Blog
Biophilia - The Draw of Nature
There is a reason you were always drawn to that room, in your home, school or library, with mahogany walls or paneling, and the smell of natural wood throughout. That reason is biophilia. “Biophilia” was a word first used to describe man’s innate desire for self-preservation. But the meaning was expanded in the late 1970s by biologist Edward O. Wilson to “the rich, natural pleasure that comes from being surrounded by living organisms.” The human body responds positively to the sense of being surrounded by nature, even when the surroundings are interior. At the same time, the human body reacts negatively, in both a spiritual and chemical sense, to being surrounded by manufactured materials, most notably in furniture and wall coverings. The process of creating manufactured materials includes chemical additives which preserve and protect the surface from the wear of light. But those additives produce unseen emissions that get into the air, and eventually the lungs and heart of people who live among such materials. Biophilic Interior Design At Natureworks Design, we concentrate on the energy that comes from our interior designs. Feng shui focuses on the layout of an interior room or space, and we enthusiastically support minimalist design in order to provide open areas in which to live and breathe. At the same time, the energy of a room is influenced by the materials of the furniture and plants that coexist in the space. Such biophilic interior design revolves around the use of natural woods and fibers in the materials. It is revealing to witness a client viewing a redesigned interior room for the first time when biophilic design is included. The client receives a sense of warmth and connectivity, even if the feeling is entirely subconscious. It is a thrill to see the countenance of a client change within the first few moments of entering a properly designed interior. The Details of Biophilic Interior Design There are numerous details to biophilic interior design, including a few that go beyond the materials used in setting a room. You want to be able to incorporate natural light and fresh air into the design of an interior space. Natural light is a known disinfectant, and it positively affects both the mental and physical state of humans. Fresh air is going to feel more relatable than contained air, no matter how well you filter the air that comes from an HVAC system. Fresh air is known to be a positive force on the body’s immune system. Cardiac specialists can also detail all of the benefits of fresh air on the heart, lungs and blood in the body. Any furniture in your interior space should be made of natural materials when possible. Not only do natural materials emit a vibration that the human body absorbs subconsciously, they also absorb sound better than manufactured materials. Part of an idyllic interior is the calm it projects, and furniture made of natural materials simply feel less abrasive. There is a sense, as well, that being in a space with furniture made from natural materials keeps one at peace with the world. Natural wood and stone are more environmentally friendly than man-made materials. You may not think of these details as you live in your interior rooms, but the positive sense that comes from the combination of materials cannot be denied. Nature can also be transplanted into an interior space in the form of plant life. You may not want to live in a jungle setting, but including plants that work in the space of your home and that enhance the environment by being easily seen and recognized creates a greater sense of living within the world. You need not be a naturalist to understand the value of biophilic living conditions. The sounds of nature, the light from the sky, and the vibrations emitted from wood, stone, and natural fabrics all contribute to a sense of peace within a space. Please visit NatureWorks Design or Dawn Furk Services to get a sense of what we can offer in the creation of your beautiful, peaceful home.
Learn moreRecently Published Article by Redfin-Why Eco Friendly Flooring and Design Elements
Why choosing eco-friendly floors mattersEnvironmentally friendly flooring is only one way to make your house more sustainable andconsider your home's impact on the environment. Natureworks Design LLC comments on wide-ranging reasons why you should go green, saying,“Green is always a better choice when it comes to making a selection for your new or existinghome. Why? NO VOC's - your health matters first and foremost and shouldn’t be taken lightly.We’re spending more time in our homes now, more than ever. Green-friendly products have justas good wearability as traditional and have less impact on mother earth with less carbonfootprint and less landfill. Some great newer options to consider are hardwood and tile, as theyoffer resale value.” They continue, “Eucalyptus happens to be a fabulous look over bamboo, so step out of the box.Many of the same products are typically used. Don't get caught up in the yearly trends, as you’lldate your home quickly. Stay classic in your permanent features and accent with pops of colorwith fabrics, pillows, and upholstery. So many options are becoming available continually.Support USA-made products when possible and your small business owners. We do make thedifference.”Whether you're aiming to reduce your carbon footprint or make a long-lasting upgrade to your home, choosing an environmentally friendly flooring option can help.Originally published by Redfin
Learn moreCourtesy of EWG...a must read article
Explore Home Guides The Healthy Living: Home Guide includes more than 20 different types of products for building, making improvements and furnishing your home. You’ll find quick, inexpensive changes you can make, as well as bigger changes and investments you can take on when building, remodeling or redecorating. https://www.ewg.org/healthyhomeguide/?utm_campaign=Social+Traffic&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=1509373037
Learn moreEducation on Formaldyhde and the health hazards it can cause.
Please read and be aware before you buy! http://www.cbsnews.com/news/lumber-liquidators-linked-to-health-and-safety-violations/ Low VOC Flooring ASTM Laboratory Test Results Show Cali Bamboo Flooring100% Formaldehyde Free A recent extensive testing performed by the world’s preeminent emissions detection laboratory Benchmark International, shows several floors registering standardized concentration levels as “Not Detectable” with less than 0.000 PPM (parts per million). The floors with detectable levels were still 50 times lower than the strictest California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase 2 standards 0.05 PPM. In fact, Cali Bamboo floors scored even lower than the typical air we breathe 0.02 PPM. Due to Cali Bamboo’s proprietary quality control process, which includes the use of superior materials, adhesives and manufacturing techniques, we are able to manufacture a product that is beautiful, durable, eco-friendly and safe for even the most sensitive homeowners. What is formaldehyde? Formaldehyde can be a naturally occurring chemical in lower concentrations but is often used for embalming, or as a bonding agent or solvent. Formaldehyde is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC). VOC's are chemicals that become a gas at room temperature. As a result, products made with formaldehyde will release the gas into the air. This is called off-gassing. If high concentrations of formaldehyde are off-gassed and breathed in, it could cause health problems. What contains formaldehyde? Formaldehyde is in just about everything. Apples, shampoo and the air we breathe contains trace formaldehyde. Higher levels of formaldehyde can be found in certain building materials such as particle board, plywood, paneling, pressed-wood and laminated wood building materials including furniture and flooring. Awareness is the best defense. Do your research and get the formaldehyde emissions test results before you put any laminated wood building products in your home. Only use "interior-grade" pressed wood products (lower-emitting because they contain phenol resins, not urea resins). Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain moderate temperature and increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home. Natureworks Design offer several safe options for flooring.
Learn moreLiving a Healthier Lifestyle
The EPA has stated that homes today are 90% more polluted than the worst polluted city in America! Can you imagine Los Angeles and then your home 90% worse? This is where we identify the hidden toxins in your home. Company … or community? How To Be Green is both. It’s a company created to build and support a growing community—the community of people who want to live natural, toxin-free lives. Per Debbie Savage www.howtobegreen.org Please note this is about living a healthier lifestyle and we will continue to share our passion, education and advocacy.
Learn more