Choosing wood flooring to install in a below-grade basement can be quite a challenge.

Not all flooring can stand up to damp conditions and high levels of humidity. Solid hardwood floor, for example, absorbs moisture and will warp, crack, cup or crown when exposed to harsh conditions — making it an unfavourable option for basements.

Engineered wood flooring, however, lets you enjoy the warmth and beauty of real wood, whilst maintaining the stability and moisture resistance of laminate construction.

Why are basements so damp?

Due to persistent condensation, basements are often too damp (especially in old homes) to be comfortable for hardwood flooring. Water vapour from warmer outside air sinks to the basement where it condensates cooler surfaces such as the solid concrete foundations that support our homes and make up the walls and floors.

Other moisture and humidity sources can be caused by water seeping against the walls or entering through cracks in window casements. Too much dampness will ultimately lead to rot and decay, architectural damage, and other types of biological growth.

Because of its construction — a top layer (known as wear layer) of hardwood adhered to three or more layers of backing material, either plywood or HDF — engineered flooring can tolerate large swings in temperature and humidity better, making it an ideal option for basements.

Engineered wood flooring can be installed over radiant heat, floated, glued directly to a concrete slab, and nailed or glued to a plywood subfloor.

Before installation

If you have a plywood subfloor, fill any gaps with levelling compound for an even surface. You would generally be best off to have a standard engineered wood floor that can be nailed into the plywood. For a smooth and fairly levelled concrete subfloor, a regular engineered wood floor can be installed by glueing it to the substrate.

If the subfloor is uneven, proper installation preparations are essential to the durability of the finished engineered floor. This may mean grinding off any high spots and smoothing out cracks or imperfections.

In a case where the subfloor is fairly level but not smooth, you have the option of installing clickable floorboards that can be floated on top.

Why is moisture so critical to surface preparation?

While engineered wood flooring is sturdier than traditional floorboards, it does expand and contract due to temperature and moisture changes. For this reason, your choice of adhesive will be determined by the environment and the conditions during installation. Certain wood adhesives are formulated to provide the necessary moisture barrier

Installing on concrete subfloor

Before you put down any floor in the basement, you may want to cover the concrete with a moisture barrier. This could be anything from poly sheeting, paint-on products designed to seal concrete slabs or underlayment with a built-in vapour barrier.

A moisture barrier does a great job at preventing moisture and water vapour from wicking up through the cement slab into the wood planks. Alternatively, a subfloor can be installed as a supplementary floor that keeps engineered wood boards from contacting the concrete directly.

What’s more, subfloors provide support for floating floors, and can act as both sound and heat insulators. A layer of 3/4 inch plywood-on-slab and sleeper are great subfloor systems for concrete installation.

A supplementary subfloor and moisture barrier will create additional floor height, which may require you to cut any basement doors shorter.

Like any other hardwood installation, it is required to acclimate the floor boards by unpacking and placing them in the area they are to be laid. Let the open boxes of wood sit in the room at least 4-7 days to absorb the ambient temperature and humidity.

Conclusion

Basements are often complicated; hence the wrong type of flooring faces a variety of defects that may not be apparent until sometime later. Engineered floorboards make hardwood flooring an ideal choice for the lower level of your home.

Many of the damage risks can be minimised because of the core components of the materials that make up engineered flooring. Plus, it offers the natural characteristics of almost any hardwood species.

Proper damage preventive measures include consulting a flooring professional before installation. They will advise on the best structure/installation method and whether floor prep is required since most basements are uneven.

Wood flooring has a timeless aesthetic that seems to never go out of style. Besides its durability and low maintenance care benefits, it offers a great way to usher in an organic, biophilic feel into an office environment, coordinating different styles around its sophisticated and classic appeal

For a remodel or a newly built office, you may want to select material that balances function with beauty. If you’re looking at hardwood flooring as a possible option, there are many reasons why you should go for engineered floor — it offers a wider variety of style options, easier installation and lasting peace of mind.

What exactly is engineered wood flooring?

With so much demand for long-lasting hard surface flooring today, one of these choices include engineered wood flooring. This type of flooring is made up of layers — the top layer being genuine hardwood, bonded over a substrate of 3-9 high-quality plywood.

The middle and back layers are positioned in different directions for dimensional stability and resistance to moisture, humidity and arid conditions.

Engineered wood flooring with a thicker wear layer can last 40-80 or more years before having to be replaced.

The hardwood veneer that sits atop comes in a variety of species including oak; with multiple finishes available in matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss; and in a number of surface effects such as hand-scraped for a time-worn appeal, distressed for a slightly rustic charm, or wire-brushed.

A sustainable choice

The construction process of engineered floors is highly resourceful and utilises less hardwood, making this type of flooring a more eco-friendly option.

Deforestation has become a worrying issue, and striving to choose “greener” products for an office project helps the environment around us.

It’s important to purchase flooring through manufacturers that harvest from responsible forests. An easy way to ensure that you’re playing your part is to check if the company is FSC certified.

Keep a clean, fresh office environment

High-quality engineered floor can be next to indistinguishable to solid wood flooring, even by a trained eye. And like solid hardwood, it has both aesthetic and positive health effects when used within an interior environment.

When you’re building a space any employee would love to work in, you want the results to be as beautiful and useful as possible.

Well-documented research indicates that the naturalness, warmth and aspirational appeal of wood flooring can positively impact workers psychological and physiological well-being.

Engineered flooring is no different — it helps promote a clean, healthy and hospitable workplace for everyone.

According to a study conducted by HOK Architects, wood offers a sensory stimulation both visually and tactilely, which can contribute to employees’ ability to rally their best in terms of productivity and performance.

Another study carried out by the University of British Columbia reveals a link between wood biophilic properties and stress reactivity in occupants of the built environment — a similar effect humans experience when their desire to connect with nature is fulfilled. These positive results promote improved health, happier employees and a reduction in sick days — a profound benefit to any company’s bottom line in more ways than one.

Engineered wood flooring can also benefit air quality in an office setting. Unlike other flooring options such as carpet, dust and dirt don’t cling to the floor due to its hypoallergenic properties. This solid foundation of knowledge reinforces the idea that this type of flooring is a sound investment choice for any corporate environment.

Easier installation

Engineered flooring is almost always sold prefinished, which eliminates the time-consuming step of sanding and finishing on-site.

Another advantage of using engineered flooring in the office is the ease of replacement should the boards get damaged for whatever reason.

Wide range of choices

Unlike classic wood, engineered flooring offers far greater styles, widths (from 3”-7” wide and 3/8” to 3/4″ thickness) and finishes that make it easier to find the perfect match for the office design of your dreams.

From the deepest charcoal to a light, natural finish — domestic and exotic species to hand-scraped and wire-brushed styles, your imagination can truly go wild when creating an aesthetic that you desire.

Engineered wood flooring boosts a prestigious and dignified aura that’s well suited for any corporate space.

 

 

Conclusion

When searching for the perfect flooring material, it’s important that you consider its durability, lifespan and how well it will complement your offices’ overall aesthetics. Engineered wood flooring has become a favourite option in recent years because of these features and flexibilities.

When compared to other wood flooring material, it stands up exceptionally well in terms of the range of design choices available, durability, dimensional integrity, resilience to moisture and foot traffic with very little competition.

No matter how you look at it, the return on investment for engineered wood floors is incomparable.

 

If your flooring is going to be the ‘pièce de résistance’ of your kitchen, parquet offers the best opportunity to make an impact.

One thing that is indisputable is that this style of wood flooring performs on many levels — it’s durable, easy-to-clean and long-lasting — and it looks stunning, too.

Because parquet wood floors are currently very popular, they’re a fantastic way to introduce depth of texture, charm and timeless beauty to even the simplest kitchen.

Below we look at stylish ideas that will truly inspire your next remodel.

Make a bold statement

Parquet floors are the standout piece in any stylish kitchen.

Even better when your scheme is open plan — you could run the same floor throughout the space as a connecting thread to different areas — dining, cooking and lounging, for instance.

The striking results add definition to the large space and elevate it with a designer finish.

Create a subtle feature

For an understated yet delicate finish that will never date, parquet wood floor can be used to welcome a sense of warmth and elegance without being too over the top. Classic parquet with natural markings and textures can be laid beautifully to blend into a kitchen scheme with subtle style. Opting for neutral kitchen cabinets and walls will allow warm tones of wood to shine through.

Call on contrast

Dark-stained parquet floors are a great choice for the kitchen if you’re looking to add to the atmosphere. The intricately patterned floor offers an interesting contrast when partnered with white walls and high, airy ceilings. Rich, dark floors not only add character, but they are also perfect for heavy traffic areas such as a busy family room.

Create a surface for natural light

If you’re looking to combine two of the hottest interior trends, then lighter, natural wood flooring in a geometric pattern is a perfect choice.

Light tones of flooring enhance the sense of space — a great choice for a pared-down contemporary kitchen style. Beautiful, sophisticated and versatile — lighter-toned parquet floors tick all those boxes and more.

Double it up

If you can’t get enough of traditional herringbone design, why not double-up for a rather modern touch. This involves pairing up the planks and creating a bolder impact visually.  For a more impressive effect, mix up the colours, grains and finishes. Warm and slightly darker doubled-up herringbone lend a contemporary feel, while a lighter, natural tone adds an authentic look to the kitchen’s scheme.

Timeless grey tones

A medium-toned grey that sits right in-between dark and light spectrum will complement any style of kitchen cabinetry — everything from relaxed to upscale. Even more appealing is how grey parquet floors level up the sophistication of kitchen design. They serve as a foundation for lighter, brighter colours and also balance out darker hues and design elements.

Conclusion

Improvements in products and sealers make parquet wood floor a great pick in kitchen design. What’s more, this flooring style is loved for its sense of timelessness and warmth that complements a range of decor styles — from contemporary to cosy Scandinavian to traditional spaces. If you’re thinking about remodelling your kitchen, consider these flooring ideas to create a clean and finished look with parquet.

Like ordinary wood flooring, parquet creates a natural, cosy and sophisticated atmosphere in any interior setting.

It is constructed from smaller pieces of wood or planks laid at angles to form a variety of geometric patterns.

Derived from the French term “parquetry,” meaning “small compartment or enclosure”, parquet wood floors originated in France in the 17th, Century, and were a widely acclaimed option for wealthy residences, museums, galleries, church halls and grand public spaces.

In early days, parquet was handcrafted from solid hardwood, installed one piece at a time.

Today, modern parquet options are just as durable and elegant, but a lot easier and quicker to install.

They have remained a sign of quality and craftsmanship throughout Europe.

What makes parquet flooring special?

Parquet floors are made from different species of wood.

Apart from adding character and depth to a room, they can be used to create an optic illusion of a bigger space.

Light parquet wood floors a are a designer’s canvas: they lend themselves beautifully to soothing neutral hues in minimalistic and Scandinavian settings, as well as more colourful and eclectic décor ideas.

Dark parquet wood floors are ideal for spacious rooms and can be used to create a stunning contrast with lighter colours. “Lived in”, or “distressed” parquet add instant interest and texture to rustic décor style.

Parquet wood options and designs

Parquet wood flooring comes in a range of different wood including oak which is especially loved for its natural appeal.

Parquet available as solid and engineered:

• Solid parquet floors are crafted entirely from solid wood (top to bottom).
• Parquet flooring featuring engineered hardwood is made from a fine veneer of solid wood overlaid on top of plywood.

In areas where moisture and temperature are in constant flux (such as the kitchen or bathroom), solid parquet will expand or contract.

This natural reaction can cause gaps or cracks in the wood as the floorboards rub up against each other.

Essentially, engineered parquet flooring maintains its quality in fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels, making it an ideal flooring options in humid areas or where underfloor heating has been installed.

Wood planks can be arranged virtually in any pattern imaginable.

Versailles, brickwork, basketweave, herringbone (with single, double and diagonal variations) and chevron are of some extremely elaborate floor patterns that are highly sought after.

How do I care for Parquet floors?

Parquet flooring is known for its long lifespan and natural beauty thanks to its perfect technical properties. But like any other type of wood floor, it requires proper care from the moment it is installed.

• Regular cleaning: Firstly, of course, dry mopping regularly or simple hoovering is often sufficient to get rid of loose dirt. A deep clean monthly with an appropriate care product is all you need to keep your floors looking good as new.

 

• Refresh wood floors: Oiled parquet flooring should be re-oiled with a product that is specially designed for floors as soon as the first signs of wear appear, and even lacquered parquet has its own specialist care products to keep it looking beautiful for a long time.

 

• Wipe spills immediately: Use the right products with a slightly damp cloth as soon as liquid spills occur to avoid permanent stains. Bringing out a wet bucket and soaking your parquet floors may eventually cause the wood to swell. It’s crucial to understand the environment that surrounds your flooring in order to avoid any further damage.

 

• Refrain from using wrong cleaning products: Old-fashioned remedies involving water and vinegar will strip away or dull the floor’s finish, while soap or wax-based cleaners will cause a hazy build-up that’s hard to remove. Unfortunately, steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on wood floors, which eventually leads to cupping and long-term damage.

 

• Protect flooring from harsh sunlight: Sunlight can cause discolouration since parquet is made from natural wood material. Wood may turn lighter, darker or take on a yellow tinge. If you have full-length windows make sure to close drapes or shades on sunny days to prevent the sun from fading the floor.

 

• Refinish every 7-10 years: Over time, parquet floors start to look a little dull from normal wear and tear. This can be renewed through refinishing the floors — which involves heavy sanding to remove all finishes and to take off enough wood with scratches and discolouration. Since parquet floors are made up of small pieces, this process should only be undertaken by a professional. Restoring the wood’s beauty can be done every 7 to 10 years — but this will depend on use, wear and tear, as well as lifestyle.

Conclusion

The geometric and angular pattern options presented by parquet flooring makes it a timeless and elegant flooring design. It is built to last and it’s easy to customise the patterns, wood grains and colouring of your floors, making no two rooms alike.

There are plenty of fitting options to consider, and all present pattern in a subtle, stylish, and enduring way. Parquet, whether in solid or engineered floor construction, suits all decor settings because of its universal style.

Install it in your entrance space for a stunning first impression, in your living room to add an elegant charm or your bedroom to bring a cosy and warm touch. Wherever it is place, this intriguing flooring style can create any beautiful effect you desire.

When it comes to timeless flooring crafted from unique shapes and sizes, parquet reigns supreme. The decorative artistry of small pieces of wood fitted together in simple or complex geometric patterns dates back to the late 1600s, and tells stories of castles, classical mansions, galleries and museums…

Today, parquet flooring is again seeing something of a revival; due in part to a wider range of wood species and finishes that add artistic beauty and depth to any interior setting.

New manufacturing techniques offer consumers products that are extremely durable, stable and versatile.

Considering parquet flooring for your new project?

Keep reading to learn more about this bold statement flooring.

New design possibilities

Whether you’re working on a new build, remodel or restoration, essentially you are either after a contemporary or a traditional look.

The variety of woods used to construct parquet floors today marks a whole new aesthetic dynamic shaking up the interior design scene.

There are also numerous patterns that you can achieve with parquet including chevron, versailles, herringbone, basket and brick weave. All provide not only something different but an instant texture and interest to your floor. The most predominant of these are herringbone and chevron pattern.

Probably the most common flooring pattern, herringbone flooring gets its name from its resemblance to fish bones. It uses simple rectangular blocks laid in a zigzag arrangement to create a mosaic effect. Herringbone oozes sophistication and when planned well, makes a tiny room feel larger and spacious.

Unlike herringbone, the chevron pattern involves arranging individual blocks of wood to a sharp ‘v’-shaped point. It’s this unique yet regulated zigzag pattern that makes chevron instantly recognizable and easily distinguishable from other parquet styles. The flow of the directional chevron pattern makes small and narrow spaces feel far longer, and it naturally lends a tasteful appeal to Scandinavian style interiors thanks to its refined look.

Type of wood

Parquet flooring can be made from either solid or engineered wood, so there are very few restrictions if you desire a style that’s unique to you. Different wood grains, patterns and a full spectrum of colourways simply set any space apart, offering a lot of creativity and a lot of individuality to shine through on your floor.

The most common species of hardwood used is oak. Oak has a deep natural glow that adds a contemporary spin to bring this traditional flooring up to date. And thanks to its light colour, it’s easy to stain with a host of colours. Over time, the natural ageing of oak gives your floors an authentic appearance.

Wood flooring size

With regards to the size of wood planks, parquet woodblocks unlike normal boards, have fixed width and height dimensions. This allows the blocks to be laid in repeating patterns to create the desired style.

For modern, open plan spaces, opting for wider blocks of wood in smoked/fumed effect on brushed oak boards creates a bolder impact visually. On the other hand, a smaller space (for example, a narrow hallway) can only fit in a certain number of ‘arrows’, so oversized chevron or herringbone may not be an ideal option.

Finished and unfinished boards

As the name suggests, finished parquet flooring are treated with an extremely durable, factory-applied wood finish. Unfinished flooring comes without any kind of wood finish and have to be sanded, stained, and finished in situ.

The advantage of unfinished parquet flooring is that it allows for a level of customization, which gives you a wealth of decorative options. However, factory-finished floors are pretty much ready to use, therefore quicker to install (because there’s no need to allow for drying time).

Parquet pros and cons

It’s important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages before investing the time and money in parquet flooring.

Pros:

• Offers numerous designs, with dozens of complex patterns available.
• Performs much like hardwood, with an appeal that creates a warm feeling in an interior space.
• Perfect stylistic fit for mid-century modern home styles.

 

Cons:

• Can be challenging to refinish.
• Installation below ground may affect the floors shape and size due to moisture issues.
• Not ideal for humidity areas such as bathrooms. However, engineered parquet is less susceptible to moisture and temperature fluctuations, and may prevent water penetration.

Conclusion

For decades, parquet flooring has been used to add a classic and contemporary twist to traditional or modern homes. More recently, the wide variety of wood shades, styles, dimensions, thickness and finishes offer a level of visual appeal that cannot be achieved with traditional strip flooring boards.

The vast selection of intricate patterns makes this timeless flooring suitable for a variety of spaces, including hallways, kitchens and lounges. Having an understanding of the different styles available, the type of wood used, as well as the size of wood planks will ensure that you find the perfect match for your unique preferences.

Solid and engineered hardwood flooring still remains perhaps the most sought-after type of flooring for many residential and commercial properties across the world. It is an integral part of any interior space, and for obvious reasons — hardwood floors are comfortable, warm and best of all, add timeless charm and sophisticated flair in a range of room settings.

The latest colour preferences go in opposite directions, very dark or very light (the two extremes) as well as natural hues. The warm reddish tones that were desired a decade or two ago have become less popular.

Whether you’re planning on refinishing current wood floors or installing brand-new ones, you want to pick not only a colour that will complement your interior space but a colour that you will love for years to come. Below we discuss in-demand wood flooring colours for 2020 and beyond.

Natural white oak wood floors

When it comes to natural wood, white oak flooring is an excellent choice. White oak’s neutral, light hue is extremely versatile style-wise — it perfectly brightens up a room, making it feel more spacious and airy — and lends organic texture and warmth in a way that’s subtle, clean and contemporary.

The best part? Its natural shade is very forgiving — it aids in hiding dirt and dust, making it a desired choice in busy homes. Lastly, should your aesthetic preferences change; you can always build layers and layers of colour, which isn’t common to do with many other stained wood boards.

Light brown wood floors

For a number of years, light brown hardwood floors were a favourite in mid-century living spaces. But these fair-hued floors have gotten prettier and trendier for the 21^st century. And like white walls, they fit a range of interior aesthetics: adding a warm and modern edge to Scandinavian, eclectic, minimalist, or a fresh coastal cottage.

With pale neutrals, light brown floors can effortlessly unify the space, creating an open and airy finish.

 

Lightly whitewashed wood floors

Once upon a time, dark stained floors were all the rage. In contrast, interiors are now trending towards light, whitewashed floors that make any size of room seem bright, inviting and warmer especially when teamed with furniture in light, natural colour tones. This light/almost white hardwood finish may not be for everyone, but it looks good for a farmhouse, coastal style or a mix of modern and traditional aesthetics.

Grey neutral wood floors

This incredibly versatile and aesthetically balanced colour is timeless, classic and with lots of shades. The slightly more muted scheme of grey offers more texture and dimension that gives a range of interior styles a modern and spacious finish.

What’s more, grey hardwood floors are easier to maintain and keep clean as they show less dust. To really give the room a spacious and airy feel, light grey shade is your best bet, while darker grey wood floors visually reduce the space but make it cosier and comfier.

Additionally, installing floors in a dark charcoal shade makes for a dramatic contrast with light-coloured walls — at the same time, providing the perfect canvas for vibrant accents such as gold and honey tones, red and teal décor.

Conclusion

Hardwood is always a chic material for flooring and can set the tone for your colour palette and decorating style. Selecting the right wood colour can be a taunting task. But when done right, flooring colour has the power to transform your space. From grey tones and blonde hues to greige shades, this hardwood floor colour guide is a great starting point to selecting flooring that will create a look that’s timeless, stylish and on-trend.

Our way of life has been altered dramatically as the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the world. The pandemic has left us in such a state where we feel uncertain and confused. It has undoubtedly changed the way we work and spend our days…

At the start of 2020, one would never have imagined that only a few short months later, cities across the world would be on lockdown — the streets outside starkly emptied, retail and office spaces closed, and life as we know it, at a stand-still. And for many of us, practising social distancing and working from home has become the new normal.

Although the world is currently practising social distancing, the cyberspace has never been so crowded. Employees are adopting virtual meetings, new dimensions of wellness practices are at play and businesses of all sizes are offering services online. With this new territory comes opportunities for creativity as major industries have had to move quickly in order to maintain operation.

Digital transformation has been a hot topic over the years, but from what we have witnessed in light of COVID-19, the pandemic has acted as a catalyst for the mass roll-out of digital services. We’re stepping into a new reality — where going fully digital has become a need and not just a goal for the future. Embracing this digital reality and agility to stay connected is essential for business and for life to continue as usual.

Digital Possessions

As we adjust to a new normal of working from home, we become more and more acquainted with how our interior spaces affect our moods, productivity and physical comfort. Odd as it may seem, joining conference meetings virtually opens a window inside everyone’s home. These meetings can be a challenging experience if you aren’t in love with your current home interior setting.

The creative team at West Elm HQ kicked off a series of backgrounds for the web platform Zoom so everyone can dial in from their dream house. These stylish digital interiors featured on the company’s Front + Main blog are a shortcut that will get you to your (free) dream home by that 2pm meeting.

To cater to various aesthetic preferences, backgrounds range from an industrial city kitchen and a cosy living room with a cute puppy sitting on the rug to a rustic cabin setting with a gorgeous fireplace.

Digital Travel

As with limited travel being imposed all around the world, travelling is not an option for a long time to come. Does this suggest that companies should resort to virtual travel as an escape from the pandemic?

Given the current crises, Airbnb has resorted to an impressive array of virtual tours with Online Experiences. Adventurers can enjoy beautiful far-flung corners of the world digitally and experience the joy of travelling from the comfort of their homes — meditation with Buddhist monks, visiting the dogs of Chernobyl, cooking with a family in Morocco, a magic lesson, a coffee tasting masterclass or cocktail history and lessons are just a few of the many, many virtual journeys on offer.

“Human connection is at the core of what we do,” Catherine Powell, Head of Airbnb Experiences, said in a statement. “With so many people having to stay indoors to protect their health, we want to provide an opportunity for our hosts to connect with our global community of guests in the only way possible right now, online.”

Not only is digital travel a perfect and responsible way to connect with the world, but it also allows viewers the opportunity to consume visual content of a destination before visiting it.

“Escape to Jamaica” series by The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is yet another great idea that demonstrates how destinations around the world are taking a similar approach. From 360 degree panoramic views of breath-taking islands to holding online sessions for people from all corners of the globe to enjoy a virtual getaway through Jamaican music, cuisine, culture and wellness classes hosted on Instagram Live.

Digital Wellbeing

As most of us shelter at home in the effort to combat Covid-19, it’s important to remember that mental health is just as vital as physical health. Actively engaging with digital tools can help you to take back control of your life, as well as enhance our sense of connectedness and happiness, not to distract from it.

Physical activity apps, sleep tracking and setting a healthy routine for yourself can help you maintain a positive outlook right now. Canadian start-up Tru Luv Media’s latest game-like app #SelfCare, allows users to reset, recharge and re-emerge anew.

 

 

The game encourages you to be gentle with yourself and gives users the option to fulfil simple tasks like watering a plant or picking up laundry with just a few taps, leaving you feeling peaceful after each session.

Similarly, the new Nintendo video game “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” helps foster connections during COVID-19. The game inspires players to craft their dream getaway on a deserted island, go fishing and make friends with other people in the village.

Chris Ferguson, psychology professor at Stetson University, who researches the impact of video games on people’s wellbeing, tells CNBC Make It: “We have difficulty getting [certain] needs met in real life, so we turn to virtual worlds.”

Because humans are social creatures, these games… “give you the sense that you can create a world and have control over the decisions that are made for that world,” Ferguson says. “You can feel like that world makes sense, and at the very least it has rules that you can understand….”

Conclusion

Adversity has historically unlocked our strengths, prompted us to expand new ideas and highlighted the need for continuous growth. Going fully digital and developing innovative technological solutions during difficult times is a vital link that supports businesses, while life remains safe, healthy, productive and connected nonetheless.

It has become apparent that using technology to spend quality time with loved ones, engage with businesses, and perform daily tasks is fundamentally shifting to a new normal during crises. The explosion in digital activity beyond the realms of browsing brings with it new experiences in the face of a COVID-19 and beyond.

 

The Soul Of A Tree

I wasn’t planning to write a follow-up letter but thank you. I wasn’t expecting a response and so many messages of encouragement for what we do. Writing doesn’t come easy to me, I prefer to draw pictures, yet here we are!

A heartfelt thank you to all who wrote back. With your kind words and encouragement, we are more determined than ever to continue doing what we do best as authentically as we can. I had no idea that so many of you would resonate with our core values, more specifically – slower living.

This idea of slowness in our lives is catching on. So much so, I’m seriously considering creating an online space or forum to continue with this conversation. Here is a recap from April 2nd:

When the world moves fast, we move slow, and when the world takes, we give. When the nature that surrounds us calls, we learn to listen. 

The Soul Of A Tree is our métier, it’s what we do: Slow, Generous, Strong. Rooted.

In these times of uncertainty, I worry my roots may not be strong enough. 

Has your world slowed down recently too?

My world has and it reminds me of how grateful I am for the simple things, small things, slow things and how fast-livings become the norm. Let’s enjoy slowing down.

Almost 7 weeks into lockdown, many of us are spending more time with our own thoughts than ever before, a source of comfort for some and torment for others. Perhaps now a good time to consider the benefits of slowing down.

Introversion v’s fast-paced Extroversion? 

There is a wonderful book I read recently called: Introvert Power – Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength (By LAURIE HELGOE, PH.D.)

Amazon Link >

Here are a few ideas and quotes I noted down for myself, I’d love to know what you think if you’ve read the book or you have been questioning the significance of Introversion or Extroversion in your life. 

In essence, Dr. Laurie Helgoe tells us: 

“Introvert Power provides an alternative to the extroversion training you’ve been receiving all your life. As unnatural as extroversion has felt to introverts, we’ve gotten used to it. Rather than putting a thin coat of introversion over layers of extroverted thinking, Introvert Power asks you to strip down your thinking first and then dip into your true colors.” (Authenticity?) 

What is Introversion?

“Introversion is an inward orientation to life, and extroversion is an outward orientation. Though you probably use both introversion and extroversion, one of these orientations usually feels more like home—more comfortable, more interesting and more energizing—than the other. Introverts prefer introversion; we tend to gain energy by reflecting and expend energy when interacting. Extroverts have the opposite preference; they tend to gain energy by interacting and expend energy while reflecting.”

Are you being authentic and true to your nature?

“Your nature is not the problem. The problem is that you have become alienated from your nature—from your power source. As Isabel Briggs Myers discussed in her book, Gifts Differing, “The best-adjusted people are the ‘psychologically patriotic,’ who are glad to be what they are.” For introverts, this means, “Their loyalty goes to their own inner principle and derives from it a secure and unshakable orientation to life.”

Psychologically patriotic? I think this means ‘Those who are glad to be what they are.’

Was there a class on ‘how to isolate’ in school?

“From a young age, most of us are taught the value of social skills. We learn how to introduce ourselves, how to smile and be polite. We are told to be friendly and make friends. These are all useful abilities to develop. But how many of us are taught the value of solitude skills? How many of us are taught to protect our boundaries, to foster imagination, to be alone? How many of us are encouraged to withdraw from social activity and nurture the life of the mind?”

These ideas make me think about how the majority of schooling leaves many ill-prepared in times like these. On a positive note, something good might come out of lockdown as more consideration is given to the mental health challenges we all face at some point in our lives. Collectively we learn to overcome the stigma of mental illness. 

Pandemic Covid 19 has opened up conversations and concerns about what people are doing to cope with the lockdown. Studies show that 21% of Brits are drinking more than usual during the lockdown. How about Netflix & increased screen time? 

If it’s true that in today’s distraction economy tech companies are making online addicts of many of us, then tech companies have powerful, pervasive tools to influence, and prey on, our psychology. Silicon Valley is no stranger to exploiting the brain chemical credited with keeping us tapping on apps and social media.

Sean Parker, the 38-year-old founding president of Facebook, admitted that the social network was founded not to unite us, but to distract us. “The thought process he says was: ‘How do we consume as much of your time and conscious attention as possible?’. To achieve this goal, Facebook’s architects exploited a “vulnerability in human psychology”, explained Parker, who resigned from the company in 2005.

These internal battles with temptation and addiction are battles with our brain chemistry and battles with dopamine release. Dopamine has been described as ‘our temptation motivator’, and a surge of dopamine becomes a rush of chemical pleasure in the brain.

Experiences that make us feel good, including using alcohol, drugs and distracting technology activate our brain’s reward center, which responds by releasing dopamine. This release causes our brain to focus more of its attention on the experience. As a result, we’re left with a strong memory of the pleasure we felt. A strong memory can prompt us to make an effort to experience it again and again and this can lead to an addiction to our smartphones, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. 

If you find yourself concerned, the first baby step toward gaining control of our addictive behaviours is understanding why they’re taking place. Do we need to reach for our smartphone every time it pings? This is a pleasure-reward response, did I feel that micro hit of dopamine? 
 
Uh, oh. I just got a notification from a valuable client at 9pm, then I found myself watching those funny cat videos for 40 seconds, over to LinkedIn for 8 seconds, then to Instagram for 90 seconds, back for more cat videos and then doh, my mindful space falls by the wayside and I’m living inside my distracted universe. Thank you technology. 

Surely the only answer is to regress back to childhood and become 7 years olds again, relearn how to delay gratification just a little and learn to truly enjoy the small and quiet pleasures in life, a little at a time.
 
With lockdown in place and our physical freedom encumbered, where lies our freedom? With our sense of mental focus and self-controlling hijacked inside our own homes, where lies our freedom?

How to be free in lockdown?

Ideas of freedom bring to mind a book sitting on my dusty shelf from 2018, called ‘How to Be Free: An Ancient Guide to the Stoic Life’ (By EPICTETUS and translated by A. A. LONG.)

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“This book presents an ancient Greek philosopher’s take on freedom — freedom construed as living in agreement with nature, owning and ruling oneself, becoming a world citizen, desiring always and only what you are assured of getting—and much more. Epictetus (AD 55-135), our author and guide to the Stoic life, was born a slave (his Greek name means ‘acquired’), and entered service as a slave in the household of Epaphroditus, a power broker in Nero’s Rome, and himself a freedman. By the time Epictetus publicly delivered his thoughts on freedom, he had enjoyed many years of manumission, but the experience of slavery left its mark on his philosophy through and through. The first lesson of  the Encheiridion, his handbook guide to Stoicism, insists that everything that is truly our own doing is naturally free, unimpeded, and unconstrained. Freedom, according to this notion, is neither legal status nor opportunity to move around at liberty. It is the mental orientation of persons who are impervious to frustration or disappointment because their wants and decisions depend on themselves and involve nothing that they cannot deliver to themselves.” A. A. Long.

I love this quote and that it was written over 2000 years ago:

But slaves, like everyone else, had minds, and minds as, as well as bodies, subject to freedom and constraint. You can be externally free and internally a slave, controlled by psychological masters in the form of disabling desires and passions and cravings. Conversely, you could be outwardly obstructed or even in literal bondage but internally free from frustration and disharmony, so free in fact that you found yourself in charge of your own well-being, lacking little or nothing that you could not provide for yourself. The latter, in essence, is the freedom that Epictetus, the ancient Stoic philosopher, made the central theme of his teaching.” A. A. Long.

Our real sense of freedom, Epictetus tells us is within our own mind and our ability to focus on what is important. Perhaps learning to observe our thoughts from a distance before reacting, learning to control our attention better, learning to beat our addictions and distractions are now more important than ever. 

When in lockdown or in normal daily life, is our attention being captured by devices rather than it being voluntarily regulated? Like a small wooden boat without a rudder out at sea — pushed and pulled by the continual digital stimuli to which we are exposed rather than by the intentional direction of our own mind.

“It is better to starve to death in a calm and confident state of mind than to live anxiously amidst abundance.”  Epictetus.

Controlling our distraction and attention isn’t a new thing. William James, the psychologist, wrote in 1890, “The faculty of voluntarily bringing back a wandering attention, over and over again, is the very root of judgment, character, and will.”

Oh dear, so if we can’t go outside and we’re slowly turning into tech zombies in our own homes, then what can we do? For me this is why our personalized and sacred space is so important to our health, our living environment becomes our day to day womb of goodness. Being mindful of our living space and understanding how surfaces, material, object interactions benefit our well being offers an easy win with proven psychological benefits. 

How is your mindful space?

 

Robert Henry

Founder & CEO

Delving into the notion of clean living consciousness, there’s often a school of thought that suggests that clean living is strictly diet-based awareness. Contrary to that, the foundation on which clean living consciousness is built encompasses our physical, emotional and mental well-being, as well as being mindful of our impact on the environment.

Focusing on the mind, the body, healthy relationships, and the environment we indulge ourselves in dictates what we will receive in return as individuals. This lifestyle concept isn’t just a fad or zeitgeist, it’s a new way of life.

 

 

It’s an attitude perceived as better for the world, our society and the individual. In the past clean living has been cyclical, so it’s not just about clean eating it’s about a deeper level of significant changes.

So what exactly does clean living consciousness really mean?

Practising clean living is about cultivating healthy habits, allowing yourself time to relax and decompress on a regular basis, decluttering your life and mind and finding new experiences in life that nourish the body and mind.

When you are conscious of all this, you become intentional and mindful of all that you do, and all that surrounds.

What’s driving clean living consciousness?

We are reaching the pinnacle of awareness surrounding what we eat, how we use our time and things that have an impact on our general well-being. Put simply, people are looking inward, for their own priorities and solutions. What’s more, technological advances have enabled us to monitor our health through wearables and applications.

More importantly, there is much more awareness of the environment and the impact that we’re having on the planet. Overall there is a need to be more considerate — to be more motivated by enriched experiences. Take these areas of life sincerely, and they will respond accordingly.

Spend time with nature

 

Nature is always a good healer — the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, and the fresh, clean air can be comforting to both the mind, body and soul. For years, forest bathing (Japanese oldest pastime known as Shinrin-Yoku) has been credited to ease stress and worry, help us to relax, refresh and rejuvenate, restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality.

Essentially, the idea of forest bathing involves walking in silence and deliberately connect with nature. Taking in the forest through your senses bridges the gap between you and the natural world. Research on “BLUE Zones” regions (places where people live longer and healthier than anywhere else on earth) list gardening as a common key ingredient in the recipe of wellness.

Getting your hands dirty is also a great way of spending time outdoors. Whether landscaping or starting a vegetable garden, it doesn’t matter — it can enhance mood and make you happier. This strange effect comes from contact with Mycobacterium vaccae — microscopic organisms in the soil which trigger the brain to produce a happy chemical known as Serotonin.

Clear the mind

The common theme of clean living consciousness is decluttering — and it goes far beyond improving the aesthetics of your home or workspace.

Mental clutter is detrimental to our being — when you feel stressed, anxious or sad, your entire body feels it too. Decluttering the mind paves way for what’s more important and promotes peace within oneself.

Whatever task you choose clear the excess clutter out of your mind, it is important to include an element of reflection. The key is finding the one that will improve your mental state and overall wellness. Many find the practice of meditation to be the best solution, while others resort to the idea of daily journaling. Overall, practice self-care in a way that fits you and takes the time to declutter your life and start seeing the positive changes that occur.

Eat healthy, exercise regularly

Eating a healthy balanced diet accompanied by regular exercise is strongly linked to longevity. Research has long suggested that following a Mediterranean diet — consisting of large quantities of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and healthy fats, and consuming less sugar, red meat or processed food — brings a host of health benefits, including a longer life.

Making it a point to move every day is a boon for both your physical and mental health. Taking a hike, playing tennis with a friend or streaming an online workout can boost everything from cardiovascular fitness to mood and energy. These healthy day-to-day choices can surprisingly make a dramatic difference in how you look and feel.

Create a clean space

 

A carefully curated and mindful space speaks volumes to a person’s values and is most times associated with clean living consciousness. The underlying understanding is that people have different situations and varying schedules. Nonetheless keeping a clean space aids in diffusing the stress caused by a busy routine. Believe it or not, there are actually positive benefits of keeping an organised space and this is evidently backed by psychology.

Bringing in elements of nature indoor has been found to positively enhance our mood in a way that spending time in natural surroundings would. For example, the presence of wood in interior spaces can significantly help forge a healthy environment, in return, contribute to your overall wellness. Similarly, colours, textures and patterns inspired by nature are known to lend warmth, comfort and relaxation in a way the benefits our physical and mental.

Conclusion

With so much going on in the modern world, many people have become caught in a cycle of complexity and a busy lifestyle full of constant activity, material clutter and concerns. Clean living consciousness encourages us to slow down, and it’s the doorway to live all of our moments as if they truly mattered — it’s about eliminating excess in your life.

This could mean simplifying your diet, moving your body more and clearing unnecessary physical and mental clutter. If you’re trying to lead a happier and healthier life, making the necessary changes induces a state of mindfulness that cultivates unshakable deep peace, a sense of joy and aliveness.

The Soul Of A Tree

I’m at home now, Wednesday 1st April 17:16. Reflecting, thinking of the future of our family-run business. Our ambition, the hard work, the joy, the tears, uncertainties and how as a value-driven business we are here to serve our customers. Always, no matter what.

Beyond wood flooring and our eco-credentials, the long term dream was and is to create a lifestyle brand within the decorative arts and design industry. This is why I get up at 5 am and the fact we all have mouths to feed.

When the world moves fast, we move slow and when the world takes, we give. When the nature that surrounds us calls, we learn to listen. 

The Soul Of A Tree is our métier, it’s what we do: Slow, Generous, Strong. Rooted.

In these times of uncertainty, I worry my roots may not be strong enough. 

Has your world slowed down recently too? My world has and it reminds me of how grateful I am for the simple things, small things, slow things and how fast-living has become the norm. Let’s enjoy slowing down.

Nature prevails every time in one form or another and she dances to her own rhythm. Slowly most of the time. As businesses across the world slow down, the ozone layer has started repairing itself. Air pollution is at it’s lowest level for years in many countries.

Slow living

The current situation all around the world has people reflecting, reevaluating and reconsidering. Some are afraid and confused, and many are worried and uncertain. Under pressure, our cracks are revealed, is this a bad thing? For some, these cracks crumble their foundations and for others, they become even stronger. 

Rooted

I wonder if with a stronger sense of purpose, naturally we are equipped with stronger foundations? I know this is true for our company, I’m so proud of how everybody on the team has responded to this challenge.

As the COVID-19 situation changes rapidly, I wanted to update you so you know how we are operating during this time. Below is a simple list of ‘Can Do’s and ‘Cannot Do’s’ until further notice, if anything changes we will let you know.

Can Do

TEAM: From the beginning, we decided that we would not be losing any of our team, without our amazing people we have nothing. 

CLIENT MEETINGS: Digital hangouts with Zoom or Google Hangouts is our preferred choice. No nude people in the background, please. 

SAMPLE DELIVERIES: 100% functional & delivered to your door, just a little slower ☺.

INSTALLATION: Yes we can. Quoting estimates can be done after an initial project consultation and if your property is empty we might be able to schedule your install sooner rather than later.

ORDERS: Yes we are producing as normal, while strictly monitoring health and safety protocol. Production is slower than normal due to shift work and furloughed workforce. 

STAIR PARTS: Yes we can, we are now making these in-house but production time is longer.

Cannot Do

SHOWROOMS: Both of our showrooms are closed until further notice, client interactions are now digital. 

RUSH ORDERS: Yes there is an outside chance we can do this but it will depend on the order, we are currently operating in shifts and with a skeleton production crew. 

SITE VISITS: We will only visit sites when the building is empty, we cannot visit sites to consult with architects, contractors, designers or homeowners. 

 

Thank you for reading and thank you for your support. 

Please stay at home where possible, the NHS needs our help. Together we can beat this.

 

Robert Henry

Founder & CEO