Living, breathing, and delightful. Plants have become an essential part of interior design. Their vibrant colors bring richness and beauty to any space. In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal, incorporating plants into your interior design offers numerous health benefits. If you're looking to freshen up your living space with greenery, read on to discover our tips and tricks.
Interior Decorating with Plants: Tips and Tricks
Plants in kitchen interior design by Decorilla designer, Christian G.
The concept of indoor plant design dates back to 1,000 BC in China. Originally used purely for ornamental purposes, potted plants were a symbol of social status and nobility. Today, incorporating indoor plants into your home is more accessible than ever before. Whether you have a small apartment or a spacious family room, interior decorating with plants can be adapted to any space. Here are a few basic principles to get you started:
Assess Your Space
Before adding plants to your interior, consider the size and characteristics of your space. Different types of plants thrive in different environments. For smaller rooms with limited surface area, consider using kokedama or wall planters. Larger potted trees make a dramatic statement in spacious family rooms with high ceilings. You can also create a living decoration by adding a plant-only shelf.
Get to Know Your Plants
When decorating with indoor plants, it's important to understand their sunlight and water requirements. Choose from a variety of low-maintenance greenery, including shade-loving, semi-shade, full-sun, evergreen, and deciduous plants. This knowledge will help you select the right plants for your space and ensure their long-term health.
Pick the Right Container
Delicate indoor plant design by Decorilla designer, Christian G.
Selecting the right pot or planter box is crucial. It should not only match your interior style but also provide adequate space for the plant's soil and drainage. Consider wall-mounted arrangements, such as moss or herb walls, if you want to add a unique touch to your space.
Play with Heights & Sizes
Living room design with plants by Decorilla designer, Amy C.
Make the most of your vertical and horizontal space by arranging plants of varying heights and sizes in clusters. This creates a balanced vignette and adds visual interest to your interior.
Best House Plants for Interior Design
Interior decorating with plants by Decorilla designer, Tiara M.
Not all plants are created equal when it comes to interior design. Some plants are hardier, faster-growing, and more visually appealing than others. Here are a few top choices for indoor plant design:
1. Sweetheart Plant
Bedroom with indoor plant design by Decorilla designer, Christine M.
With its cascading vines and beautiful leaves, the sweetheart plant is a versatile climber that can be displayed in hanging baskets, pots, or wall mounts. It adds a touch of elegance to any corner or shelf. However, it's important to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets as it can cause irritation.
Sweetheart Plant Care: This plant thrives in low to medium sunlight and requires weekly watering.
2. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Scandi interior decorating with plants by Decorilla designer, Darya N.
The fiddle leaf fig tree is a popular choice for indoor plant design. Its large, paper-like leaves are evergreen and sturdy, bringing a touch of nature into your living room.
Fig Tree Care: Place your plant in a sunny spot and water it once a week or when the soil is dry.
3. Monstera
Bold and low-maintenance, monstera plants are a great choice for sprucing up your living room design. Opt for a big wing-leaf monstera for a striking feature or a split-leaf Philodendron varietal for a delicate artistic look.
Monstera Plant Care: Water your plant once a week and ensure it receives indirect sunlight.
4. Palm
Palm trees come in various shapes and sizes. Their lush fern-like fronds create a beautiful fountain-like shape and can be used as small desk plants or as striking features in larger rooms.
Palm Plant Care: These sturdy plants thrive in partial to full sun and require weekly watering.
5. Snake Plant
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, is a resilient and sculptural plant. Its ribbon-like leaves not only make a bold statement but also purify the air, making it an excellent choice for interior design.
Snake Plant Care: This plant thrives in indirect sunlight and requires infrequent watering.
6. Air Plants (Tillandsias)
Air plants and succulents are the lowest maintenance and most versatile plants for interior design. Air plants, in particular, can anchor themselves on various objects and look exceptional in glass terrariums or wall-mounted vases.
Air Plant Care: These plants require full or indirect sun and weekly misting. Adjust misting frequency based on humidity levels.
Faux vs Real Plants in Interior Design
Open plan indoor plant design (left) and romantic bedroom by Decorilla designer, Rehan A.
When it comes to incorporating plants into your interior design, you have the choice between real and artificial plants. Both options have their pros and cons, but with the right design, both can bring beauty to your space.
Faux Plants in Interior Design
House plants for interior design by Decorilla designer, Mary Ann R.
Faux plants are a great option for commercial spaces and hard-to-reach areas. Here are the benefits they offer:
Benefits of Faux Plants
- Cost-Effective: Faux plants save you money on maintenance as they require no watering or special care.
- Reduced Maintenance: Artificial plants require minimal attention, requiring only occasional dusting.
- Allergy-Free: For those with allergies, faux plants offer the beauty of nature without triggering symptoms.
Drawbacks of Faux Plants
- Unchanging: Faux plants do not grow or change over time, unlike their living counterparts.
- No Air Cleaning: Artificial plants do not improve indoor air quality or humidity.
- Aging: Faux plants can collect dust and fade over time, losing their original vibrancy.
Real Plants in Interior Design
Relaxing plants in interior design by Decorilla designer, Shofy D.
Real plants offer numerous benefits for interior design, but they require more care and attention compared to faux plants. Here's why you should consider incorporating real plants into your space:
Benefits of Real Plants
- Mood-Boosting: Green plants have a positive impact on our well-being, reducing stress and increasing relaxation and focus.
- Increased Productivity: Plants in your workspace can improve concentration, memory retention, and overall productivity.
- Air Purifying: Certain plants actively purify the air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis.
Drawbacks of Real Plants
- Maintenance: Real plants require regular watering, trimming, and rotation throughout the year.
- Continual Care: If you're planning a long trip, you'll need to arrange for someone to water and care for your plants.
- Messy: Plants naturally shed leaves, so you'll need to clean up fallen leaves regularly.
Placement for Perfect Indoor Plant Design
Indoor plant design by Decorilla designer, Jessica S.
Once you've chosen your plants, it's time to plan their placement in your interior design. Here are some creative ideas:
Green Pops on Shelves
Add a pop of color to your interior by placing one or two plants on open shelves. Create an asymmetrical look by varying the height of the plants.
Dangling from the Ceiling
Eclectic living room design with plants by Decorilla designer, Wanda P.
Kokedama and hanging baskets provide a space-saving solution for incorporating plants in small rooms. Hang them from the ceiling using C-hooks to keep surfaces clear.
As Wall Art
Get creative and turn your plants into living wall art. Consider using geometric wall mounts for air plants or incorporating a vertical herb garden for a unique touch.
Complementing a Statement Light
Create a stunning focal point by combining vines with a pendant light. Wrap the plant's vines around the light fixture to add a touch of nature to any room.
Green Room Divider
Achieve both aesthetic and functional appeal by using large potted palms or fig trees as room dividers. This creates a natural and visually appealing separation in your living space.
Want to Include Plants in Your Interior Design?
Perfecting your indoor plant design is just the beginning! If you're looking to create your dream interior, consider professional online design services. Schedule a Free Online Interior Design Consultation today and bring your vision to life!
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