Sorry to say, but yes it looks tacky.

Real trees and plants inside are not that hard to maintain, especially getting all that Florida sun. It would look much nicer and improve the environment of your home as well.

Looking at your picture, I can't tell the difference.

Sorry, fake plants are almost always tacky to me, especially trees. A real ficus should be fine in bright light by a window.

I am not a fan of the upkeep of indoor plants either, water stains, dropped leaves, dirt escaping....Sadly artificial plants are in disfavor right now. Particularly in a lush climate like Florida I am thinking people would be unimpressed. Possibly skip the greenery all together and look for something all together different?

They are pretty good quality artificial trees and plants and you really need to go up to them to see if they are real or not. I like the look and really don’t want to start maintaining an indoor garden. Can anyone suggest alternative decor for this area?

Frequent travel and pets can make real trees and plants impossible for some people. In the grand scheme of things, who cares about this? Will friends and family think less of someone for having fake greenery in their home? Unless someone is trying to pass themselves off as award-winning gardeners, I don't get why fake greenery is tacky.

I'm of the opinion that if it's your house and you like it, do it. I'm sure there are exceptions to this rule, but your're ok here!

I'm not so good at plants, either...and I have a spot that really needs one, so I've been looking into artificial...Are ALL of your plants artificial? Is it an "atrium spot" because you want it to be or because you think it is?

Only asking because, to me, it just looks like windows in a corner, so it doesn't need to be a place for plants..

So I don't think faux plants are tacky, but maybe you want some suggestions of what else to do with that spot? In which case a photo of the whole place would help..

Maybe keep just the ficus and put it in the corner??? I don't think you need any decor in that area - open it up to the light and view!

Amanda, I think what matters is what YOU think. Some people are fine with fake plants. I do think it's better if you have one where a real one would thrive, such as a ficus in bright light. Your palm tree seems more questionable to me. I have a friend who has a fake Japanese maple in a very dark corner of her living room. Now that seems pretty silly.

Yes, I have a whole garden of artificial plants, lol!

Use the room for something else and plant real stuff outside the windows to enjoy without the mess.

Unfortunately, they do. It seems you are wanting to soften the space. I would add curtains to flank the sides of your windows, so when they are open they rest on the wall and wont cover the window light. I would also add a floor lamp with a shade to replace the height you will be missing without the trees. I would then add in a mother-in-laws tongue plant. I promise they are impossible to kill (over water, underwater, no light, tons of light...it doesn't matter).

Here's a crappy photoshop rendering...

It will feel naked there for a while but you'll get used to it.

It's a beautiful spot...

If you're open to suggestions, I would turn that corner into a separate space...maybe a table and a couple chairs for games or tea or maybe a reading area? Of course that depends on whether the other furnishings can be moved out a bit....

I think you might find that it's...refreshing... to be without the plants.

Don't know if I care for drapes, unless you need the privacy?

I would be very frustrated to not be able to enjoy the view out those beautiful windows because of the plants blocking them. I'd try one live plant in the area and clear out all the rest, if it were my space.

In general, what are people doing to bring greenery into their decor? Or am I just stuck in the 90’s? Is that not done anymore?

Amanda, to me it doesn't matter one bit if something is "done" or not..I don't follow trends.

I really don't think that plants could fall into any trend, though, if that's what you're asking. It's just a case of preference.

If you like them ..keep them

To be honest, most people I know who want greenery have real plants inside (with the exception of the Japanese maple I mentioned). It's really not that hard if they're in the right light/location. You might have to pick up a few leaves once in awhile but no big deal. Right now I have ficus and schefflera that are pretty much maintenance free.

When we moved into our current home the previous owners left about a dozen fake ficus and ivy plants behind. A friend of mine happily took all of them. Oops...guess I can include her with the Japanese maple friend. :-)

There are some faux plants out there that look realistic. I am in Florida also and love live plants but I have replaced so many that have developed bugs and I have just given up on large live.

Here are some from Amazon and Wayfair.

https://www.worldmarket.com/product/6-foot-faux-fiddle-leaf-fig-tree.do

Just found these 'baskets' from CB2 that are actually waterproof solid material

Amanda - Your question: In general, what are people doing to bring greenery into their decor? Or am I just stuck in the 90’s? Is that not done anymore?

I am not good with real plants but I dont want fake ones. Added to that, I dont want plants that are fussy in terms of sunlight or water and I dont want plants that attract mealybugs, aphids, or other plant pests . The plants that I have found work for me are snake plants, orchids, and philodendron. I especially like the philodendron because they are large. I have 3 types of philodendron: Hope, Red Congo, and Split leaf.

Maybe you could look into some of these options if you want to try something different but if your current plants bring you joy then I suggest you stick with those.

I like Friday, I am thinking of replacing my artificial plants with orchids and other low-maintenance real plants. Actually, the artificial greenery is a big dust collector. I have removed most of them to see how it looks without them... and if I do keep them (doubtful) I will have to carry them outside to hose them down. Not fun ...

Amanda - 5 years ago I had no plants in my home at all. Someone gave me an orchid and I started asking questions on one of the plant forums here. I received great information and that orchid is still alive and doing well. Then I started researching easy to care for plants. I think as you add real plants to your space you will gain confidence. You will also get lots of enjoyment watching them grow. To me plants almost look like sculptures that are forever changing shape as they grow.

You might add Asparagus fern, too. Even I can't kill that one...

Does this look better?

IMO that looks much better but I think you can find a better way to display them then placing them all in a row.

If frequent travel is an issue, think of tall succulents. A pencil cactus can go a month without water.

Artificial plants might look incredibly realistic on day one but within a year’s time, they’ve lost it. Besides, what’s the point? It’s like an aquarium with artificial fish.

Of course, you can just skip the plants. Many a find interior is built without a single plant.

I too have real plants and living in the midwest with our harsh winters...somehow I accumulated an over abundance of houseplants in the house...lol I have some in each room and try to incorporate them in the decor and of course, with the light and location that the plants need to thrive. My favorites are maidenhair ferns, Boston fern, pathos, palms (minature) and Christmas Cactus. I think plants make a home for "homey" so keep your plants....either live or fake if you love them.

Everything ilikefriday said, times ten. The key is to start slow, learn what makes that plant tick, then add from there. There’s tons of plant care info on the internet, telling you exactly what each plant needs (it wasn’t like that 10 years ago).

I started with one and now am at...50? 60?

I’m really not into watering, bugs, etc. so I was hoping for an attractive and easy alternative to an abundance of houseplants....

I do like the cactus idea, though.

Just wanted to say I've seen numerous posts here on Houzz with positive feedback on the faux fiddle leaf fig Beverly posted from World Market.

yes, do cactus and like plants but don't over water. I killed some thinking they needed water - I've learned! Aloe plant is good and useful for burns.
I think you're on the right track.

I’m confused about what I should do next. I moved all faux trees and plants out of my room and my room now looks naked and has no charm. BevFla, the faux trees you suggested look beautiful but the ones I already have are of good quality and look very lifelike...

My plan right now is to clean them and keep them in my decor. Thank you all for weighing in.

Amanda, that sounds like a good plan. I think the responses here were meant to be helpful. My interpretation of your initial question regarding the plants indicated you weren't sure...? There are always varying opinions here whenever questions are asked. One thing's for sure, you can learn a lot.

If the leaves of the plant are 'crunchy' when you dust them, they have seen their best days and are time to go. The leaves can fade also so be aware of that.

Just a note....I have put fake plants in with a live plant to make it look fuller....As the plant grows, you can take the fake ones out. Sometimes the pot looks naked around the bottom so I put some fake low plants and looks better. Watering plants can be a pita but just a necessary part of loving plants.

I don't know about anyone else, but if i even look at a ficus the darn thing drops her leaves.

Perhaps I’ll eventually replace the artificial trees with succulents. I have a small cactus in the window and it’s thriving on neglect!