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Firmly Planted: Choosing Houseplants
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
Out of all the home decisions I've made since our move into a little renovated bungalow house this summer, I was amused at how stunned I was at the choice of houseplants. Moving from Palo Alto, California to a mountain range where the climate will start keeping us inside in the next few months, I knew we wanted something green and alive.
Yet the addition of houseplants can make or break the finishing touches in a room. I began to realize that we needed to not only consider lighting and durability (I have two children), but style and nuance and shape.
I guess I would characterize our home by the terms casual chic with a touch of French bohemia, and we wanted something pretty classic. In the end? We went with some traditional ferns and a Maidenhair Fern.
These photos show an array of greenery, and how each shape and style choice works to enhance the space around them.
Yet the addition of houseplants can make or break the finishing touches in a room. I began to realize that we needed to not only consider lighting and durability (I have two children), but style and nuance and shape.
I guess I would characterize our home by the terms casual chic with a touch of French bohemia, and we wanted something pretty classic. In the end? We went with some traditional ferns and a Maidenhair Fern.
These photos show an array of greenery, and how each shape and style choice works to enhance the space around them.
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| Now this is adding detail and life without adding clutter. |
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| The furniture and structure of this back yard suggests an intimacy of an indoor space, and this island of shrubbery adds the same elegant touch that, say, a round table with a large bouquet of flowers would add to a classic hotel lobby. |
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Another simple but interesting look, helped by the neutral traditional terra cotta pots and the simple, minimalist leaves. No large fern here.
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| Thin, long strands work wonders to add a touch of elegance without drawing attention to itself too much. |
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Sometimes something more substantial fills in the gaps.
You of course wouldn't want grass carpet, but this photo shows well the principle of how well greenery in your home can integrate and complement the space, not crowd or overrun it.
Plants can be such a great way to keep a space neutral while adding detailing that suggests tasteful attention to the smallest considerations.
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Symmetrical flanking on each side of a mantle or dresser or table gives a classic touch. In most instances, taller structured plants work well to keep the outer perimeters of the space structured.
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| For more modern spaces, think of simple grass and unconventionally-shaped pots such as these square ones. Cluster or line them in odd numbers. |
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Here the two different plants balance the room while helping to break up the perfect symmetry.
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Um. This is amazing. Can you imagine such a greenhouse living room in your townhouse in New York, where the designer Gleicher Design Group is based? Note how the outdoor is brought in even more by the simple green potted plant (one obviously loving light) on the side table.
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Another view of the room (and another plant) because: wow.
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Another room in this eco-friendly townhouse, exhibiting the obvious understanding of the value and use of houseplants.
Ideabook updated on Sept. 6, 2009.
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I highly recommend this one if you are looking to decorate with some unique house plants.