In the dead of winter, when the world outside is just that, dead, having deep hues of greens throughout your home brings you back to life. But even in the Summer as the world opens up around you, there are so many joys to be had with the plants you’ve come to know in all corners of your home. Houseplants are a pick me up, a small reminder of magic happening everyday, and most importantly a breath of fresh air.
I could give you a list of reasons to add plants to your home. They detoxify the air, they are a stimulus for better thinking, they make you smile, they add life to your home. But if you won’t take any of those for a reason to become a plant parent, then how about because they add depth to your home decor.
Plants as a Design Element
Houseplants, of any variety, offer a way to add color, warmth, and a fresh perspective to your home. They’re more than just a way to connect with nature during any season.
Monstera, Snake plants, and Pothos are the easiest plants to start with. All of which don’t need a ton of sun light and can be watered about once a week. Cacti and succulents are two other options for low maintenance greenery. All of these plants will add a variety of greens to a room which can be made to stand out or blend in depending on your room’s color palette and the container you put them in.
For plants to stand out, you want to have contrasting colors of reds, browns, or oranges. These are the complimentary color to green and will make the plants pop. If your room has a lot of cherry wood in it, then the plants will make themselves known sitting on your shelves or hanging near the furniture. However in a room painted sage with blue accents the plants will add texture to the room without making a statement.
Choosing the Right Container
Whether you go big with a huge Monstera plant or small with little dishes of cacti throughout your home, you can continue to add design statements by choosing fun and creative containers.
My favorite containers are pottery that are either handmade or come with a blue and white pattern of some kind. No matter what space you put these in, they feel timeless. But I also have a pot that’s in the shape of a dog, one that’s a vintage tea cup, and one that’s a lined basket to add more warmth to the room and continues the feel of natural elements in the design.
Any container can be used. If there isn’t a hole at the bottom of it, add some pebbles or stones and top with soil. This will allow somewhere for extra water to go without forcing roots to sit in water. Make sure when you water any plant you check that the soil is dry 1 inch below the surface. That’s the the key to ensure you aren’t over watering your plants which is more often than not, the reason they don’t make it.
Get creative when choosing container. Find old vessels at thrift stores and update them with a coat of paint or a coat of paint mixed with baking soda which makes it look like clay. (My favorite way to update old containers).
Keep your eye out for local and small ceramicists. While their work can be expensive, it’s well worth the price for a sustainably made, unique piece that you’ll love looking at every time you stop by to water you plants.
Add Warmth To Your Home
Plants and natural elements are the easiest way to add warmth to your home–Alive or fake (although I always think alive is better). Whether you love the look of the trending grey and white homes or your home is filled with color, texture, and patterns, plants have a way of adding an extra energy to a room and warming the place up. They take us back to our roots and remind us to live a life like nature does-Slow and steady.
Update you home decor by adding a new plant on a windowsill or a bookshelf and see how it transforms your space and brings a little life back to your design.
