The power of greenery! 5 ways that houseplants can elevate your interior
Houseplants have never been more popular. Largely fuelled by social media (check out the #planttok hashtag on TikTok where 'plantfluencers' share their top tips and advice on everything from propagation to pruning), the trend is also linked to biophilic interiors, which in its simplest form brings the outside in through natural materials, furnishings and a nature-inspired colour palette.
And, undeniably, those living in small spaces and without a garden naturally lean towards indoor gardening to flex their green fingers, whether it's growing plants on a windowsill or adding pops of greenery to shelves and sideboards.
'The fascination with houseplants stems from people wanting to reconnect with nature. Throughout lockdowns, people were glued to their screens while working from home, unable to be in nature,' Emma Sibley, founder of London Terrariums, told BBC Culture.
Whether you're a new or established plant parent, a home filled with a flourishing variety of greenery is a surefire way to add personality to your living space – and reap the many wellbeing benefits, too. 'Plants are nature's stress relievers, offering a serene backdrop for mindfulness and relaxation, reducing stress through their calming presence and the subtle connection they forge with the outdoors,' says Beth Chapman, founder of Leaf Envy.
With that in mind, keep reading to find out more about how to decorate with plants in your home...
Tony Le-Britton, plant shop owner and author of Not Another Jungle, says variegated plants (plants displaying different coloured leaves or patterns) are growing ever more popular – and it's no longer only of interest to serious plant collectors. More rare and unusual plants in the home can wonderfully complement or contrast with a room's colour scheme.
'While white and green variegation is still common, there are also many variations of reds, pinks and oranges. People are now deliberately buying plants they can work into a room's colour scheme, matching them with paint colours and patterns found in upholstery,' says Tony.
Walls in dark, matt colours – such as midnight blue, forest green or burgundy – act as the perfect backdrop for vibrant greenery and bold-shaped leaves. Rich, dark hues highlight the shape and texture of plants even more, and their colours appear more vibrant as a result.
It works particularly well with statement plants, from Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant) to the bird of paradise and the fiddle leaf fig. Or even trailing plants, such as string of hearts or devil's ivy.
As houseplant varieties increase, so do planter options. A striking planter can be paired with a similarly eye-catching plant for an eclectic look. In contrast, a low-maintenance succulent can be potted in a minimalist plant pot for the ultimate in understated greenery. Hanging planters are great options for trailing plants, while planters with legs or stands are ideal for creating layers of height.
Milan's Vertical Forest (two residential towers with 800 trees and shrubs growing on the exterior) is arguably the world's most famous example of plants being allowed to climb. However, there's no reason this trend can't be brought indoors.
Indoor climbing plants are a trend that rivals wallpapers and art, or as US-based plantfluencer and author of Living Wild, Hilton Carter calls it, 'Living art'. He suggests mounting plants (such as staghorn ferns) on cedar boards or pieces of reclaimed wood, with their roots wrapped in cork or moss. There's also the option of indoor living walls – though these do carpet part of a wall and require an irrigation system. However, there are DIY alternatives if you feel a little creative.
'You're taking what is typically a flat, hard surface and making it come alive… A living wall is an art piece that is forever morphing and becoming new,' says Hilton.
If indoor living walls are a little out of reach, try trailing plants and allow them to grow and expand as nature intends.
You can be the biggest houseplant enthusiast in the world and not want to subscribe to the maximalist indoor jungles that are currently so popular. There's much to be said about consciously curating your collection of greenery to complement the space it inhabits, rather than filling every spare inch.
Hilton has the answer – an extra tall, statement plant carefully located in an otherwise minimalist space. Think plants with large leaves, a strong trunk and plenty of height. The right plant should draw the eye without overwhelming the look of your room.
To achieve this, Hilton recommends towering plants, such as the large-leaved Ficus lyrata (fiddle leaf fig). 'I like styling minimalist spaces with one large pop of greenery,' he says.
Meanwhile Beth recommends tropical palms for living spaces. 'In the living room, I recommend positioning a large kentia palm in the corner, its fronds arching over the sofa, to evoke the sensation of being surrounded by nature.'
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