This full bird of paradise plant nicely balances the blooming orchid on the coffee table in this Portland, Oregon, home and serves to offset the formal symmetry that can sometimes make a room look more like a hotel lobby than a home. Plants are a great way to add life to a space, since not only are they living and breathing, but they're also not perfect! A little imperfection in the form of a plant that has its own mind can be a great way to make a home feel comfortable and lived in, especially if you'd rather not have a messy look. On the other hand, a messy plant balances a little family-made mess too.