balance and harmony in homes and workspaces.

She lives in Halton Hills, Ontario. Learn more about Linda at avalonlanestudio.ca and join her on IG @avalonlanestudio.

The post Elements of Nature.. Exploring some ways to bring nature indoors to help make us better appeared first on Quiet Earth Moss.

Beauty

Moss is universally beloved as a meditation medium. It is a staple in Japanese gardens, where it carpets rocks and earth. Moss invites itself to the garden by wind-blown spore, lending serenity, and softness to the environment. It grows in the shade beneath a tree, and is a beautiful reminder of resiliency, as it thrives whether the soil is rich in nutrients or not.

Unconventional and Unique

Moss art is used in biophilic design to increase our connectivity to nature. It catches the eye, evoking a sense of wonder. The three-dimensionality is not only visually spectacular but invites the viewer into that world. Each moss production is a unique, one-of-a-kind art piece– customized to the client’s specifications.

Versatility

Moss is a simple plant– it has no root structure, does not flower, and does not produce seeds. Yet, there is so much we can do with this Bryophyte. Moss can be integrated into a corporate logo, used as a base for indoor moss planters, or the most popular, a framed preserved moss wall. A rainbow of moss colors are made by using natural food dyes and can be used to create colorful mosaics.

Low-Maintenance

Preserved moss doesn’t require mist hydration, insect-repellant chemicals, or a soil base. As with any art you might install, routine dusting is all that is needed. The moss needs a moist base, away from direct sunlight, to remain vibrant and soft to the touch for years to come.

Sound-Dampening

Quiet Earth Moss sound dampening moss walls offer a cost-effective way to improve office acoustics. When noise-absorbing moss is combined with ezoBord acoustic backing material, concentration and focus become much easier.

Branding

Companies may opt for preserved moss art to align with brand values like earth-friendliness, sustainability, nature-preservation, and concern for their employees’ well-being. In addition, it adds bright, verdant greenspace to the work ecosystem.

Inspiration

Moss is an excellent medium for a green office. It increases feelings of well-being by 47%, creativity by 45%, and productivity by 38%, according to a 2013 study conducted by Exeter University. When offices were trending neutral and minimalist, the research revealed the tendency of plants to lower physiological stress, increase attentiveness, and boost the overall sense of well-being.

Contact Quiet Earth Moss to learn more about the benefits of decorating with preserved moss art.

The post Here’s Why You Should Decorate with Preserved Moss Art appeared first on Quiet Earth Moss.

This organic substrate, a species of carpet-forming lichen, can be used in office environments where living plants could never survive.  Since the moss isn’t actively growing and requires no sunlight or irrigation, it can be installed in virtually any setting that would benefit from the soothing effects of greenery.

As we learn more about the positive impacts of biophilic design in the workplace, the demand for nature-inspired installations, color schemes, and design features has continued to grow. From hotel lobbies and boutique medical clinics to commercial office spaces, here are three exciting design ideas that integrate preserved reindeer moss.

Three-Dimensional Moss Art

Bring the beauty of nature indoors with an intriguing, 3D preserved moss panel. Whether featuring pure reindeer moss, or several moss varieties, this installation satisfies our inherent yearning for access to lush greenery. Multiple heights, patterns, and textures make these botanical masterpieces a focal point in any interior setting. There are no restrictions on size, shape, or dimensions, so let your imagination run wild.

Potential design ideas:

• Concentric circles, spheres, and geometric designs
• Statement-making company logo
• Abstract figures
• Patterns in nature: rivers, mountains, forest floor, sunrise, rainbow, beehives

One-of-a-Kind Framed Moss Panels

If you’re in the market for a design element that is striking and adds rich texture and a burst of color to an otherwise bland environment, a custom-made framed panel with reindeer moss is an excellent solution. Whether a simple or complex composition, you can add different shades of reindeer moss for a unique creation. Get inspired with color choices like sienna, charcoal, ice-blue, yellow, and emerald green.

Frames are usually made from sound-absorbing, eco-friendly ezoBord panels but can also be crafted from acrylic or wood to capture your preferred aesthetic. Lightweight and easy to install in any interior space, framed moss panels are meticulously crafted to meet specified dimensions. They are a great way to introduce the beauty and peace of the outdoors into your office or workspace.

Moss Accent Mosaics

Looking for a novel way to engage the senses with moss wall art that lasts for years? Reindeer moss tiles and mosaics brighten any space while helping to reduce noise pollution– common in high traffic environments. Material– such as metal, PVC, or wood and ezoBord– is inlaid to form your chosen pattern, which could be squares or hexagons repeated on a grid or a more abstract design. There are 19 vibrant colors of preserved reindeer moss to choose from and the option to incorporate custom foliage and other moss types.

Custom Preserved Moss Creations

Reap the myriad benefits of biophilic interior design with Quiet Earth preserved moss walls. Foster creativity, innovation, and a healthier environment by incorporating a beautiful moss panel that is custom-made according to your specifications.

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in recent years, more interior designers and building managers have taken steps to artfully integrate the biophilic experience into architecture and interior design. To reap these benefits, here’s how to incorporate it into your workplace.

1. Appeal to the Senses

All of our senses play into our experience when we are immersed in a natural environment. Consider installing a preserved moss wall, using window treatments to boost ventilation, or integrating naturally occurring rounded forms like domes and arches. Using sensory variation, biophilic design helps employees feel more energized, creating a positive impact on work environments.

2. Take Advantage of Natural Changes in Lighting

As many people re-adjust to working in the office, spending so much time indoors is a common complaint. The solution? Incorporate natural lighting into your workplace environment.

Solutions like windows, skylights, solar tubes, and light shelves can link people to the outdoors by mimicking their circadian rhythm. For example, in biophilic office design, natural lighting enhances visual comfort by counteracting the flatness of artificial lighting and bright screens. In turn, natural lighting helps employees and clients feel more engaged, alert, and productive.

3. Incorporate the Presence of Water

The presence of water enhances the biophilic experience. By appealing to multiple senses, water creates a soothing, mood-boosting, and restorative indoor space.

Interventions incorporating water into interior design have several health benefits, including lowered heart rate, blood pressure, and better memory. According to research, the presence of water also fosters feelings of tranquility. Water is ideal for introducing natural ambiance in hotels, offices, health care facilities, and other indoor spaces.

4. Decorate with Natural Foliage

Natural greenery and biomorphic patterns can also help your staff or clients feel more connected to nature. Whenever possible, include foliage and greenery in climbing gardens, preserved moss planters, or decorative moss mosaics.

Quiet Earth Moss decorative moss planters are a simple solution for any indoor environment. They are made using ezoBord, and are a great alternative to hard surface planters, offering the added benefits of acoustic sound dampening, space division, and even social distancing within larger spaces.

5. Use Natural Materials

Wherever possible, use natural materials, such as sustainable bamboo, in furniture and paneling. Natural wood is an important element of biophilic design, doubling as a building material and structural element. In offices, hospitals, and hotels, well-executed wall and ceiling designs can create feelings of well-being and comfort.

In addition, using complementary biophilic floor designs both inside and outside of a building can contribute to balance and harmony. It can also create one holistic indoor and outdoor space, which is a great way to bring the outdoors in.

Transform Your Business with Biophilic Design

Ultimately, biophilic design helps people feel more comfortable by creating a rejuvenating indoor environment.

As your staff and clients adjust to the post-pandemic world, our maintenance-free, anti-microbial preserved moss walls, decorative moss mosaic panels, and moss planters can promote an improved sense of connection and comfort in the workplace. Upgrade your business today with the natural beauty of Quiet Earth Moss.

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Not surprisingly, trends in restaurant design are also reflecting a post-pandemic influence. Here are some of the newest trends reshaping the restaurant experience and some ideas about how Quiet Earth Moss products can add to the overall vision and experience that restaurants use to draw customers back into a rejuvenated dining experience.

According to a report in Cognition Today, biophilic interiors and office design afford the following benefits: improvements in short-term memory, self-reported uptick in positive emotions, lower blood pressure, and reduced stress levels.

Bring the Outdoors Inside

According to restaurant supply company Central Seating, two of the top three restaurant design trends focus on helping restaurants bring more natural elements into their design features. Two key elements of this trend: wood and greenery. The underlying philosophy of this trend is inspired by biophilia, an ancient architectural and design concept reinvigorated in the late 20th century by American biologist and researcher Edward O. Wilson.  As Stephen R. Kellert and Bill Finnegan argue in their documentary study of the Wilson-inspired trend toward biophilic architecture, natural design is “The Architecture of Life.” The outcome of this emphasis on integrating nature as design elements is clear: creating public spaces that support modern humans’ emotional, psychological, and physical health.

As Stephen Kieran, author of Loblolly House: Elements of a New Architecture, says: In the end, it is “the depth of our emotional connection to the natural world that is most important to our environmental future. Deep affinity and resonance with nature give the environment its compelling value” that ultimately “brings home why nature’s presence in our daily lives is central to our existence and what we can do to reverse a centuries-old decline.”

Adding natural elements like wood and greenery to a space is the first principle of integrated biophilic design. The psychology behind such decisions has been discussed at length: natural elements are linked to our most profound memories of survival, including the need to find food and create communities for security and sustained well-being. The trend to including more of these elements in a restaurant helps reposition the dining experience into a complex intertwined web of natural and human history. In short, it reminds customers that eating is a profoundly essential and human experience.

A spin on the trend: vertical installations and custom built-ins.

Warmer  Color Tones

The days of grey or neutral color palettes as standard restaurant fare are gone. Today’s restaurant designers are turning to warmer hues, which some researchers suggest is an effective way to stimulate hunger. At the same time, the traditional grays and blacks have been shown to diminish appetite and negatively impact the visual appeal of food. In contrast, greens (associated with abundance and salad), yellows (raise moods and appetites), as well as oranges (carrots, pumpkins, and citrus), and reds are trending strongly in establishments worldwide.

A spin on the trend: concept colors (matching color design to a restaurant’s theme or idiosyncrasies) and textured accentsWhy Partner with Quiet Earth Moss?

Quiet Earth Moss recognizes and harnesses the therapeutic qualities of nature with our stunning preserved moss products for office and hotel design. Create a unique biophilic environment with our handcrafted, maintenance-free moss art installations.

Quiet Earth Moss and Biophilic Restaurant Design

Made from a 100 percent natural product preserved using natural oils, preserved moss is a relatively maintenance-free, cost-effective way to integrate nature into any restaurant environment. Whether building upon the lushness of Reindeer Moss, or the unique leafless qualities of Pole Moss, designers can use preserved moss to enhance their design, whether in new construction or renovation.

Available in a range of hues that help designers create an interior color palette that stimulates the appetite and connects to deep human memories, preserved moss products can be used alone or in combination to create a wide variety of design features:

• Accent walls and acoustic wall panels
• Vertical or custom installations, including mosaics and 3D panel designs
• Planters or wall-mounted geo frames
• Branded moss walls

Designers can combine them in a custom moss installation that creates repetitions and patterns that mimic those found in the natural world. Because green is often associated with nature, it is a color that triggers emotional responses like calm, peace, and tranquillity.

Preserved moss products also provide natural acoustic dampening, reducing typical noise levels that studies have shown as one of the primary sources of discomfort and distraction within any public space. According to researchers from the Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories in Geneva, Illinois, Quiet Earth Moss walls have an absorption rate 0.70 NRC and higher out of a 1-point scale. This means that workers have a quieter and more peaceful place to work. Noise is proven to hinder office workers carrying out their work accurately and efficiently. Noise can also have a detrimental impact on health and levels of stress. We mount our moss on ezoBord panels as part of our specification.  ezoBord is a leading acoustic material that increases the sound absorption effect

Preserved moss is also a cost-effective component of any innovative restaurant design. Weighing only a fraction (about 25 percent) of traditional living walls or large plant displays, preserved moss walls are easy to install, and because they never require watering or light, there are no costly infrastructure retrofits required. A preserved moss wall is virtually maintenance-free, requiring only occasional dusting with a blow dryer set on a low temperature or compressed air.

Finally, our Reindeer Moss is available in a range of hues that help Designers create an interior color palette that highlights warm, inviting hues. Preserved moss products are available in seven different shades of green (from dark to Pacific green) and two soothing shades of blue (blue lavender, and ice blue) to give designers a wide variety of options.

In the end, for those restauranteurs who want to create a space that expresses such core values as comfort, resilience, and uniqueness of story, the most cost-effective impact is in the details of design and vision. Contact Quiet Earth Moss today and discover the benefits of incorporating preserved moss into your restaurant’s reopening and redesign.

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