There is no doubt that houseplants have grown in popularity, with the pandemic accelerating their adoption in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. According to a 2024 Mintel report, UK consumers aged 16-34 are leading the trend, investing heavily in flowers and houseplants for interiors. In a recent study conducted by the University of South Australia, researchers uncovered the depth of emotional connection that people can have with their houseplants. The findings revealed that one in seven people views their houseplants as part of their family.
plants@work Association (interior landscaping organisation) reports that this general trend is also reflected in the increased demand in incorporating houseplants into workplaces and public spaces. This trend is not just about aesthetics; it is about well-being, sustainability, and design innovation. Plants are becoming indispensable tools for architects and specifiers to create healthier, more inviting environments that foster biophilia—our innate connection to nature.
Why Plants Matter
Forget outdated theories about humans gravitating toward greenery due to evolutionary ties to the savannah. The real value of plants lies in their psychological, cognitive, and environmental benefits. Unlike other design elements like art or lighting, plants are remarkably versatile and cost-effective.
In minimalistic office spaces plants have shown transformative effects. Research indicates that introducing greenery into sterile environments can:
– Boost well-being by 40%
– Increase engagement by 45%
– Enhance productivity by 17%
For example, in a consultancy firm, an investment of £10,000 in plants for half of a business floor yielded a 15% productivity increase which would roughly equate to an extra £2.5 million of income. Plants also enhance cognitive performance, improving brain function by up to 19% in both workplace and elder-care settings.
How Plants Elevate Interior Design
Biophilic design has shifted from a trend to a cornerstone of contemporary architecture. Plants are no longer seen as mere decorative accents but as structural elements that shape spaces.
Indoor gardens and green walls have become essential features in modern design, seamlessly blending the indoors with the outdoors. Skylights, retractable glass walls, and atriums create living ecosystems that not only enhance aesthetics but also improve biodiversity. Vertical gardens go beyond beauty, serving practical purposes like soundproofing in open-plan offices and restaurants. With their stunning appeal and low-maintenance requirements, green walls are increasingly popular among architects and designers.
Plants are now woven into everyday architectural elements, from bookshelves integrated with trailing greenery to kitchen islands with built-in herb gardens. Transitional spaces like folding glass doors, sunrooms, and conservatories bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor environments, creating immersive retreats year-round. Designers strategically use lush foliage, cascading and tropical plants to mimic nature, offering relaxation and a seamless connection to the outside world.
Plants are also central to wellness-focused design, transforming spaces into sanctuaries of health and relaxation. In workplaces, plant-filled areas provide quiet corners for meditation, while green walls act as air purifiers and stress-reducing visual buffers. Hospitals, schools, and care spaces embrace healing gardens and indoor atriums to foster calming environments that lower anxiety and boost mood, reshaping the way architects approach wellness in their designs.
Nowadays, the integration of plants into interior spaces is more than a trend—it is a necessity. Plants boost well-being and foster a sense of connection to nature. They serve as versatile, cost-effective tools that elevate design while promoting mental and physical health. Whether you are creating a corporate office, designing a luxury hotel, or planning a public space, incorporating plants into your projects is a science-backed way to make environments healthier, more productive, and more harmonious. To ensure the best results, it is important to include provisions for houseplants in the early stages of your design or refurbishment plans. Members of plants@work can provide expert guidance and support to help you seamlessly integrate plants into your schemes. Please contact association’s members at www.plantsatwork.org.uk for professional assistance and advice.
Why wouldn’t you include plants? Their impact is undeniable, their appeal universal, and their benefits transformative.
Contact details:
Joanna Hargreaves
Plants at Work Ltd
E: info@plantsatwork.org.uk
T: 01794 521744
PO BOX 196, Romsey SO51 7PF
Images: plants@work members – Botanica Nurseries, Mitie Landscapes, Nurture Landscapes, Plant Designs, Urban Planters
