Girlfriend, let’s talk about one of the easiest ways seasoned interior designers bring instant life, warmth, and style into a home: PLANTS! 💚
If you want to zhuzh up a space, whether for your own home, for a client, or for a photoshoot houseplants are often one of my go-to styling moves (and Pssss… if you’re a DIYer follower of mine and you feel like you need help on your project, check out my Decorating Genius System™ (Pssst… use code BLOG20 for 20% off!).
Back to you and “The Plant”: Yes! Even if you’ve sent a few poor ferns to their grave in your lifetime, I’m here to lovingly tell you: Plants are still worth the effort.
Here are my 5 fav reasons why I never skip plants in interior design:
1. Green is the 5th Neutral (And I’ll Die on This Hill) 😄
Yep. Green goes with everything. From cool blues to warm wood tones to moody charcoals, the right shade of green works like a magic neutral. A soft sage succulent on a marble vanity? Instant serenity. A rich, glossy Jade Plant in a sculptural pot? Boom – drama, style, and grounding in one.
Pair your plant with a fab planter and you’ve got a moment of true design deliciousness.
2. Plants Are Texture Gold
You know how I’m always talking about mixing textures to elevate a room? Plants are sneaky little texture machines. From fuzzy leaves to spiky fronds to cascading vines, they add dimension and visual interest like nobody’s business.
Design Warning and Tip! The pot you pick becomes part of the look. Think: a wild fern in a modern black pedestal bowl or a sculptural cactus in a glam hammered silver pot. Oh yes, my friend – we design pros are creating art here!
3. They Help Define Scale Like All Pros Know
Here’s a secret reminder from inside the interior design trenches: Plants can help define the scale of your space. A tall tree-like beauty (Hello, Fiddle Leaf Fig) can balance high ceilings, while a delicate trailing Pothos softens a sharp bookshelf edge. Need something tidy and structural? Try a Snake Plant or Monstera for that modern cool-girl vibe.
Basically, if a room feels “off,” almost there but still a little lifeless, or like its missing “something” a plant might just be the anchor you didn’t know you needed.
4. Plants Make You Feel Good – Literally
It’s not just design fluff – science backs this up! Studies show that having plants around boosts your mood, reduces stress, and increases focus. So yeah, when I add a plant to a room, I’m not just making it pretty – I’m elevating your mental well-being, too.
Who knew your new fern could double as your life coach? 🌱
5. Plants Are the Quickest Way to Freshen Up a Room
No time for a full room makeover? Is the budget a little tight? Add a plant. Room looking a little stale? Add a plant. Want to zhuzh up that Zoom background? Yep – add a plant.
They work in traditional spaces, sleek modern ones, and everything in between. Just promise me you’ll give them a little TLC. (Wilting leaves = Design Sadness. Dead plants? Design Emergency. 😬)
So whether you’re designing a dream home or just refreshing a corner of a kitchen, do everyone a favor: Invite in some greenery.
Until next time…keep designing, keep styling, keep growing, and yes, keep watering. 😉
Xo! Donna
You’ve got this my friend – I’m cheering you on.
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