Mantra Inspired Furniture (Mantra IF), a leading commercial furniture manufacturing and design company based in Norfolk, Virginia (US), has announced the release of its latest white paper, ‘Natural Harmony: Solid Wood’s Role in a Neuro-diverse World’.

Authored by Matt Cheadle, Creative Director at Mantra IF and advocate for neuro-diversity, the white paper is a ground breaking exploration of how solid wood furniture can create more inclusive and supportive environments for neuro-diverse individuals.

Unity Table

“As a designer and a dad to an autistic son, I know first-hand how important it is to create spaces that feel safe, comfortable, and intuitive for everyone,” says Cheadle. “Natural Harmony isn’t just about beautiful, sustainable furniture: it’s about designing with empathy and intention.”

Mantra IF is committed to crafting pieces that bring people together and support the diverse ways in which they experience the world. With insights drawn from over 20 years of design experience and personal understanding as a parent of an autistic child, the white paper advocates for thoughtful incorporation of solid wood furniture in spaces to support various neurological needs.

It emphasizes the importance of understanding neuro-diversity, including conditions such as autism and dementia, and how natural materials can positively impact individual well-being and comfort.

The white paper outlines several key aspects of solid wood’s role in neuro-diverse spaces:

•        Creating calming environments through natural finishes and materials

•        Reducing visual overload with subtle hues and organic patterns

•        Enhancing focus and concentration through stable, centered environments

•        Supporting sensory needs with predictable, familiar surfaces

•        Building connections to nature through biophilic design principles

•        Fostering creativity and collaboration with warm, welcoming spaces

Through compelling research and case studies, the report illustrates how thoughtful furniture selection can improve any space by providing environments that are more flexible, comfortable, and meaningful for all users.

The paper also shares insights from environmental psychologists and neuro-diversity experts. It is part of Mantra IF’s broader commitment to inclusive design and accessibility as well as sustainable, American-made products that prioritize both environmental responsibility and user well-being.

Mantra IF was founded in 2018 by Susan Pilato, principal of Norfolk-based PC&A Business Environments. The name is inspired by eight simple codes, or ‘mantras’ to live by, passed down from Pilato’s late father, John Clayborne Compton, Jr.

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