10 Design tips and ideas to style houseplants and display & arrange them in a pleasing and interesting manner.
Designing and style houseplants for the innumerable benefits they impart to any interior space. I have already discussed the reasons to integrate these beautiful creatures into our design stories in my previous blog : To read click here.
Now once we decide to bring them home and make them our family members, its important to follow some tips which can enhance their beauty further. Certain basic design principles can help us display and style houseplants in a thoughtful manner. I have listed here a few of the many guidelines, as per my own experience, which can help you achieve plant aesthetics in an easy way without getting overwhelmed.
Create your own urban jungle with these easy to follow houseplants style guide:
10 tips and ideas to style houseplants
1. style houseplants IN GROUPS
Plants are social organisms. They love to be in groups and just like us always grow and develop better if they are kept in groups. So try to group them together as much as possible. Grouping improves the micro climate which is conducive for their healthy growth.
2. STYLE houseplants IN ODD NUMBERS
Displaying in odd numbers gives the whole composition a very organic and collected look. Even numbered groupings look fabricated and unnatural. Symmetry induces formal vibes whereas odd numbered groupings make it easy and casual for the eye.
3. PAY ATTENTION TO FORM, SCALE, AND PROPORTION of potted houseplants
Study the area where you want to put the plant. The scale of the plant should be in relation with the scale of the space. It should not appear too small and skimpy nor should it appear heavily built and overwhelming. Also do consider the scale of plant with respect to the pot.
The form and style of the houseplant should also fall in place with the style and contours of your interiors space. It should not look out of place.
4. MIX IN PLANT FOLIAGE IN TERMS OF TEXTURE, PATTERN AND COLOR
Color coordinate the foliage. Follow the color wheel and use complementary or analogous color scheme. Contrast in colors adds a sense of drama. Or just go for monochromatic scheme – all green with varying shades and tones. Same color variations will give a more soothing and tranquil feel.
Mixing plants with varying textures and leaf patterns can add another layer of interest to the design. Plant foliage is very diverse both in terms of pattern and texture. Leaves can be thin and see through to wide and bold. Even the size varies a lot. So go ahead and just have fun mixing and styling these nature’s wonders.
5. VARY HEIGHT – COMBINE BONES, FILLERS AND TRAILING PLANTS
In a plant grouping try and vary the height for some visual variety and interest. let the eye travel varying heights to appreciate the whole composition. Create a plant contours to break the monotony.
Compose plants in a way that there is a tall plant (bones) , a medium height plant (fillers) and low height plant (trailing). Try adding a few hanging houseplants in background as well.
6.ENHANCE AND STYLE HOUSEPLANTS WITH ART AND ACCESSORIES
Accentuate the sculptural silhouettes with a piece of art or accessories or even a tropical style wall paper. Organic forms and the pieces of art play off each other enhancing each others beauty. It could be a painting, vases, pots, gardening tools, glass objects, mirrors, books etc.
7. PLANT AS SOLO HERO
Pick a statement piece with an ornate pot and make it the hero. You can further enhance the look by some accent lighting. This is a neat choice to fill up those empty corners without adding a feeling of clutter.
8. REPEAT, REPEAT AND REPEAT PLANTS
Repetition of same plants and pots helps create a very harmonious and modern feel which is easy on the eye. Repeat houseplants for a contemporary and uniform look.
9. PLAY WITH THE PLANT POTS
Pots and containers are powerful elements or tools to define your design story. Pots can be very understated or bold and statement pieces. They help define the style – modern and contemporary or rustic and earthen in look. While selecting pots for your plants consider having pots of varying forms, sizes and styles all painted in same color for a harmonious feel. Or consider having same size and form in different colors for a more eclectic feel. This will give a visual variety while retaining the cohesive look.
10. DON’T FORGET THE LIGHT REQUIREMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL PLANTS
Each plant has its own light and humidity requirements. So carefully study the quantity of light coming in various spots of your space. Put plants accordingly- low light, medium light or full direct light. Don’t group sun loving plants with shade loving ones.
Hope these tips help you create the tropical paradise of your dreams! Do comment in the section below to share your style ideas.