As part of the design for the reNEWable Living Home, Intermark Design Group created styles using reclaimed wood in clean, sleek design elements. The team set out to transform its design approach to incorporate living resources into the project. Rather than including large living trees indoors, the designers opted for more subtle elements, such as succulents and terrariums that can be placed in small quantities throughout the home. For example, instead of a centerpiece on a table, consider a large clear glass terrarium with living plants. Window ledges also can be leveraged to showcase a large, bright plant like a bromeliad that can then become the focal piece in the room.
By incorporating these elements in small, eye-catching ways throughout the home, it becomes easier to attain feelings of renewal and wellness. In fact, science has proved that plants in the home contribute to:
• more productivity,
• a boost in healing,
• cleaner air, and
• lower likelihood of illness.
Visibility to the outdoors and a tabletop terrarium bring the feeling of wellness to this space.
As more urban development occurs in the center of cities, people seek these important elements in their lives, and they can easily be planned for in the architecture of new buildings and homes. Architects can design and incorporate these features into floor plans to attract a distinctive character to a home while builders can market these benefits as “green living.”
Including plants on table surfaces, in bathrooms, and even as wall art is a method designers use to create a renewed sense of living. Simple things like plant shelving in bathrooms and kitchens can be used as key selling points.
Of course, maintenance is the tricky part of executing these elements in design, but it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Designers can select low-maintenance species like succulents, aloe, snake plants, jade, and bromeliads, which all require little to no water and can be easily incorporated in the design of any home.
See other tips on reNEWable home design at www.builderonline.com/renewable and plan to visit the concept home in January 2018 in Orlando.
