27 Feb How houseplants can enhance your space.
We’re a little obsessed with house plants in this household- well one of us is and I try and add them to any design i specify. This isn’t to make life difficult for the homeowner, add extra responsibility or simply fill a space but to create joy. I find that there is something fulfilling about a space that’s filled with plants. They don’t all have to be green and even if they are, there is an amazing array of hues and tones and majority of houseplants even produce a flower. You’ll find these will also last longer than flowers. Lord knows us ladies love to receive a bunch of flowers but one thing is for sure, a houseplant will always last longer, even if you don’t think you’d be able to keep it alive.
If you haven’t heard, one of this years design trends is Biophillic design and I for one am super excited about it. Its a concept that basically sees the outside being drawn in. Creating that element of being with nature, whether directly or indirectly. Directly meaning that I would specify a living wall within a space. However its highly unlikely that you’ll have the space in your house to create such a spectacle so why not try two horizontal rods in your kitchen, one underneath the other with 6 pots on and fill them with herbs- you’ll have the same effect in a small space but create a vision of different textures and wonderful smells. Indirectly would mean using floral wallpapers or fabrics. This can be done on the smallest of levels, a new cushion possibly?
Its a proven fact that not only do plants look pretty, they bring a natural balance to our airspace. Plants release oxygen and the more plants within the space the greater minimisation of natural pollutants . They are a great purifier of spaces, repelling outside and environmental stressors ,one of those being moisture. They also bring great health benefits to those using the area the plants sit within. Try adding one to your desk if you work at home a lot or into your bedroom where lets face it, we spend over a third of our entire lives.
. 
In contradiction to the introduction, plants do a great job of filling a void. That odd space in your hallway or that dark corner of your bedroom. There are hundreds of plant varieties out there and one that is guaranteed to always fit the bill. If you’re ever in doubt as to what to put in a space, simply add a plant. Most garden centres or plant shops will have someone available with a wealth of knowledge to help you find the right plant for the right space.
Plants also have a great ability to create interest. A trailing plant is great for along a beam or on a hook in the corner of a room. You get prickly plants, large leafed varieties, small intricate variegated specimens- all of which would look fab either sat together or doted about an area. The world is your oyster and don’t even get me started on the pot covers that you can buy alongside your favourite plant. If you haven’t got an plants, go out and buy one, I promise you’ll be buying more in the future.