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Oliver Heath Biography

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“When it comes to interior design, all too often we use it as a way of expressing our identity, to show our style, status, power, or wealth. These are all extrinsic, or external, considerations. What if we were to turn this around and instead take an intrinsic approach, drawing on what matters most to us, making every design choice an opportunity to improve our physical and mental well-being? What would it look, feel, smell, or sound like? Could your home make you feel better?”

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“A kitchen-diner should be somewhere that nourishes us and promotes healthy behaviors, and having the right kitchen equipment and food on display can go a long way toward this. Consider placing juicers or filtered water in an accessible space on the counter, or having an inviting fruit bowl or a kitchen herb box on the windowsill.”

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“Imagine a room you could go to for some time out, to switch off or to meditate. What would you find there?... - Windows and natural light - Views out onto greenery (or add some window planters) - A timber-clad wall or timber furniture to make the space feel warm and rich - Artwork containing biophilic fractals - An immersive planting arrangement where you can sit among the foliage - Soft, natural fabrics and textures - Adjustable lighting (salt lamps give off a lovely warm glow) - A scent diffuser - Carefully considered colors to suit the mood you wish to create - A lock on the door if you need it - Your favorite things that help you relax: perhaps a TV, a selection of things to read, or whatever you need in order to feel as though you've given yourself a break.”

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“Circadian lighting might seem complicated if you've never heard of it before, but it can be done in a number of easy ways. At its simplest, try using a string of very warm white, or orange, LEDS in the evening when you are relaxing before bedtime. In overhead or side lights, use circadian light bulbs, which can be set to different colors of light, controlled by a dimmer switch. Use color-changing LED light strips or bulbs with their own color remote controller. Consider buying color-changing lighting products, such as stand-alone table or floor lamps. Use a wake-up light alarm clock to wake you gently with color-changing lights in the morning, and relax you with soft lighting in warm tones at bedtime.”

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“... we no longer wake up with the dawn chorus and settle down for the night with the hum of crickets. But just as our circadian rhythms are affected by exposure to natural light, sounds can act as cues for our sense of time and how we feel. ... There are alarm clocks that can help with your acoustic circadian rhythms by playing birdsong to wake you and the sound of waves lapping as you go to sleep... try creating your own soundtrack for the day.”

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“Noises that can reduce the difference between the background ambient hum and sudden loud sounds include: ~ White noise- this is a continuous mechanical-type noise, like the gentle hum of a motor, that covers the whole hearing range of frequencies... ~ Pink noise- this noise boosts lower frequencies for those who find white noise too sharp, and is more akin to natural noises such as steady rainfall or wind rustling through the leaves in a tree... ~ Brown noise- this is even lower frequency noise, like thunder or a crashing waterfall.”

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“Whole-home heat recovery systems... extract stale, moist air from any room with water use, such as bathrooms and kitchens, then extract the warmth from it to preheat the fresh air being brought back in. The fresh air is run through filters before being pumped into all living spaces in the home. It can also be used to help cool a home during warmer months. This type of system is expensive and requires good duct runs, but is very effective.”

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“This basic evolutionary concept has been developed over the years into what we now know as biophilic design, which offers a set of three core design principles that aim to improve our connection with nature: Nature in the space: bringing real forms of nature and ways to connect to natural systems into your space... Natural analogues: including references to- or representations of- nature, taking inspiration from its forms, shapes, colors, patterns, and textures... Nature of the space: mimicking the spatial qualities of natural environments to enhance or evoke human responses.”

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“Consider how you can use visual pattern to define a space for its purpose and activity... - In the bathroom, you might want to use rippled or soft undulating patterns to remind yourself of the calmness of water, think water surface, sand, or shell patterns. - In the living room, leafy patterns and forest-inspired shapes and patterns can be relaxing and restorative. - Retreats or quiet spaces such as bedrooms or home offices might benefit from images of sheltered or secluded natural spaces, for example cave-like patterns. - By contrast, lively spaces may suit patterns of more dynamic natural systems, such as waterfalls and rivers. Remember that there is a balance to strive for here. Subtlety is key, so the patterns don't dominate the space and overwhelm you. Also keep in mind that there are no straight lines in nature, so hard edges can appear harsh.”

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“Imagine a room filled with: ~ soft, natural blues- these bring to mind clear skies and cool, calm pools of water, so they help us feel relaxed. ~ shades of vibrant green- these remind us of the energy and calm we experience in the middle of a natural meadow or forest. ~ yellows- these remind us of warm summer sunshine, ripe crops, and sunflowers, they are warming and welcoming and create an energized, social atmosphere. ~ purples and mauves- these take us to the gentle light of the magic hours at dawn and dusk, they can also be mysterious, spiritual, and meditative colors. ~ oranges and reds- these remind us of ripe fruits and berries, the promise of nutrition can be energizing, exciting, and stimulating.”

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“Nonrhythmic sensory stimuli (NRSS) are calming, gentle, nonthreatening movements found in nature, such as ripples on a pool of water, grass swaying, or leaves moving in a breeze, which can aid psychological restoration and reduce eyestrain from computers. The movement catches our eye every so often and allows us a moment of effortless attention on something in the distance. This is particularly beneficial if we refocus our vision every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, on something 20 feet away (this is known as the 20x20x20 rule). Adding some greenery to your workspace can help with this. Try placing a leafy plant next to an open window for gentle movement in a breeze.”

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“How do we create this [prospect-refuge] in the home? It could be as simple as having a high-backed chair in the corner of a room, a window seat to perch at or a small reading nook tucked away in a calm area. If you have the space, you could even create your own "wellness room".”

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“Try to make sure... that you have somewhere in your house where you can do a workout, whether that's yoga, core-strength exercises, or an online class. If you know you have the space, it's harder to make an excuse as to why you can't fit a bit of movement into your morning, lunch break, or after work.”

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“It is thought that a lack of sunlight stops the hypothalamus (a small part of the brain that regulates important functions, including circadian rhythms) from working properly, which leads to a lack of serotonin (the "happy hormone") and a disrupted body clock.”

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“For some, conversation comes naturally as a way to connect, but for others it's easier to unite over the sharing of activities and skills. The tip here is to dedicate space and furniture to allow these things to happen. Where can you store games so they're easily accessible? Is your table large and easy enough to clear to double up as an arena to play or make? Have you created somewhere for others to sit while you cook, and is there enough counter space for them to join in? Are your craft and gardening tools organized and ready to go? ...this space needs to be warm and inviting... could be as simple as lighting a fire, playing background music, or bringing in extra cushions and throws.”

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“…certain times of the year your [allergy] symptoms are worse, and this will give you an insight into whether pollen or molds trigger your body's reactions; for example: March to June: tree pollen June to August/September: grass pollen August to October: weed pollen Fall: outdoor molds The pollen count is highest between 5 and 10am and at dusk...”

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“When it comes to lunchtime... we gather to eat a bowl of fresh soup every day. At some point mid-morning, the question "what soup shall we make today?" will have arisen... The soup then gets made in our office kitchen by the volunteer of the day, and devoured around the meeting table amid much conversation and debate!... It feels wholesome and nourishing in more ways than one; we get health from our meal, and well-being from our sense of community.”

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“In our multifunctional homes, we will need different types of light at different times of day for different moods or tasks. All spaces in the house should have different lighting options so that they can be adapted to fit your needs. This should include: - Good general (or ambient) lighting to aid circulation around the house. This could be dimmable spotlighting so it can be bright for activities and dimmed later in the day. - Task lighting, such as side lamps, standing lamps, and spotlights above or next to specific task areas. - Mood or accent lighting for hosting or simply relaxing.”

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“Circadian lighting, in essence, follows a "sunrise to sunset" cycle, according to which lights should be brighter and bluer in the morning (blue makes us feel alert), and warmer orange light that mimics dusk to facilitate sleep should be used in the evening.”

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“Maximize Natural Light If you are undertaking a larger design or refurbishment project, consider: Adding more windows if building permits allow. Enlarging your windows by (most cost effectively) dropping the sills. Replacing existing windows and choosing windows with smaller frames. Replacing the glass so that it is one solid piece rather than broken up by fenestration bars or leaded light strips. Adding a sun tube, a small reflective tube that lets light into windowless spaces that are near the roof, such as an upstairs hallway. Adding a skylight to allow light to flood in and aid ventilation.”

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