WHAT’S HOT NOW!
USING PLANTS IN HOME DECOR
Hot off the press… the tchotchke in home décor is dead. Well, it’s been dying a slow death for several years. Gone are the days of kitchen cabinet tops and bookcases lined with décor collecting dust. Having “stuff” as a status symbol, has been replaced by a less is more philosophy. How do we incorporate texture and color in a less cluttered aesthetic? Incorporating plants. Not a new design element, plants have taken on a more important role than adding nature in our homes. There is an increasing awareness of how our home and work environments affect our health and wellness. During 2020 many of our home spaces also became our workspaces. One of the tenants of improved health and wellness in design is incorporating Biophilic design.
Webster’s dictionary describes biophilia as: “a hypothetical human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature: a desire or tendency to commune with nature”. Living with plants and natural light improves our physical and mental wellbeing. Ferns and plants with larger leaves also have air purifying properties. While I don’t really advocate for artificial plants, seeing artificial plants and even using green in your décor can create the same mental and physical feelings of wellbeing that real plants do.
Dust off your brown thumb, because there are several popular plants that require very little care. One of the most forgiving plants is the Snake Plant. It is seen in trendiest, paired down designs. Another favorite is the Pathos. It literally shrivels and lets you know when it’s time to water. Additionally, it’s easy to propagate to fill those lonely corners. There are many resources for incorporating living plants in your home. Local nurseries, specialized plant shops, and on-line sources. Grab a colorful or plain pot and start decorating.
