Using Indoor and Outdoor Plants in Design

We know that at the end of the day, it is the details that make a space feel like home. The functional kitchen space is great and the multipurpose bathroom vanity is a must but the little things enable every area to reflect you and your personality. There are literally hundreds of ways to utilize accent pieces throughout your home but one that has been trending for some time are plants both for your indoor and outdoor spaces. Traditionally when we think of plants our mind thinks real but faux greenery and florals have become popular as well. Dried is another option that has found its way into the design world. More companies are offering various selections for indoor/outdoor plants making it easier than ever to incorporate these things into your home whether you suffer from allergies or not. What are the benefits of using them and what are the best ways to style your home with them? Let’s find out.

Using live flowers and plants

There are few things that can brighten a room like fresh flowers and because they come in so many varieties and sizes they can be used in multiple areas of the home. From luscious, leafy plants to vibrant flowers, it is a wonderful way to add color to any room. You can create contrast in a calm room of neutrals by popping in some simple green terracottas or even go larger with tall varieties of greenery. There are several fun ways to incorporate them into the design, using a bar cart for instance, instead of layering them on shelves and the floor you can place them on the cart to create a beautiful mini landscape that is easy to move when needed. Don’t forget that you can go up as well with hanging plants that can become their own works of art or become a visual statement in a room. Of course they are a “natural” fit for the back deck, sun room, or patio and instantly add a feeling of warmth and a sense of home. Placing smaller plants on the bookshelf is a perfect compliment to the books not to mention they make a unique book end as well. Some decorative planters can even be placed on the wall and provide you with a great way to clean the air and fill the space with varying colors from nature’s own palette. While the possibilities are endless it is important to keep in mind which plants need more sun as well as which ones are harmful to any pets you may have. Flowers and greenery blend well with a minimal and even a farmhouse design style so consider putting them on your list for decor items in your new space. 

Using faux plants

As much as we may like the real deal, there are times when it is not possible to incorporate real flowers and plants especially if you have allergies, young children, or pets. Thankfully, there are many companies who do a wonderful job at creating faux plant options such as Mud Pie who offer stunning pieces like elegant wooden trays with moss in them. They work great for table centerpieces and can be paired with other items to make your table the envy of all. Layering is a great way to maximize the look, especially moss trays coupled with varying sizes of pots. It immediately creates a soft, inviting look for any space in the home. This is also helpful in areas with high usage like the home office. Working for hours in once space can become weary on the mind and body, by placing a touch of nature throughout or in concentrated areas, it can ease the stress and increase productivity along with focus. Faux plants give you the beauty and calm of the outside without having to water or worry about whether or not the baby or dog has gotten into it. Not to mention if you travel often or don’t have a green thumb. If you think the plant looks a little too fake, take a tip from a designer and simply re-pot it. There are many hanging baskets and planters that look amazing on their own and can work great as a decor piece. Be on the lookout next time you are at your favorite craft store, you might just find something amazing in the faux plant area that you had previously not noticed.

Using dried flowers in the home

Sometimes you want the beauty of fresh flowers to last forever and that is where dried ones come into play. They can make stunning arrangements in the home, especially ones that have a traditional or more farmhouse feel to them. Dried flowers retain much of the original beauty and can be placed in multiple areas in the home such as the entry or foyer and kitchen. They are always a beautiful addition to any space plus they also eliminate much of the allergy problem as well. Of course one benefit is the fact that they don’t need to be replaced as often as their fresh counterparts. They can provide as much beauty as the original and give your home a soft touch from nature herself. 

Benefits of decorating with flowers 

Besides making your home look absolutely amazing, flowers, both fresh and faux, come with several benefits including:

  • Clean air
  • Calm environment
  • Reducing stress
  • Increasing positive emotions

It is a known fact that plants clean the air in your home, but the color green is also linked to reducing stress. There is also evidence that suggests it can also help our eyes recover a little when we take a break from our screens to look at it. Placing several plants no matter if they’re real or not in your office space provides a nice moment of rest for your eyes. When you choose to incorporate bits of nature throughout your home it immediately creates a calm environment for everyone to enjoy whether with just your family or with your guests. The atmosphere of a room is just as important as the layout and comfort of the furniture which is why many designers encourage the use of natural and faux plants in the home. Even just a few scattered around can yield benefits to your family so consider making a stop at your local nursery for some ideas.

Indoor and outdoor plants

Whether you are looking for some amazing new potters for your plants or some faux plants that can add a gentle touch to your home, come visit our showroom where we have many items available to you. It is always important to touch and feel what you want to buy so you can know whether or not it is the right fit for your space. We are also an authorized dealer for Mud Pie and have access to hundreds of beautiful items that can give you a sense of nature for your home. Our 5,000 square foot showroom located in charming Uptown Shelby North Carolina is the perfect place to spend a Saturday, strolling along down the many shops filled with special items for your home. Make plans to come visit us real soon and bring the family.

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