Cozy up your home and get creative with your houseplants! These 5 simple plant decor hacks will take your home from basic to botanical bliss.
Craving a home that breathes life and speaks volumes about your unique personality? Look no further than the humble houseplant. These leafy companions aren’t just air purifiers and mood boosters; they’re interior design magic waiting to happen.
But hold on, before you rush to drown your home or apartment in a sea of fussy ferns, let’s get strategic about it. Transforming your space into a thriving indoor jungle without breaking a sweat or your fragile plant babies, that’s the name of the game. Because it’s got to be easy for you to care for too.
Today, I’m sharing five foolproof hacks that’ll turn your basic digs into a lush abode, no matter your living situation or botanical expertise. Plus, I’m sharing some of my favorite easy indoor plants to grow.
Learn how to decorate with plants to cozy up your living spaces with these simple tips!
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Plant Decor Hacks: 5 Easy Ways to Elevate Your Home with Houseplants
With winter just beginning, I’m already longing for spring, warmer weather, and pretty flowers. It gets so cold here in New Jersey!
Houseplants are a great way to add life, warmth and personality to a space without going full on spring decor. And regardless of the time of year, they cozy up your home and breathe life into bland spaces. Not to mention, they clean the air we breathe. Plus, those bright, happy greens just make you feel gooooood.
Studies have shown that indoor plants improve concentration and productivity as well as reduce stress levels which makes them ideal for both home and work environments.
If you don’t have any, you’ve got to get at least one. And once you start, I promise you’ll wind up getting more. Caring for houseplants is very rewarding and they are just lovely to enjoy indoors in the doldrums of winter.
But Where Do You Put Plants?
When styling houseplants, their needs should be considered first.
- What kind of light to do they require?
- Where are the windows located in the room? (N, S, E or W)
Plants look great on plant stands, shelves, mantels, tables, nooks, countertops…pretty much any place that has a sturdy flat surface. Add greens to spaces that lack life and personality. You know what I’m talking about, right? Those areas that lack that certain something?
Put one there.
Incorporating more plants adds depth and makes indoor spaces come alive. For example, trailing plants look great on a shelf because they soften the hard lines and fill in empty spaces.
Large, leafy plants can soften dark corners of a room.
And if you add an uplight behind that large leafy plant? You’ll add mood lighting and instant drama.
Not sure what kind of light your home has? Read my article that will help you drill down on the best plants to choose based on their light requirements here.
Plant Decor Hack #1: Think Beyond the Basic Pot
Similar to choosing home decor, it’s important to select plant containers that will accentuate your home and be the right fit for you plants. There are so many options to choose from so think through your home, the plants you have, and what your decorating style is.
And the best part? You can change them up whenever you want!
I gravitate to pots and containers that look organic, rustic and neutral. Sure, terracotta pots have their charm, but they’re the equivalent of wearing plain white tees every day. Spice things up!
Swap those standard containers for vibrant ceramics, woven baskets, or even repurposed vintage finds. There are lots of garden gems you can find at the thrift store, so don’t leave there without snagging some beautiful crocks, jugs, pales, and so much more.
Let your planter choices reflect your style, whether it’s bohemian macrame hangers, sleek geometric shapes, or quirky vintage treasures. Remember, the pot is the first impression, so make it count!
Plant Decor Hack #2: Master the Art of Layering
Flat living spaces? Not in our home! Embrace the vertical dimension with layering. Tall fiddle leaf figs or monsteras add drama and anchor a corner, while smaller succulents and air plants in terrariums bring personality to shelves and desks.
Don’t be afraid to elevate your plants either! Stools, shelves, and even upside-down baskets can give your shorter plant babies a leg up (literally) and create a dynamic, jungle-like effect. Plant stands and shelves are a great way to solve this problem. They help plants sit closer to the light coming in from the windows. And display plants more prominently in the room.
But also consider adding a pretty willow plant obelisk or sphere to add more character to trailing plants and create more depth in your home.
Use More Plant Stands and Shelves
To give you an example, do you see that snake plant in the bottom right corner of my former kitchen in the picture below? It’s sitting on the floor and barely noticeable. I raised it up off the floor with a plant stand and look at how much more noticeable that snake plant is is. There are several reasons why plants often look better when they are lifted off the floor:
Visual Perception
- Height and Proportion: Elevated plants create a more balanced proportion in a room, particularly where furniture dominates the lower parts. Their height draws the eye upwards, making the space feel taller and more airy.
- Focal Point: Placed at eye level or above, plants become a key focal point, adding visual interest and preventing the lower areas from feeling empty or cluttered.
- Variety and Dimension: Lifting plants introduces different levels and layers to the space, breaking up monotony and creating a more dynamic, interesting visual composition.
Light and Shadow
- Better Light Access: Elevating plants, especially those requiring brighter light, ensures they receive sufficient illumination for optimal growth and aesthetic appeal.
- Shadow Play: Plants on stands or shelves cast interesting shadows on walls and floors, adding depth and character to the space.
Practical Benefits
- Accessibility: Placed higher, plants are less likely to be knocked over, trampled on, or damaged by pets or children. Just make sure the plant stand is sturdy!
- Maintenance: Watering and care become easier when plants are at a comfortable height, reducing the need to bend or crouch.
- Space Utilization: Lifting plants frees up floor space for other furniture or activities, particularly in smaller rooms.
Psychological Impact
- Sense of Nature: Elevated plants bring the outdoors in, fostering a connection with nature and promoting feelings of calm and well-being.
- Greenery as Art: By showcasing plants at eye level, they become more like living sculptures, adding an artistic touch and enhancing the overall ambiance.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Some low-growing plants like ferns or succulents can add texture and interest when placed directly on the floor. Ultimately, the best placement depends on the specific plant, the light conditions, the overall room layout, and your personal preferences.
I think houseplants look prettier when raised up off the floor and strategically spaced in a room.
Plant Styling Tip #3: Embrace Unexpected Corners
Plants crave the spotlight, but not just from windowsills. Hang staghorn ferns like living wall art, tuck air plants into vintage terrariums on shelves, or surprise guests with a mini fern on your bathroom counter.
Think vertically! Mounted shelves or hanging macrame planters are space-saving heroes, letting your greenery cascade like a beautiful waterfall. Remember, the more unexpected the placement, the more “wow” factor you’ll get.
This winter I started training my heartleaf philodendron to climb the wall in my front entry hall. It love it! To train my plant, I used these plant wall clips that you don’t even notice and won’t damage the walls. And because there isn’t enough natural light, I added this grow light to help it thrive.
Plant Decor Hack #4: Let There Be (Strategic) Light
Not all plants are sun worshippers. Consider their light needs and your desired ambiance. String lights add a touch of whimsy, while strategically placed spotlights can highlight unique foliage. For low-light areas, choose shade-loving heroes like snake plants or ZZ plants. Remember, lighting can dramatically transform the mood of your space, so play with it and see what aesthetic you can create.
Keep in mind though, that even low light plants need light to thrive. While some plants can handle less light, they’ll do much better with more light. This is why I add grow lights to where I want to place my plants. There are so many great options out there that you can make any space work! I grouped some of my favorite grow lights here.
Plant Decor Hack #5: Group Your Houseplants Together
Plants love company! Odd numbers are visually appealing, and clustering different textures and sizes is like throwing a mini jungle party for your eyes. Plus, grouping plants helps them retain humidity and creates a microclimate that benefits everyone involved. Thus, arranging your plants together can create a stunning focal point as well as help them thrive.
The Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants You Should Grow
Okay, we’ve painted a glorious picture of your home transformed into a lush and vibrant oasis. But what if your gardening track record involves crispy fern foliage and a wilting cactus? I got you! Because the plant kingdom holds some easy-care, low-maintenance plants that even the most novice of gardeners can handle. These are houseplants that thrive with minimal fuss and adapt to a variety of light conditions.
5 Fuss-Free Indoor Plants
The Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant is an architectural wonder that practically defines “low-maintenance.” Its upright, sword-like leaves require infrequent watering and tolerate low light like a champ. And it gets bonus points for being one of the top air-purifying plants!
The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Picture glossy, deep green leaves that practically shine – that’s the ZZ plant. It thrives in both bright and indirect light, needs minimal watering, and can even handle periods of neglect. Talk about a forgiving friend!
The Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
This cascading champion is one of the easiest (and most popular) houseplants for a reason. Pothos‘ heart-shaped leaves come in various shades, it tolerates a range of light levels, and propagates like nobody’s business. Perfect for hanging baskets or trailing along shelves while cozying up your indoor spaces.
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Not only is the spider plant easy to care for, but it also gifts you with baby spiderettes that you can propagate and share with your plant-loving friends. Bright indirect light is its happy place, but it can handle lower light too. Just let the soil dry between waterings.
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
This elegant plant not only boasts dramatic white flowers but also tells you when it needs a drink! Its leaves droop slightly when thirsty, perking back up once you give it a good soak. It prefers medium to bright indirect light and adds a touch of zen to any space.
Final Thoughts About Plant Decor and Styling
Keep in mind that even low-maintenance plants need some TLC. Read the plant tags, learn their specific needs for watering, soil type, and occasional fertilization. With a little love and attention, these indoor plants will reward you with lush greenery and a sense of accomplishment (no brown thumbs here!) for years to come.
Do you have love to style your houseplants too? I’ve got them all over my home and enjoy the lush aesthetic they provide throughout the year. Do you have any plant styling tips you’d like to share? I would love to know more in the comments below.
For more tips about decorating with plants, please see this article from the Michigan State University Cooperative Extension.
To drill down on houseplant care basics and growing an indoor garden that thrives, please read my articles:
- Easy Houseplants for Busy People: The Low-Maintenance Approach to Growing an Indoor Garden
- From Shop to Home: How to Acclimate Your Tropical Plants
- Stop Guessing and Master Watering Indoor Plants Like a Pro
- How to Revive Houseplants You Thought Were Goners
- Is Your Houseplant Getting Enough Light? Here’s How to Tell.
Thanks for stopping by the blog today.
Enjoy your day! xoxo
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