Every field of work needs some element of creativity, and that’s true wherever you are on the work chain. You can be looking at strategy or the next shoe design, working out a complicated data-driven solution or needing to persuade the government to adopt a policy. In every instance, creativity gives us the edge. There is a reason people employ design, PR, marketing and strategy agencies, we all know the value free thinking and creativity brings to a business. What we forget is that for every one of us, we have an extra source of FREE inspiration cloaking our earth. And that is our natural world. Do you remember the last time you took yourself out of the office or your house and went for a walk in the woods, along the towpath, across the park? When you had that revelation, some glimpses into a solution. Nature allows your mind to be free, to wander, to just be. There are no judgements or preconceptions, it just is. It lives and breathes just like us. Being close to it, watching the undulations of branches in the wind, the lofty jumps of squirrels in search of food or the protective calls of birds in the trees, something sparks an idea in our minds, some kind of recognition that helps unlock solutions to problems that seem a thousand miles away.

Nature is such an inspiration on so many levels, from offering up texture, colour, shape, smell, sustainability, design, and biomimetic ideas right through to giving us space, light, and air to think, breathe and create.

In this issue, we opened out the concept of “Creativity and Nature” and we have a beautiful issue as a result. Looking at how wool for instance can provide us with wonderful sustainable rugs to snuggle around us or how strong hardwood trees provide solidity and longevity under our feet. We also celebrate the flower in our plants section, with pressed flowers and Roman crowns.
Throughout this issue, you’ll be taken on a bit of a journey. Allow your mind and time to meander awhile through a garden of ideas.

In this issue as always, we look at the science behind how our brains relate to seeing and being immersed in nature. Just what happens to our little grey cells when our senses are enlivened by nature, whether that’s seeing, touching, smelling, feeling, tasting, or experiencing nature.

This is an issue to savour, to pick up and ruminate on, to take to heart, to be inspired by.

As a bit of background, did you know...
Research conducted to the highest standards by neuro-, cognitive, and social scientists, worldwide, makes it clear that people are most apt to think creatively in spaces that:

• Feature the colour green. Looking at the colour green has been tied to enhanced creative performance. Among all the greens available, those that are not very saturated and relatively light are the best options. These sorts of greens, an example of which is a sage green with lots of white mixed into it, create the optimum atmosphere for knowledge work generally – one where people are calm and collected enough to focus on whatever they’re endeavouring to accomplish, but not so relaxed that they fall asleep – and the use of a light colour on walls makes a space seem slightly larger than it does when a darker one is applied – that impression of extra size is generally a plus. How many of us, particularly at home, are toiling away in a space that seems overly large?

• Bring nature views front and centre. Whether out the window or on the wall/desktop (in a photo, artwork, etc.), nature views help us both mentally refresh and think more creatively.

Read about the science, pick up and "feel" the beautiful nature-inspired designed products from rugs to gorgeous staircases and the delicacy of wrought iron flowers climbing a building, petal art, how a shared workspace in nature works, plus lots more! Read, view feel and be inspired!