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Indoor Gardener: Topiaries Help Rooms Shape Up
Undeniably sculptural, topiaries in modern geometric to classic round shapes bring fresh artfulness to the home
I am a Brooklyn-based writer, who writes about all sorts of DIY ventures like cooking, crafts and decorating. When I'm not on assignment, I can be found dreaming up projects for my home, which I chronicle in my blog The Little House in the City (thelittlehouseinthecityblog.com).
I am a Brooklyn-based writer, who writes about all sorts of DIY ventures... More »
Topiaries are plants (mainly evergreens) that have been cut into ornamental shapes. The term "topiary" derives from the Latin word "topiarius," which means "gardener." In the garden, topiaries function almost like sculptures. Indoors, topiaries are an elegant way to add some greenery.
Many indoor topiaries are not living plants but rather preserved specimens; preserved boxwood is among the most common. Unlike fake plants — which look, well, fake — preserved boxwoods look quite lifelike because they are, in fact, real plants.
Some woody herbs and evergreens can be trimmed into topiary-like shapes and grown indoors as well. A little maintenance with gardening shears will keep these living topiaries looking shapely. These 13 photographs showcase indoor topiaries at their best.
Many indoor topiaries are not living plants but rather preserved specimens; preserved boxwood is among the most common. Unlike fake plants — which look, well, fake — preserved boxwoods look quite lifelike because they are, in fact, real plants.
Some woody herbs and evergreens can be trimmed into topiary-like shapes and grown indoors as well. A little maintenance with gardening shears will keep these living topiaries looking shapely. These 13 photographs showcase indoor topiaries at their best.
by Fiorella Design
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Mary Jo Fiorella has placed three willowy topiaries around this traditional farm-style sink. She recommends Ballard Designs as an online source for similar specimens.
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Preserved boxwoods offer a welcome hit of green life in the white-on-white home of blogger Federica, of Sweet as a Candy.
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A breakfast nook by Lauren Liess Interiors is given country charm with a black and white floral wallpaper, traditional chairs and a vintage chalkboard. Three herbal topiaries add to the room's vintage vibe.
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| A cute topiary ball sits on a side table beside a vintage-style birdcage (click photo to see full view); paired with an airy palette, the two add a gardenlike feeling to the sitting room. |
Topiaries take on a mod twist when pruned into more severe geometric shapes. The pair flanking this fireplace almost look like contemporary sculptures.
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| A petite rosemary is potted in a distressed terra-cotta planter, making a gardenlike addition to this bathroom by Smith & Vansant Architects. |
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by RLH Studio
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| In a subtle touch of wit, two tiny trees stand on either side of a landscape painting above the mantel in this sitting room by RLH Studio. A preserved boxwood ball rests on the coffee table. |
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A 1920s bungalow's kitchen looks clean and calm postrenovation. Two herbal topiaries near the kitchen sink are a fresh accent to finish off the space.
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A tiny topiary sits in the window of this eclectic room by Andrew Flesher. Even a small touch of greenery can breathe life into an otherwise sterile space.
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| Larger-scale topiaries are more unusual than the diminutive tabletop sizes. This handsome pair is a chic addition to this contemporary cool space by The Couture Rooms. |
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Ranging from 16 inches to 20 inches, these preserved boxwood trees are an adorable home accent.
Tip: Restoration Hardware notes that a monthly misting with a water bottle will keeps them refreshed.
Tip: Restoration Hardware notes that a monthly misting with a water bottle will keeps them refreshed.
by Ballard Designs
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Fresh and lifelike, fabric-leaf topiaries from Ballard come in a range of sizes and shapes, including an intriguing spiral.
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Made from preserved boxwood potted in limestone planters, this set of six topiaries offers you enough pots for every room.
More:
Indoor Trees
Choosing Houseplants
5 Reasons to Design With Houseplants
More:
Indoor Trees
Choosing Houseplants
5 Reasons to Design With Houseplants
Comments
Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. These are great. Love the oversize pieces in the modern kitchen, I don't think I've ever seen them that large. They do change in feel depending on the scale. Great ideas, thanks.
13 months ago · Like
paulasbath Tile where from?
13 months ago · Like
Mustard Seed Interiors Thanks for the feature! Some of those rooms are gorgeous!!
13 months ago · Like
geo55 I love topiaries! I've been lucky to find some of the ones priced above at Home Goods and Marshalls...at a much discounted cost!
13 months ago · Like
Laura Fenton HomeGoods and Marshall's would be great places to look for preserved topiaries -- thanks for the suggestion!
13 months ago · Like
Fiorella Design Thank you for featuring my project! some live topiaries are great too http://www.freshtopiary.com/
12 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on April 15, 2012.
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