No garden, no problem – design expert’s guide to styling houseplants and where to put them
- 21.7% of the UK population live in flats or apartments with minimal outdoor space
- Access to nature and green spaces improves wellbeing, feelings of stress and productivity
With warmer temperatures finally arriving in the UK, many of us feel more inclined to spend time outdoors. Gardens are a luxury that not everyone has, however, with one-fifth (21.7%) of the UK’s population living in a flat, maisonette or apartment¹ many Brits have limited or no access to outdoor space.
A study from Public Health England found that people who spend 20 hours or more per week in a green or natural space are 41% more productive on an average day than those who spent less than 30 hours². The findings detailed the improvements to wellbeing, stress and mental health it can also make.
Filling your home with plants allows greater connection to nature for those with limited access to outdoor spaces whilst also providing visual satisfaction.
With this in mind, interior stylist from ScS, Victoria Foster has offered her expertise on styling indoor plants in your home without making the space feel overwhelmed. Victoria shares her favourite interior trends which benefit from a touch of greenery and the best locations for placing plants around the home.
Top summer 2024 interior trends that embrace houseplants:
Natural Elements
“As we enter into summer, nature-inspired design is set to weave its way into the fabric of interior design, quite literally. This trend takes inspiration from natural landscapes, incorporating earthy tones, botanical motifs, and raw materials to create a harmonious and calming environment. Think of it as an ode to nature – blossoming within the confines of your home, the perfect way to forget the winter blues.
“The colour palette revolves around mossy greens, warm browns, and soothing blues, evoking the essence of forests, mountains, and oceans. Furniture with organic patterns and textures, such as rattan and reclaimed wood, will be in high demand.
In terms of decor, houseplants are a key component of the trend. Wicker or terracotta plant pots are a great way to continue the natural theme, while positioning plants on oak shelving and furniture is a match made in heaven. Try using plants of various sizes and incorporate the colour green in other areas of your décor – from wall décor and artwork to furniture and accessories.”
Coastal Getaway
“A style that consistently works with houseplants is anything holiday inspired – think a luxury villa on a Greek island, or even a cosy beach house along the British coastline.
“Coastal interior design oozes relaxation and serenity, making anyone that enters a space feel calm. The style is characterised by colours synonymous with nature and the ocean, which not only makes it versatile all year round, but also that houseplants will fit right at home here. Think shades of blue, with bright whites and earthy greens.
“A simple way to recreate the trend in your living room is with a comfy white corner sofa, adding accents of blue with soft furnishings and decorative accessories, finished off with rattan furniture or a wicker basket.
“The style should make us feel relaxed and connected to nature. It’s therefore important to allow as much natural light into the space as possible, which will in turn help any plants to flourish. Ensuring the room feels as comfortable as possible is key – meaning lots of blanket throws and cushions on hand to sink into.”
Amalficore
“Visiting a sunny destination in the summertime leaves many Brits yearning for the relaxed atmosphere and decadent interiors they experienced whilst there – the Amalfi Coast is the latest holiday destination to serve as inspiration for how to decorate your home.
“The Amalfi core trend oozes Mediterranean charm just with some brighter pops of colour and print – think lemon print, bright blues and earthy hues. This trending style uses lots of natural materials, so to get the look make sure to fill the space with lots of hanging plants, extravagant foliage and a statement tree. Consider terracotta pots and natural woven baskets to get the full look.”
Cool Metals
“Since chrome is cool-toned and can be almost futuristic in its appearance, it works best when balanced out with natural elements like wood, terracotta, and pops of greenery as well as opting for soft and complementary colours – think deep blue, pastel pink, or butter yellow for example.
“This is where houseplants really come into their own, dress a sideboard with vibrant plants and a statement silver lamp for maximum cool. A great way to strike this balance in the dining room is by positioning a chrome ceiling light above a wooden dining table, with a large plant in the corner. Creating a clear contrast between warm tones and cool tones, as well as between modern and traditional elements.”
Best plant locations around the home:
Open corners
“For maximum impact, place a large statement plant in the corner of the room. This helps to add a pop of greenery without having to find space to place several smaller plants. Large plants also exude glamour, reminiscent of a hotel or Mediterranean villa.
Behind the sofa
“Another simple way to fit a large plant into a smaller space is by positioning it behind the sofa, this way the fuller ends of the plant leaves are still visible without needing a designated area of the room to place it. This arrangement also helps to frame the sofa, creating height and drama above the sofa.”
Shelving units
“An easy way to maximise plants without the room feeling overwhelmed is by placing them on shelving units. For larger bookcases place several small plants on different shelves and at varying sides to create balance, make sure to use species of plants – some hanging, some tall with varying fullness to create depth.”
Natural tablescaping
“Tablescaping is a great way to bring natural elements into your home, especially perfect as we head into the summer months with many people looking to host gatherings and viewing parties. Look to incorporate a mixture of small plant pots, foliage and flower vases, then intertwine the greenery with other natural textures – think linen napkins, rattan placemats and colourful tableware.
For more inspiration on styling your home, visit the ScS website.
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