As we transition from Spring to Summer now is the time to get the garden going! Don’t have outdoor space? Don’t have a green thumb but would really like to plant SOMETHING? We got you. There are also ways that holistic interior design can design impact healthier eating choices and we want to share some tips for that too – these work especially well in office environments. Check it out!
RESIDENTIAL SPACES
One of the easiest ways to connect with nature is to grow a garden right in your own backyard, but the thought of getting started on this can be especially daunting. That’s why this month, we’re sharing easy ways to get growing.
Our first tip: Start with vegetables that are easy to grow. According to Good Housekeeping, carrots, cucumbers and zucchini are among the least difficult varieties. If you have a good handle on where your backyard gets light and what type of soil and drainage you’re working with, you should be able to compose a thriving garden fairly easily – even from seeds. For the true novice, we’d recommend seedlings from your local nursery (be sure to look for organic options since you will be eating what you grow!)
For city dwellers who may not have access to a yard, consider a window box with herbs. Not only will you have fresh ingredients for cooking and cocktails, but your kitchen will smell wonderful every time you open the window. We recommend thyme, rosemary and mint as they’re the easiest to grow, and tend to come back even after the winter months. Other herbs like basil, cilantro and parsley are also fairly low maintenance and can be found at your local nursery or even supermarket. Again – we recommend purchasing organic since you’ll be eating these.
COMMERCIAL SPACES
We’ve all been there- working late and eating just about anything in front of us to keep going. But the truth is we are what we eat. Eating poorly does not align with employee productivity and making it easier for employees to eat a well-balanced diet will help with overall well-being. Here are some easy things you can do to encourage this in your office.
- If you provide food or snacks for employees position the fruits and vegetables in the most visible area of the kitchen so it is the first thing employees see.
2. Plant a couple of indoor gardens to provide fresh produce for employees. These have the added value of offering up a dose of biophilia which has been proved to boost mood and reduce stress levels.
3. Minimize serving plates to 10” diameter maximum to control portions.
4. Create eating areas that can accommodate up to 25% of employees to encourage mindful eating (versus sitting at your desk and eating).
5. Try and purchase only healthy snacks like nuts and dark chocolate and if you need to cheat to keep employees happy, keep them off the counter and store them in upper cabinets that are harder to reach.
Gala Magriñá Design works with clients that understand the importance of creating a beautiful space and want to work with a no-nonsense design team that is able to clearly chart the best way forward. What separates or approach from other designers is our extensive knowledge of how people live and how best to create a customized space that nurtures that. We aim to merge cool and beautiful interiors with a holistic, mindful and intuitive approach to design that results in powerful, healthy spaces that elevate and transform people’s lives. For more information please visit galamagrinadesign.com.
