Designing for awe: plant rental designs that move us

Some spaces render us speechless not just because they are large or expensive, but because they create a sense of connection, energy, and depth that stands apart from typical interiors. These are spaces that evoke awe. Our goal is to incite awe whenever possible because of its unique psychological response: it lowers stress, expands perspective, and connects us to something beyond ourselves. Nature is one of the most reliable ways to spark it!

Awe is the feeling that arises when we encounter something vast, surprising, or beautiful in a way that challenges our mental framework. It causes us to pause, shift perspective, and become more aware of the present moment.

Researchers at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center describe awe as an emotion that quiets the ego and increases a sense of connection with others. It has been shown to reduce inflammation, slow our perception of time, and improve mental well-being.

These outcomes are deeply relevant in built environments where people gather, work, and heal. This is why, at Plant Solutions, we seek to create an awe-inspiring experience with biophilic design installations and plant rental programs that ensure healthy, vibrant greenery all year long.

Awe in action: large-scale biophilic design examples

While many organizations create moments of awe through small-scale plant installations, some environments take this concept further, using nature on a grand scale to shift perception, mood, and behavior. These projects demonstrate how biophilic design can transform airports, hospitals, office towers, and public spaces into immersive, emotionally resonant experiences.

Each example below highlights a different strategy for evoking awe through nature-integrated design. They offer inspiration for what’s possible when biophilic design is prioritized at every level.

Plants evoke awe inside — plant rental makes this possible

We typically associate awe with dramatic landscapes—mountains, forests, canyons—but it also shows up in small-scale natural experiences: noticing the intricacy of a leaf, the pattern of vines across a wall, or the way light filters through foliage.

We want organizations of all sizes to enjoy awe, whether they invest in luxurious indoor forests or small-scale plant installations. Plant rental is key to making awe accessible to everyone, no matter their budget.

Plant rental installations invite awe in several ways:

• Scale: Tall indoor trees or vertical living walls offer spatial verticality that changes how people move through a room. In areas with limited wall space, consider plant rental designs with hanging plants to draw the eye upward.
• Movement: Grasses swaying in air currents or leaves shifting with natural light create subtle motion that draws attention. Our designers have an extensive list of plants that create this in-motion effect for your plant rental designs.
• Complexity: Repeating fractal patterns and layered plant groupings introduce visual richness. Plant rental installations that highlight biomorphic patterns are especially impactful.
• Light and shadow: Dappled sunlight filtering through greenery alters the emotional tone of a space. Our designers capitalize on window placements to ensure plant rental designs make the most of natural light and tolerate direct sun through glass.
• Contrast with built form: In geometric or minimalist spaces, organic forms offer relief and balance. When it comes to plant rental, consider plants like Philodendron, also known as ‘Lickety Split.’ Its deeply lobed, irregular leaves have a natural, sculptural quality that contrasts well with the clean lines of minimalist or geometric interiors

When used intentionally, these qualities generate a response that is both sensory and emotional. A room feels more grounded, more expansive, and more alive

Why awe matters in high-stress environments, and how plant rental can help

Awe is especially powerful in settings where people feel overwhelmed or anxious. Healthcare waiting rooms, counseling offices, and community spaces are often filled with individuals under stress. These are ideal places to introduce plant rental designs that help people feel calmer, more grounded, and better able to process their surroundings.

According to Bratman, Hamilton, and Daily (2012), research shows that exposure to nature can reduce cortisol levels and improve emotional resilience. Plant rental installations that are designed to invite stillness or curiosity support this relaxation process. Something as simple as a suspended vine canopy or a living wall placed in a line of sight can influence how safe and supported someone feels in a space.

While we design plant rental installations for aesthetic and function, designing for awe adds emotional depth and maximizes impact on wellbeing.

Plant rental design strategies that support awe

Not every space can support a full-scale renovation. But awe can be built into even small environments through specific choices:

• Frame vertical sightlines with tall plants or wall-mounted greenery
• Group plants in layered clusters to create a natural focal rhythm and anchor points
• Pair greenery with natural light to emphasize depth and dimension
• Create gentle surprises, such as vines visible around corners or above eye level

Designing for awe can lead to impressive results, but its true function is to create environments that feel expansive, reflective, and emotionally grounded.

Awe is an experience for everyone

Awe contributes to how people process their surroundings. When it’s present in a plant rental installation, people are more likely to feel safe, curious, and emotionally connected. In a commercial lobby, awe can create a lasting impression. In a clinic, it can lower stress and encourage a sense of safety. In a workplace, it can increase focus and support calm.

One benefit of using plant rental in design is that they grow and change over time. This natural evolution keeps the space dynamic and visually engaging without requiring dramatic updates or interventions.

Want to explore plant rental further?

To explore service-based design options, browse our case studies or view articles about interior landscaping. Awe can be part of any indoor space when nature is designed with intention. Our team is here to help make that happen.