How to create indoor spaces that mimic nature
The new "Superman" movie is bright and uplifting. It shows the best in people and fills everyone with an old-fashioned feeling of goodness and kindness. This movie shows Superman at his finest, welcoming all into his world.
I dream of a world where Superman's qualities of peace, love and hope shine. In this world, people help one another and care for all living things on Earth.
Humans connect emotionally with nature's wonders. This innate bond reminds us that we're part of something greater. It empowers us to be our best selves, just like Superman rising above the ordinary.
Humans connect emotionally with nature's wonders. This innate bond reminds us that we're part of something greater.
I lived in Marin County for 15 years. I moved from Indian Valley to Corte Madera, then to Sausalito. Nature was always nearby. I felt a daily connection to the magical mysteries of the natural world.
Walking through Muir Woods, I felt energized by the scents and blossoms. A Sustainability journal study shows that nature's calm atmosphere helps foster mindfulness.
In Marin, stepping outside is refreshing. The natural world energizes here. A recent article in the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine says that trees and plants release essential oils called phytoncides. These oils create a sense of calm and renewal.
Essential oils are central to Japan's tradition of "forest bathing." This practice lets you immerse yourself in the forest's healing elements. Marin is ideal for recreating this experience by bringing forest bathing indoors.
In Marin, stepping outside is refreshing; the natural world energizes.
People in Marin love being outdoors, but weather or schedules can interfere. Creating indoor spaces that mimic nature can help reduce stress, enhance mood and improve mental health. You can simulate forest bathing indoors.
To add forest bathing benefits to your workplace, include plants with essential oils. Consider rosemary, peppermint, lemon and jasmine. These plants can boost well-being and thrive indoors. They also release healing phytoncides. Employees and customers can enjoy the calming effects of forest bathing while working or shopping.
A 2025 study in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine shows that people spend about 93% of their time indoors. In the United States, people are inside buildings 85% of the time and spend 8% traveling. As indoor time increases, many feel more disconnected from nature.
The Singapore Edition Hotel has created a calming retreat indoors for people to connect with the natural world.
You can reconnect with the natural world by turning your workplace into a calming retreat.
Michelle Squire, owner of Studio SQUIRE in San Rafael, designed the Mog Asu Wine Bar in Tiburon. This wine bar blends nature into its commercial space. Squire describes the Tiburon wine bar as featuring a soft cascade of pothos on an open shelf. A sculptural tree grounds a sunlit corner. A wall-mounted arrangement of succulents blurs the line between art and nature.
You can enhance your workplace in many ways. For example, interior wall cascades with flowing water can be calming. Water features help people feel closer to nature. Adding potted plants or plant walls creates a soothing, appealing atmosphere.
Small changes indoors can bring health benefits. Just one plant like jasmine can surround you with nature's healing essential oils. You'll feel how it soothes your mind and lifts your spirits.
The FYSH restaurant in the Singapore Edition Hotel has plant walls that create a soothing, appealing atmosphere.
Trees and plants also reduce noise and vibrations. Natural elements support emotional well-being. You can create a serene oasis and a healthier environment.
The Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore showcases nature in a commercial space. Visitors enjoy a lush green sanctuary. They can admire the 131-foot rain vortex waterfall and walk among more than 2,000 trees and palms and 10,000 shrubs.
Many Marin plant services can help you create your own indoor forest sanctuary. Access Plants in Novato offers plant delivery and maintenance for workplaces. Consider a tabletop plant, like a white anthurium, an easy-to-grow philodendron or a sago palm.
The Amazon Spheres in Seattle provide an inspiring workspace for Amazon employees. These spheres blend nature within a glass dome, creating a vibrant and relaxing office environment.
Sky Garden in London has a garden in a greenhouse on its rooftop. The natural elements support emotional well-being in a serene oasis.
Currently, some indoor settings, like the Amazon Spheres and the Jewel Airport, may be too expensive for many users. But as materials and processing improve, prices will likely drop.
When you integrate nature into your spaces, reflect on how these small changes can deepen your bond with the natural world.
Connecting with nature empowers and renews our inner strength. With peace in our hearts, love for nature in our souls, and hope for a sustainable future, we know our planet will thrive and survive.
When you integrate nature into your spaces, reflect on how these small changes can deepen your bond with the natural world.
Click here for article published in The Marin Independent Journal, September 7, 2025