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Bring the Outside In With House Plants
A Little Green Looks Good and Helps Clear the Air
In traditional paintings, artists sometimes use shots of red to draw the viewer's gaze around the work, ensuring the entire piece is absorbed. Red accessories work wonderfully in interior design, too, but I think pops of leafy green house plants are also highly successful in helping people take in the full effect of — and enlivening — a beautiful interior.
The benefits of house plants go beyond adding color and texture to the home (or office... or any space, really): They keep us healthy! Most common house plants cleanse the air by significantly reducing the amount of harmful gasses, pollutants and carbon dioxide, while at the same time releasing fresh oxygen. On a less technical level, plants have been shown to calm us down and soothe our weary souls by making spaces feel full of life, bright, inviting and a little more connected to nature. Additionally, with green so prevalent in nature you'd be hard-pressed to find a color that doesn't look gorgeous next to it, so design around plants without fear of clashing!
The benefits of house plants go beyond adding color and texture to the home (or office... or any space, really): They keep us healthy! Most common house plants cleanse the air by significantly reducing the amount of harmful gasses, pollutants and carbon dioxide, while at the same time releasing fresh oxygen. On a less technical level, plants have been shown to calm us down and soothe our weary souls by making spaces feel full of life, bright, inviting and a little more connected to nature. Additionally, with green so prevalent in nature you'd be hard-pressed to find a color that doesn't look gorgeous next to it, so design around plants without fear of clashing!
| As far as I'm concerned, nothing beats showering outside. This bathroom opens completely to literally bring the outside in. Mind, body and soul are fully nourished in a setting such as this. |
Don't have a set of retractable doors? Bring plants into the bathroom to create an outdoorsy feeling in the comfort of your own home. The inevitable humidity feels downright tropical too, further blurring the distinction between indoors and outdoors.
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We had great south-facing windows in our last apartment, so we put plants everywhere in an attempt to bring the outside in. In the bathroom, our plants became natural "curtains," adding a layer of privacy to the window in the shower and coordinating with our yellow and white stripes and patterned shower curtain.
If I had plants literally growing out of my floor, I would know I've reached the pinnacle of happiness — and purified air freshness!
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In this room, the plant to the left of the fireplace is balanced by the one on the coffee table. Together, they introduce a jolt of color to a primarily beige interior. The texture of the finishes and the deep green make this room interesting and inviting.
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I cannot think of a more glamorous workspace than this sun-drenched corner complete with furniture that spans centuries and possibly the happiest tree on earth.
by Tamar Schechner
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The fuchsia blossoms coupled with the butterfly pillow remind us to slow down, grab a book and settle into a big, cozy reading chair. Tamar Schechner embraces all colors in her light-infused home, which is made all the more lively by her ample inclusion of plants.
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Nature works its way into nearly every project completed by Modern House, and this staircase, which appears to be growing out of a forest, is no exception. This home would be beautiful no matter what, but the bright green foliage adds depth and plushness.
| Look at large plants as sculptures. This centrally located plant adds shape and liveliness to the interior while grounding the various seating vignettes. |
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Give life to an inherently simple interior with an oversize plant. The palm in this image helps fill in a cavernous room while undoubtedly freshening the air.
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by Alexandra Rae
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| Green is the name of the game in this multi-layered room, but potted plants on the coffee table and blossoms peeking in at the right side of the frame bring the color to life. |
by Kerrie L. Kelly
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All the plants add to the timelessness of this generously-sized great room by making it feel lived-in, loved and well-cared for.
More plants around the Houzz:
Easy Green: Indoor Trees
The Succulence of Succulents in the Home
More plants around the Houzz:
Easy Green: Indoor Trees
The Succulence of Succulents in the Home
Ideabook published on April 15, 2011.
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Everytime I see that first photo, I rack my brain trying to figure out how to remodel my tiny bathroom to include an indoor garden like that. Unfortunately, without even a single window, I can't even grow just one plant in there! Drats!!
I AM going to figure out a way to add an indoor garden, in the floor, dirt and all somewhere in my house, though!
You're so right - no other decor can compete with the majestic beauty of plants!
Thanks!!
http://www.blankees.com/house/plants/air_cleaners.htm
http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h110indoorair.html
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/top-ten-houseplants-for-cleaner-air.html#
http://www.garden.org/
Mizd and Merav1970: Agreed! I think plants can even mask minimal decorating, since they bring such life to a space. Thanks for reading!
English Ivy, Boston fern.