Table of Contents
Houseplants are more than just a trendy addition to your home or office; they offer numerous health benefits, including air purification, stress reduction, and increased productivity. With the growing popularity of houseplants in interior design, it's essential to know how to style and showcase them in the most visually appealing way. In this blog post, we'll share expert tips from top interior designers on how to style indoor plants like a pro, ensuring your space looks stunning and inviting. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your collection, these tips will help you create a beautiful indoor oasis!
What are the Benefits of Indoor Plants in Interior Design?
Before diving into styling tips, it's essential to understand why indoor plants are so popular in interior design. Here are 5 benefits we can enjoy by surrounding ourselves with houseplants:
- Improved air quality: Plants have been shown to be effective at removing pollutants from the air, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide. This can lead to improved air quality in indoor spaces, which can have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing.
- Stress reduction: Research has shown that the presence of plants in indoor spaces can reduce stress and improve mood. This may be due to their ability to create a more calming and relaxing environment.
- Enhanced productivity: Studies have found that having plants in the workplace can increase productivity and creativity. This may be due to their ability to reduce stress and create a more pleasant work environment.
- Biophilic design elements: Biophilic design is an approach that seeks to incorporate natural elements into indoor spaces, such as plants, natural light, and water features. This approach is based on the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature, and incorporating natural elements into indoor spaces can improve our health and wellbeing.
- Visual interest and texture: Plants can add visual interest and texture to indoor spaces, creating a more dynamic and engaging environment. They can also serve as a decorative element, helping to bring color and life to a room.
By incorporating indoor plants into your design, you not only create a visually appealing space but also promote a healthy and nurturing environment.
How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Space?
To create a well-balanced interior, it's essential to select the right plants for your space. Consider these factors when choosing houseplants:
- Light requirements.
- Space constraints.
- Plant size and growth habits.
- Care and maintenance needs.
- Personal preferences and style.
For spaces with limited natural light, consider our Vita LED grow-bulb, which provides the essential light spectrum needed for healthy plant growth. It can be attached to any lamp, making it perfect for dark corners and windowless rooms.
How to Mix and Match Different Plant Types?
One of the best ways to create a visually engaging space is to mix and match various plant types. Here are some tips for combining different plants:
- Vary plant sizes and heights.
- Combine plants with different leaf shapes and textures.
- Mix and match different shades of green.
- Add pops of color with flowering plants.
Click through for more inspiration and tips on how to mix and match different plant types.
How to Create Eye-Catching Plant Groupings?
Creating plant groupings is an art form. Use these expert tips to design visually appealing arrangements:
- Use odd numbers of plants for a more balanced look.
- Place taller plants in the back and smaller ones in the front.
- Create a focal point with a statement plant.
- Use a variety of pot styles and materials.
What are the Best Ways to Display Indoor Plants?
There are countless ways to display indoor plants, but here are some favorite methods from top interior designers:
- Hanging planters: Perfect for trailing plants or to add vertical interest to your space.
- Plant shelves: Ideal for creating a plant wall or displaying a collection of small plants.
- Plant stands and tables: A stylish way to elevate plants and create visual interest.
- Wall-mounted planters: A creative solution for small spaces or to add a touch of greenery to a blank wall.
For more ideas on displaying your plants beautifully, check out our blog post, "3 Helpful Interior Plant Décor Tips: Decorate With Indoor Plants in Mind”.
How to Incorporate Plants into Different Design Styles?
Each interior design style has its unique characteristics, and it's essential to select plants that complement your chosen aesthetic. Here are some tips for incorporating plants into different design styles:
Modern
In modern interiors, incorporating minimalist, sculptural plants can create a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. Emphasizing bold forms and clean lines can enhance the contemporary aesthetic while keeping the design uncluttered and cohesive.
Some excellent plant choices for modern spaces include snake plants, fiddle leaf figs, and ZZ plants. These plants boast striking shapes and textures that complement minimalist decor - check out this list of the most aesthetic plants for more ideas.. Pairing them with sleek planters and accessories can further accentuate their architectural qualities, creating a visually stunning and harmonious environment in line with modern design principles.
Bohemian
One approach to curating a visually engaging and inviting Bohemian space is to mix and match various plant types and colors. Incorporating a diverse selection of plants with unique foliage patterns, textures, and colors can contribute to a relaxed, free-spirited atmosphere synonymous with the Bohemian style.
Think about including plants like pothos, calatheas, and spider plants in your indoor garden. Pothos offers lush, trailing vines, while calatheas showcase stunning, patterned leaves. Spider plants, with their arching foliage and baby plantlets, add a whimsical touch. By arranging these plants in an eclectic mix of pots, baskets, and planters, you can create a cozy, layered look that reflects the Bohemian spirit. Experiment with various heights, textures, and materials to emphasize the organic and unstructured nature of this design approach, ensuring your space feels warm, inviting, and full of life.
Scandinavian
The Scandinavian design aesthetic is characterized by its simplicity, functionality, and the use of natural elements. To create a calming and serene space that reflects this style, opt for plants with simple, clean lines that exude a sense of tranquility and elegance. Air purifying plants will help add to the clean sleek vibe.
Consider incorporating plants like monstera deliciosa, rubber plants, or bird of paradise into your indoor garden. Monstera deliciosa, with its distinctive, large leaves, adds a touch of the tropics while still maintaining simplicity. Rubber plants offer sleek, glossy leaves that contribute to the modern and minimalist atmosphere. Bird of paradise, with its striking, architectural big leaves, provides a bold statement while staying true to the Scandinavian style.
Farmhouse
The farmhouse design aesthetic embraces a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere. By incorporating plants with rustic charm and timeless appeal, you can create an indoor garden that complements the homely and welcoming essence of the farmhouse style.
Opt for good smelling plants such as lavender, rosemary, or aloe vera to contribute to the farmhouse vibe. Lavender adds a touch of color and delicate fragrance, evoking a sense of serenity and relaxation. Rosemary, with its fragrant, needle-like leaves, brings an element of the herb garden indoors, reflecting the practicality and functionality of the farmhouse lifestyle. Aloe vera, a versatile and easy-to-care-for succulent, offers a touch of greenery while providing a myriad of health benefits.
Industrial
The industrial design aesthetic is characterized by raw, unfinished materials, and a bold, urban vibe. Incorporating plants with strong, architectural features can help to enhance the edgy, modern atmosphere that defines this style. Explore plants like large monstera, trailing vines, and tall plants like palms trees, for an industrial indoor jungle vibe.
Go for planters and containers made of raw materials such as concrete, metal, or reclaimed wood, which reinforce the gritty, urban atmosphere. You can also consider repurposing unconventional items, like pipes, gears, or old factory equipment, as unique and eye-catching DIY planters. By thoughtfully pairing these plants with industrial-inspired elements, you can create an indoor garden that enhances the raw and edgy appeal of your space.
How to Style Plants on Shelves and Bookcases?
Displaying plants on shelves and bookcases is an excellent way to add visual interest and incorporate greenery into your space. Follow these tips to style your plants effectively:
- Use a mix of plant sizes, shapes, and textures to create depth and interest.
- Group plants with similar light and care requirements together.
- Combine plants with books, artwork, and decorative objects for a curated look.
- Ensure proper air circulation and access to light for healthy plant growth.
Apartment Therapy shared a super helpful blog post on styling bookcases with plants.
How to Maximize Light Exposure for Your Indoor Plants?
Proper lighting is crucial for healthy plant growth. Here are some tips to maximize light exposure for your indoor plants:
- Place plants near windows or other natural light sources.
- Rotate plants regularly to ensure even growth.
- Use mirrors to reflect light into darker areas.
- Consider using grow lights, such as a stylish pendant grow light, to provide additional light in dimly lit spaces.
- For larger spaces or rooms with limited natural light, the Soltech Highland track plant light system is a versatile solution that can effectively illuminate larger areas with warm, sunlight-mimicking light. Great for dark city apartments.
How to Style Plants in the Bedroom, Bathroom, and Office?
Different rooms in your home may have specific requirements and limitations when it comes to incorporating plants. Here are some tips for styling plants in various spaces:
- Bedroom: Choose air-purifying and low-light plants, such as snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants, to create a serene and calming atmosphere.
- Bathroom: Opt for humidity-loving plants like ferns, orchids, or philodendrons to thrive in the moist environment.
- Office: Select low-maintenance office plants that improve productivity and air quality, such as peace lilies, spider plants, or rubber plants.
Check out this article for more ideas on selecting plants for specific rooms.
Discover the Principles of Scale, Proportion, and Balance in Plant Styling
Understanding and implementing the principles of scale, proportion, and balance in plant styling can greatly enhance the visual appeal and harmony of your indoor spaces. By considering these principles, you can create a sense of order and flow, making your home feel more spacious and inviting.
Scale
Scale refers to the relationship between the size of an object and its surroundings. In plant styling, this means considering the size of your plants in relation to your furniture, room dimensions, and other decorative elements. To create a sense of balance:
- Choose plants that are proportionate to your space; avoid placing large plants in small rooms or tiny plants in vast areas.
- Use larger plants as statement pieces in open spaces, while smaller plants can be used to fill gaps or add detail to shelves and tables.
- Don't be afraid to mix plant sizes, but ensure that the overall scale remains cohesive and harmonious.
Proportion
Proportion refers to the relative size and ratio of different elements within a space. In the context of plant styling, this means paying attention to the relationship between your plants and their containers, as well as other design elements in the room. To achieve a sense of proportion:
- Select plant pots that complement the size and shape of your plants; avoid pots that are too small or large for your plants' needs.
- Consider the overall composition of your plant arrangements, ensuring that the proportions between plants, pots, and other design elements feel balanced.
- When creating plant groupings, play with different heights and widths to create visual interest while maintaining a sense of proportion.
Balance
Balance is the distribution of visual weight within a space. In plant styling, achieving balance involves creating a sense of equilibrium among your plants and other design elements. This can be achieved through symmetry or asymmetry, depending on your personal preferences and design aesthetic. To create balance:
- Arrange plants in a way that distributes their visual weight evenly throughout the space; avoid concentrating all your plants in one area.
- Consider the color, texture, and shape of your plants when creating groupings to ensure that no single element feels overpowering.
- Use odd numbers of plants in groupings to create a more dynamic and visually interesting arrangement.
By incorporating the principles of scale, proportion, and balance into your plant styling, you can create a harmonious and visually appealing indoor environment that feels spacious and welcoming. Experiment with different arrangements, plant types, and container styles to find the perfect combination for your unique space and design aesthetic.
If you find these concepts interesting, we recommend this fascinating article by Thought Co. They explain in detail how proportion, scale and balance work in art and beauty. If you’re into art at all, this one is a very worthwhile read!
Indoor plants have become an integral part of interior design, providing visual interest, texture, and numerous health benefits. By following these expert plant styling tips, you can create a stunning indoor oasis that complements your design style weather it be minimalist or maximalist and supports healthy plant growth.
Remember to select the right plants for your space, mix and match different plant types, create eye-catching groupings, and provide proper care and maintenance to ensure your plants thrive. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful, inviting, and healthy space filled with lush greenery.
