Is Plant Styling Set to Be the Next Big Interior Trend? Experts Reveal 5 Low-Maintenance Options for a Hip Home makeover
- Architectural Digest magazine along with plant-styling posts on Instagram and Pinterest are contributing to the surge in popularity of houseplants these days—keep reading for essential tips and easy-to-care-for suggestions to get you started.
- We received advice from specialists such as Hilton Carter, the author of The Propagation Handbook, and Tim Wong, the founder of Quest Terrarium—who selected the plants for Hong Kong’s Soho House.
Have you ever entered a room and felt like something was amiss? Despite current interior design trends leaning towards vibrant hues, patterned wallpapers with texture, and sustainable materials, professionals consistently rely on an old favorite to add that perfect finishing touch to any area: abundant foliage.
Incorporating a bit of nature into your living space has never been trendier, with publications such as Architectural Digest and platforms like Instagram and Pinterest showcasing the impact of plants as key elements for decorating homes.
“For me, incorporating plants into interior design has always been natural. They offer numerous advantages such as air purification, versatile decor options, and eco-friendliness, plus our relationship with vegetation dates back generations,” explains American plant designer Hilton Carter, author of multiple publications on this subject, notably his latest work titled ‘The Propagation Handbook.’
Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and developments globally? Find your answers here.
SCMP Knowledge
Our latest platform offers carefully selected content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our prestigious team.
“In our fast-paced modern life, we’ve essentially lost touch with nature—quite directly. Introducing a plant into one’s living space brings vibrancy to the atmosphere. A thriving plant at home serves as an indicator of a warm and supportive ambiance,” he explains.
Although adding plants to your own environment might seem straightforward, the abundance and diversity of available vegetation make selecting the appropriate one more challenging than ever before. Once, hardy and fuss-free species like the snake plant or those from the aroid genus were reliable choices. However, nowadays, professionals recommend considering multiple aspects when opting for greener surroundings.
“Priority number one – every plant requires several essentials to thrive: sunlight, airflow, soil, water, and attention. Therefore, choosing the right spot and determining your level of commitment to caring for a plant is crucial. The last thing you’d want is for it to become a burden,” explains Tim Wong, who founded both the plant styling business Quest Terrarium and the recently unveiled site Quest Plants & Supply.
He suggests beginning with perhaps two or three plants at most. Although many individuals opt for a single plant as the centerpiece, he also appreciates the concept of grouping several plants together in one spot—think pairing a shorter and taller variety, or a medium-sized alongside a smaller one—to create an equilibrium.
Wong advises clients to think about the atmosphere they wish to achieve with their greenery. In a minimalistic environment, succulents or plants featuring structured or sleek designs work best. On the other hand, individuals aiming for a boho-chic look might prefer tropical or subtropical options like the bird of paradise or beet peperomia. Additionally, Wong emphasizes so-called “edgy” or distinctive plants, including the Australian bottle tree and the dragon tree (Dracaena marginata), which have become popular choices among his clientele recently.
He advises considering the plant’s form and its growth pattern over time. For instance, certain varieties spread laterally rather than vertically, making them unsuitable for limited areas.
The addition of plants isn’t merely about the flora; it’s also an opportunity for personal expression according to Carter. Homeowners can further infuse their style with complementary accents like distinctive planters and pots. Social media has seen a surge in popularity for aged limestone and terracotta containers, whereas eclectic combinations featuring vibrant hues bring liveliness into a room.
Carter motivates his clients to get creative with their selection of greenery. He suggests that for individuals hesitant about maintaining live plants, artificial alternatives can be an excellent substitute. Although living-wall installations and moss art pieces are currently fashionable, they often require significant financial investment and ongoing effort to sustain properly.
Wong enjoys suggesting terrariums because these are simple to upkeep due to their self-contained ecosystems. Additionally, he promotes air plants like staghorn ferns that do not need soil; instead, they can be attached to a piece of driftwood to create an attractive display.
In conclusion, keep in mind that plants represent an investment and have the potential to endure for many years.
“Regard plants in your home as living entities instead of mere decorations. There’s no need to replace them unless their condition becomes irreparably poor. Some of my favorite plants have been with me for more than a decade. While they may not look flawless, I appreciate witnessing their robust growth through various settings,” explains Carter.
5 easy-care plants that pack a stylish punch
Snake
Renowned for its rigid, vertical foliage, this adaptable plant has the ability to flourish whether it receives direct natural light or not.
Spider
An indoor plant with an elaborate design, renowned for its ability to cleanse the air and offer health benefits.
Pothos
Ideal for novices and dimly lit spaces, this plant can be shaped into different forms and dimensions.
Dragon
The plant’s multicolored leaves make it ideal for those aiming to create a striking impression. Additionally, being a tropical species, it thrives in warmer climates.
Tillandsia
These plants, commonly referred to as air plants, can flourish without soil and are ideal for damp settings such as your bathroom.
More Articles from SCMP
Van driver detained following crash in Hong Kong resulting in eight people being hurt
Who is Gayle King’s former husband, William Bumpus — the one whose teenage fantasy involved his ex-wife’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue? This private attorney was wedded to Oprah Winfrey’s close friend, Gayle King, from 1982 until 1993.
The contributions of Hong Kong’s trade office to relations with the UK should not be overlooked.
China develops more muscular, less fatty pigs to enhance food security efforts.
The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.