By Kim Schneider
Ever feel like something is missing in your space or wished it felt a little cozier? Believe it or not, adding a plant could be the answer. Plants are a natural element that will not only make an immense impact on the design in your home, they’re also known to boost the overall air quality too.
I know, some of you are probably thinking, “But I don’t have a green thumb.” I’m right there with you, but I can assure you that we too can have plants. The faux plants (and florals) that are being offered today are no longer those big scary things we remember from yesteryear. Faux plants are better than having no plants at all.
Plants are a great way to add balance to a room, a pop of color and a layer of texture to your space. You should have at least one plant (or floral) in every room of your home. Below are a few key places you should place them:
Foyer table: Your guests will feel welcomed when you add a plant or floral arrangement to your foyer table. It’s like bringing a little of the outdoors inside.
Coffee table: A small plant or floral adds a great pop of color to your living room.
Book shelves: Avoid the library feel by adding a few plants or a floral arrangement on varying shelves to bring color and texture to the space.
Bathrooms: A small plant or a few floral stems adds a pop of color and a texture that helps break-up all of the solid surfaces.
Dining table: Create a focal point by using greenery, stems of floral or a mixture of both for a fabulous centerpiece on your dining table.
Empty corners: My favorite place to create balance in a room is by adding a small tree or large potted plant. Both of these can make a statement in the room. Selecting the right pot or container is key to adding texture and color as well.
As I mentioned above, I’m terrible at keeping plants alive but have had a few of these “rookie proof” plants featured below and managed to keep them alive for more than 30 days.
Lady palm – Easy to care for and only needs indirect sunlight and is great for that empty corner.
Succulents – They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be grouped together for a nice centerpiece or kept individual for smaller settings, such as an end table or nightstand. Typically, they like bright light and not too much water.
Agloenema Chinese Evergreen – If you tend to overwater plants, this one’s for you. They can withstand excess H2O and come in a variety of colors. Great for dining or coffee tables.
Air Plant – These plants don’t even need soil, just dunk them in water for a few hours every 10 days. Perfect for the bookshelf or in a bathroom.
Aloe – Give them indirect light and a soak every week or two. They’re perfect for your bedside table or the kitchen (and great for a sunburn).
Phalaenopsis Orchid – Another low-light plant that loves the humidity and can be watered with an ice cube or two once a week. They come in a variety of colors and make a great addition to your foyer, bedroom or dining table.
Admittedly, I’m not your go-to girl for keeping your plants alive, but I can definitely be your go-to for helping you select the perfect faux plant and planters for your aesthetics. Contact me at (850) 904-6622 or at kim@coastaldesignbykim.com for all of your interior design needs.
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