5 min read

I am originally from Birmingham in the UK where I actually studied hairdressing after finishing my schooling. I have always loved art, architecture, fashion, all things creative really, so hairdressing was a great outlet for me to have a bit of creative fun- this was the late 80s so definitely some interesting looks back then mind you!

Unfortunately, life took a bit of a turn and after caring for a family member through a terminal illness, I went back to University and retrained as a Registered Nurse. The caring aspect has always appealed to me and I worked for many years in aged care, specifically managing nursing homes and dementia care units. It was working in dementia care that I really noticed the significance between the environment we live in and the impact on our health. It took a while but after a bit of a push from my partner, I went back to study interior design, with an interest in biophilic design, and built my knowledge on how using elements from the natural world in our living and working spaces can elevate not only our mental health, but emotional and physical health as well.

So ultimately, I discovered a link between my health and caring interest, and my creative interest, and that’s where Sea of Ideas Design Studio was born!

What do you have on your desk at the moment?

A better question is what don’t I have on my desk at the moment?! Ha-ha.

Laptop, fabric swatches, Pantone guide, pile of magazines, teacup, plants, and a cat.

How would you describe your career so far and how did you get into Interior Design?

To look at, my career probably seems like crazy jumps- hairdressing, nursing, interior design, but ultimately there is a shared element from my first two career choices leading to my third. When I explain that it’s the way that interior design can combine aesthetically beautiful pieces and aspects but also enhance your life and wellbeing, I think it makes a lot more sense to people!

What have been some of the highlights?

My first client! There was a buzz that came with me realizing “hang on, I’m actually doing this!”

I also recently rebranded- new logo, new website, and a whole new look. It has really made me feel like I have taken my company up a level. I feel like it reflects me and my ideas more now.

And the challenges?

I know I am not alone when I say COVID-19. With a lot of people weary of close contact and watching how they spend money for the time being, refurbishing the home isn’t the top of everyone’s list…. Even though after spending a lot of time at home people are certainly wanting to revamp!

Can you tell us about Biophilic design principles, and how they affect the well-being of your clients?

Biophilic Design is an architectural and design concept of increasing occupant connectivity to the natural world using direct and indirect natural experience, as well as space and place conditions. Biophilic design incorporates nature into the built environment to create restorative and connective spaces. It’s more than just the addition of a potted plant or two. Natural light, vegetation, living walls, natural textures and materials and nature views will provide a positive impact.

As stated by Terrapin “Biophilic design can reduce stress, enhance creativity and clarity of thought, improve our well-being and expedite healing; as the world population continues to urbanise, these qualities are ever more important.”

The 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design articulates the relationships between nature, human biology and the design built environment so that we may experience the human benefits of biophilia in our design applications. Despite the human biological need to connect with the environment, we currently spend approximately 90% of our time indoors, and this is where Biophilic Design becomes so important. Being surrounded by and connected to nature is inherent for optimal well-being.

How did you first get interested in biophilic design?

The love of the outdoors and how it makes you feel started my interest. Being a nurse, I also loved how residents and patients became connected and how behaviours and mood changed when we connected with the natural environment. The positive impact of a well-lit room, the smell of fresh air, the joy of plants, the different textures and the sense of calm when wood is applied. That took me on the journey of connecting wellness and interiors

Can you take us through one of your favourite projects?

I am currently introducing biophilic design into an over 55’s village. Watching the spaces come to life has been so rewarding. It started with the refreshing of the sales suites as they couldn’t sell them (one a two storey home and the other a low-lit single level home). By just changing the décor, introducing light, textures and plants gave both places a new look, a real refresh………

What do you do in your ‘down time’ (and do you have a guilty pleasure)?

I love to get down to the South Coast, Southern Highlands and the Central Coast when time allows, just to explore with my partner, Rob. My ultimate guilty pleasure is curling up on the lounge with a good book, my cats, and a glass of gin.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

It’s warmer in Australia, hurry up and move!

Website seaofideasdesign.com
Instagram seaofideasdesign

We talk to Jo Caughtry, from Sea of Ideas Design Studio