BRING THE OUTDOORS IN - Our Top Ideas For Decorating With Plants.

Our love of nature in design is no big secret. We believe in bringing the outside in and appreciating the natural good looks it lends to our spaces. We give this breath of fresh air a place in our interior design conversation, from ceiling-high trees to a small leafy flourish.

By complementing and enhancing your home decor, the question becomes less about whether you should use plants in interior design….. that’s a firm yes; it’s how you do it successfully. Here are our top tips for decorating with plants and ideas we adore.

Decorating With House Plants

Are you ready to add a few plants to your life? Decorating with houseplants is a wonderful way to bring the outside in and add a breath of life to your home (literally). Not only do they look beautiful, and add interest but their health benefits are undisputable from purifying the air to reducing stress.

Whether you are a novice or an experienced plant parent, this blog post is for you! Let us take a deep dive into how plants can transform the decor of your home. Learn about design fundamentals that will help make the most out of adding some greenery to your space. Get ready to learn all there is to know about styling with living things in mind!

Create A Focal Point - potted plant arrangement ideas

Embrace the hero moment! It's a great idea to let one of your houseplants become the star of the show and make an impact in any room. If your interior design lacks natural focus points, you don't have to look far for solutions - consider using houseplants as beautiful accents instead. A larger house plant can take up minimal space while helping to create a stunning focal point that will draw attention. Like a living artwork, these plants give your eye something to land on and support the other design decisions in the room.

Smaller plants' leafy foliage can add charm to shelves, desks, or coffee tables. Trailing plants also make beautiful accents when placed on floating shelves or on white wall ledges. With countless options available, adding houseplants is sure to take your décor up a notch.

Use Houseplants To Add Texture

The texture of a plant adds dimension and visual interest to any interior design. Whether you prefer the smooth, glossy leaves of a Fiddle Leaf Fig, or the modern and minimal look of a snake plant, incorporating plants with unique textures can break up the monotony of a room and add a touch of character. Plus, running your fingers over a plant with an intriguing texture can be a calming and satisfying sensory experience. So, start decorating and selecting houseplants for your space, and don't forget to consider the textures they bring to the table.

Yep, You’ve Heard it Before; Size Matters

Size matters when it comes to selecting plants for your interior design! Small plants are the perfect way to add a pop of green to small spaces such as a mantel, coffee table, or hallway console table. Branching and looseness in the foliage create a more relaxed feeling. On the other hand, large trees can make a bold statement and bring a touch of the outdoors inside.


When choosing a large tree, think about the scale of your room and the impact you want to make. Do you want to create a cozy reading nook? Opt for a smaller tree. Are you looking to add some drama to your living room? A tall, majestic tree might be just what you need. So whether you're going big or small, consider the size of your plants carefully for a beautifully designed and proportioned space.

Planters & Pots

Your planter or pot selection is just as important as the plant itself when it comes to interior design. Think of it as the plant's fashion statement! A sleek, modern pot can elevate a simple plant, while rustic, earthy terracotta pots can give it a cozy, homey feel. Your pot can also play into the color scheme of your room, or provide a pop of contrast. Plus, choosing the right pot can help your plant thrive by providing proper drainage and support. So, when picking out a planter for your green friend, take the time to find one that not only fits the size and style of the plant but also complements your overall design aesthetic. The result will be a beautiful and harmonious interplay between the plant and its pot, bringing your interior design to the next level.


Use Houseplants To Add Color - green is a color

Houseplants are like the superheroes of interior design - they effortlessly add a touch of green to any space and make it look a natural-osity. Even the most subtle hint of green can add brightness to a room, and if you are looking for more of a statement piece, there are some incredible show-stoppers out there.

Consider the existing color scheme in your room when selecting plants, and choose hues that complement or contrast with your existing decor. If you're going for a more understated look, choose plants with delicate green hues, or variegated leaves with shades of white and green. For a bolder look, opt for brightly colored foliage, or flowering plants in shades of pink, yellow, or red. No matter what route you choose, remember that the color your plants bring to your space can make a big impact, so choose wisely and have fun with it!

How The Pros Pull It All Together

Pull colors from other design elements in the room in slightly lighter or darker shades to create a sophisticated design. You can see this idea play out with the different tints and tones of green selected for the rug, throw, and plant. This approach delivers a subtle but chic color story that adds interest with a cohesive look.


For a modern look, weave the texture of the planter material into the design to create depth and richness. Your design will feel soft and relaxed by layering natural fabrics such as linen, silk, or cotton or using others inspired by raw materials such as wood and stone.  Embrace the asymmetrical of these natural finds. The swoosh of the trunk or bend of a branch adds a sculptural quality and creates artwork in itself.

Say Yes To Indoor Trees - statement plants

Add life to your dining space or living room with plant life on a gob-smackingly great scale. Trees make a spectacular statement, especially with clean, sparse interior designs and a generous ceiling height. These larger plants, with their vertical scale and sculptural foliage, make for an impressive display, and flowering trees quite frankly take this concept to a whole new level, spectacular!

Potted Plant Arrangements - create a plant shelfie

One of the simplest ways to style houseplants in your living space is to incorporate them into your existing decor. Consider creating contrast by pairing a houseplant with something else in the room - a piece of art, a stack of books, or even a different type of plant.

Group plants of varying heights and plant colors with varying leaf shapes. Select plant pots (or a plant stand) in different shapes or sizes that speak the same design language. Arrange plants in odd numbers and the clustering plants together for a successful arrangement.

Commit To ONE Interior Design Style - plant decor 101

Committing to one interior design style in your home can bring a sense of coherence and balance to your space. And what better way to bring that style to life than with indoor plants? Whether you're into sleek and modern, cozy and rustic, or bohemian and eclectic, a green plant can play a big role in bringing your chosen style to life. Choose plants that complement the color palette and design elements of your chosen style, and don't be afraid to get creative with the way you display them. A grouping of small plants in simple pots can add a minimalist touch to a modern space, while a collection of eclectic pots filled with lush, leafy greens can bring a bohemian vibe to a space. So don't be afraid to embrace your style and let your plants play a starring role in your beautifully designed home!

How To Arrange Plants in Your Living Room - the empty corner conundrum

Negative space is a Designer's friend; it gives other elements, such as furniture, room to breathe and be seen.  When do you decide to add a plant and create a green corner?  When it adds something to the overall design.  Think about adding height to break up the lines of those couches or add a dose of interest with texture or some colorful A refreshing alternative to the ubiquitous fiddle leaf fig is a selection in the palm family.

Hanging Plants And Trailing Plants For A Bathroom Display

Instill life and vibrancy into your bathroom with cascading hanging plants, trailing plants, or both! These lush green decorations will instantly create a calming atmosphere while adding an aesthetic appeal. Add some personality to your bathroom by customizing the colors. Combine a number of different plants for a divine low, maintenance hanging plant display. The steam from the shower will provide the plants with the high humidity they need to thrive, and you can even use small pebbles or rocks at the bottom of the pots to help drainage. Just be sure to choose plants that can tolerate lower natural light.

How To Care For Indoor Plants

Let's face it, if we are going to go to the trouble of bringing a tree inside, we want to keep it alive. Here are a few thoughts to consider when selecting your perfect plant pick and creating the perfect environment.

WATER - How often does the plant need to be watered? Some plants need to be watered daily, while others can go a week or more without. Plants that are sensitive to moisture levels are often tricky to maintain.


LIGHT - One of the most important factors for houseplants is light. Most houseplants need bright, indirect light. But there are some that can tolerate low light or even thrive in it (consider snake plant) . So take into account the amount of natural light your space has before choosing a plant.

DRAINAGE - good drainage is critical to houseplant success. Overwatering is the number one cause of houseplant death, so make sure your plant has a drainage hole.

SOIL - What kind of soil does the plant need? Does it need to be fertilized?

INTERIOR DESIGNER TIP - Protect those floors and surfaces. Some planters are made of stone and are porous (yes, even with a saucer) make sure you protect your precious surfaces.

 

Ready to tackle plant decorating in your own home? Once you’ve found the right houseplant for your space, it’s time to think about the pots and planters you’ll use. Again, consider the size and shape of the plant, as well as the overall aesthetic you’re going for. A modern houseplant will look out of place in a rustic ceramic pot, and vice versa. Shop our edit of the best planters below!

 
 

BORROW OUR STYLE - SHOP OUR LOOK

Note: Some of the products above are affiliate links, which means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. We only share products we adore, and share these links for your shopping convenience.

GATHERAUS - where your dream home décor comes to life with endless style inspiration. Scroll and click those links below and watch your living space go from drab to fab in a snap.
 
 

Images Credits  1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8. 910 . 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 . 20 . 21 . 22

Author - Bridget McIver

An Interior Designer by training, armed with an eye for the unexpected, Bridget shares advice, inspiration, and a curated line-up of effortlessly chic products to make everything in our lives more beautiful. A tastemaker with an impeccable sense to help you create a pared-back aesthetic for your home.

Previous
Previous

KITCHEN ISLAND LIGHTING TIPS - how to get the perfect size, height & spacing.

Next
Next

THE BEST OUTDOOR LIGHTING FOR DINING AL FRESCO - Garden Glow Getters.