7 Tips for Decorating with Plants
No matter your interior design style, house plants are a staple for any home these days. Not only do they bring a warm welcoming aesthetic, but they also have tons of benefits as mentioned in some of our other blogs! Studies have proven that house plants improve concentration and productivity by up to 15%, reduce stress levels, increase creativity, and boost your mood. Plants are also shown to eliminate air pollutants, which makes everyone healthier and happier!
Not sure you have a green thumb? Don’t worry! I definitely don’t have one! You can start small and build as you go. You will want to talk to your local garden center to know what plants are right for your environment and which ones are easy to take care of once you get them home. There are tons of great apps on how to take care of your new babies and how often to water them. One of our go to’s is PictureThis - Plant Identifier which identifies over a million plants just by snapping a quick picture! It allows you to set care reminders, diagnose illness, and tons of other tips and expert advice!
Plants bring the outdoors inside and can be a beautiful and affordable addition to any home or space. Here are 7 tips on how to decorate your space with plants and a few of our recommended plant babies to start you off!
Match Your Plants to Your Style
There are a million plants to choose from when deciding which ones to buy. However, just like with any piece of furniture you add to your space, you will want it to work cohesively with your design. Select plants that enhance the existing décor but are still easy to manage. By selecting plants as if they are just as important as the rest of your home décor, you’ll be able to add more life into your space.
If you love mid-century modern, consider oversized plants like a fiddle leaf, fig or rubber tree. Pair them with tall-legged planters to complete the look.
If you adore the farmhouse look, look for functional plants like herbs or aloe in vintage metal planters or repurposed pots. Eucalyptus, arrowhead vine, and succulents are also great choices.
If you opt for a more eclectic look, choose lots of small plants in a wide variety of pots. The more variety in color and texture the better, so mix it up when it comes to leaf and vine plants, flowering houseplants, cacti, and succulents.
High-Humidity Plants in the Bathroom
Who would think you would want to put plants in the bathroom? Believe it or not, it’s a great place for plants that enjoy high humidity. Ferns, orchids, and peace lilies will all thrive with the added moisture in the air from the shower. Plus, a plant or two can add warmth to an otherwise utilitarian space in your home. Placing a beautiful fern next to the tub only adds to the tranquility of a nice relaxing bubble bath!
Put Low-Light Plants in Dark Corners
You would be surprised, but many houseplants don’t need or want a bright, sunny window to thrive. Adding low light-loving plants to the shadier rooms of your home can brighten them up by adding life and interest as well as add some style to those otherwise unused corners in your home. Some low-light plants that will grow well even in shade are Pothos, Nerve plants, Dieffenbachia, Calathea, and ZZ plants.
Rule of Three
One important key is to create contrast with plants of all sizes. One plant can look a little sad or out of place. But a group of plants can create beautiful contrast and movement that works with any space. We recommend following the interior design “rule of three,” which states that groups of items in odd numbers look more pleasing to the human eye. When it comes to interior decorating with plants, choose a few plants of different sizes or shades of green to create contrast and visual interest. Keep it simple with matching pots, or add color with a variety of planters to suit your style.
We Love an Oversized Plant
Once you’ve gotten the hang of some easygoing plants, it’s time to go big with an oversized plant that can serve as the centerpiece of your room. Whether you prefer a Boston fern or a fiddle leaf fig, a huge houseplant in a bedroom, living space, or even your entryway can be a major conversation piece. If you’re hesitant to go big, get a more modest-sized plant that will eventually grow bigger and lift it off the ground with a plant stand. It will make an impact without as big of an investment, and will eventually grow to fill the space you give it.
Add A Little Color
When we talk about houseplants, we often think only of greenery. But, there are a number of colorful and flowering options that make interior decorating with plants easy. To add bright blooms, consider African violets, bromeliads, kalanchoe, and begonias. They all add bold and unique flowers, as well as lush greenery to your space. If you’re more interested in traditional houseplants with colorful leaves, there are also a number of options. Try croton, Chinese evergreen, calathea, and nerve plants for a subtle pop of color to brighten up any space!
Elevate With Stands and Planters
Once you’ve picked out some new houseplants for your space, you can add personality with stylish pots and planters! We also absolutely love the look of a plant hanger! While terracotta offers the best drainage, it doesn’t fit everyone’s taste. Instead, leave your plants inside their nursery pots and simply drop them into larger decorative planters. This way you’ll get the best of both worlds: style and function. You can also experiment with plant stands and hangers to add height and turn even small potted plants into a major focal point for your room. Just be sure that whatever planter options you choose, you account for good drainage and easy watering.
With Love…XOXO S.T.Y.L.E Nation!
