- Architectural Digest magazine, along with plant-styling posts on Instagram and Pinterest, is contributing to the surge in popularity of indoor plants—keep reading for essential tips and easy-to-care-for suggestions to get you started.
- We received advice from specialists such as Hilton Carter, author of The Propagation Handbook, and Tim Wong, the founder of Quest Terrarium – both of whom helped select the flora for Hong Kong’s Soho House.
Have you ever entered a room and felt like something was amiss? Despite current interior design trends favoring vibrant colors, patterned wallpapers, and sustainable materials, professionals consistently rely on an old favorite to add that perfect finishing touch: abundant foliage.
Incorporating a bit of green into your living space has never been trendier, thanks to platforms such as Architectural Digest magazine and social media channels like Instagram and Pinterest, which emphasize the significance of plants as key elements for decorating homes.
For me, plants and interior design have always been closely intertwined. Houseplants offer numerous advantages such as air purification, versatile decor options, and eco-friendliness. Our relationship with flora dates back generations,” explains American plant designer Hilton Carter, author of multiple publications on this subject, notably his latest work, The Propagation Handbook.
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"In the fast-paced world we inhabit nowadays, we've essentially lost touch with our origins—quite literally. Introducing a plant into one’s living space brings vibrancy to the surroundings. The flourishing of a plant within your home signifies that it is a hospitable and nurturing setting," he explains.
Although adding plants to your private area might seem straightforward, the abundance and diversity of available vegetation make selecting an appropriate one more challenging than ever before. Once upon a time, hardy choices like the snake plant or species from the aroid genus were reliable picks for hassle-free gardening. However, specialists now recommend considering multiple aspects when opting for these greener additions.
“Priority number one – all plants require several essentials to thrive: sunlight, airflow, soil, water, and attention. Therefore, choosing the right location 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 the plant styling business Quest Terrarium and recently debuted his new site, Quest Plants & Supply.
"I suggest beginning with perhaps two or three plants at most. Although many individuals prefer selecting a single plant as the centerpiece, I also enjoy the concept of grouping several plants together in one spot—think pairing a shorter plant with a taller one, or mixing mediumsized and smaller ones. This creates an appealing equilibrium," he explains.
Wong advises clients to think about the atmosphere they wish to achieve through their use of 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 species like the bird of paradise or beetle peperomia. Additionally, Wong emphasizes so-called “edgy” or distinctive plant choices, including the Australian bottle tree and the dragon tree (Dracaena marginata), which have become popular among his clientele recently.
He advises considering the plant’s form and its growth pattern over time. For instance, certain varieties may spread laterally rather than vertically, making them unsuitable for limited areas.
Adding plants to your living spaces isn’t merely about the flora; it’s also an opportunity for personal expression according to Carter. Enhance this with carefully chosen accents like planters and pots. Currently, aged limestone and terracotta containers are popular choices seen frequently online. Alternatively, opt for eclectic combinations featuring vibrant hues to infuse some liveliness into your environment.
Carter motivates his clients to get creative with selecting their types of foliage. 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 demand significant financial resources and effort to keep them looking good over time.
Wong enjoys suggesting terrariums because these are simple to care for due to their self-contained ecosystems. Additionally, he recommends air plants like staghorn ferns that do not need soil; you can mount them on pieces of driftwood to create an attractive display.
In conclusion, always keep in mind that plants represent an investment and have the potential to endure for a lifetime.
"Consider plants as living entities within your home instead of mere decorations. There’s no need to replace them until their condition becomes irreversibly poor. Some of my favorite plants have been with me for more than a decade. While they may not always look pristine, I appreciate witnessing their robust growth through various settings," explains Carter.
5 easy-care plants that pack a stylish punch
Snake
Appreciated for its rigid, vertical foliage, this adaptable plant can flourish whether it receives direct sun rays 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 or dimensions.
Dragon
The plant's multicolored leaves make it ideal for those wanting to create a striking impression. Additionally, being a tropical species, it thrives in warmer climates.
Tillandsia
These commonly referred to as air plants have the ability to flourish without soil and are ideal for damp settings such as bathrooms.
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