Add Plants and Natural Elements to Your Space

Introduce indoor plants, natural materials, and nature views to make everyday spaces calmer and more restorative.

Beta content. Evidence for this dimension is still developing; grade is conservative and will be upgraded as more research is reviewed.

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Preliminary research suggests…

Systematic reviews and small studies find indoor plants and even small-scale greenery are associated with relaxed physiology, better mood and cognition. Studies are often short-term with small samples, and effect sizes vary, so this is graded C. The benefit is modest and supportive, not therapeutic.

A few plants or natural elements in the spaces you use most Plants, natural materials, or nature imagery foundational home and workspace

reduce_stressimprove_moodsupport_focusgeneral_adultsoffice_workershome_workers

5 ordered steps with their dose, from Home Environment Optimization.

Common misconceptions

Plants are mainly for air purification, the wellbeing effect is more about mood and restoration
You need many plants, even a small amount of greenery shows effects

What we won't claim

Houseplants purify your air enough to prevent disease
Plants treat anxiety or depression

Key sources (3), grade mix A:2 · B:0 · C:1

Every source below carries its own grade and links to the original study. This is the audit trail.

AJiaqi Gu, Haixiao Liu, Hongguo Lu (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 10.3390/ijerph19169778

AKe-Tsung Han, Li-Wen Ruan, L. Liao (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 10.3390/ijerph19127454

CC. Youn, Minji Kang, Juyoung Lee (2025) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 10.3390/ijerph22101571

✓Explore all 401 studies in Environmental →

The full evidence base this focus area draws on, every study with its grade and DOI.