DECOR: Adding life to the home with house plants

WHETHER or not you have a green thumb or an affinity for indoor herb gardens, there’s no question that house-plants add a decorative interest to any interior – as long as they are kept alive. From colour, shape, texture and general eye-catching appeal, the options of plants (and planters) are seemingly endless.

Keep proportion in mind

Knowing the proportion and potential growth of a house-plant before you purchase it will help determine the quantity of plants that your space will require. For instance, a small, sunny den may need only one tree and one tabletop plant to improve the space.

But a large, sky-lit family room with a glass door leading to a deck or patio could likely handle two or three groupings of floor plants at a variety of heights. Ask your local home or garden store how large each plant will eventually grow to help you plan the amount of space that will be needed, as well as the number and size of accompanying plants.

Add plants in the kitchen

When adding house-plants to your interior décor, many people start with the living room. But kitchens also benefit from a little greenery – particularly indoor herb gardens.

A small indoor herb garden placed on a sunny windowsill or hung on a sunlit wall will provide instant gratification and your meals will reap the benefits too. Easy-to-grow rosemary, basil, thyme and parsley will flourish throughout cold months and will transition easily to the outdoors in summer.

Consider your lifestyle

Selecting house-plants that fit your lifestyle is also important. Some varieties require regular watering and maintenance, so you will want to keep your travel schedule in mind when making your selections.

Treat planters as an additional accessory in any room and choose styles that complement your existing interior décor. For a room with wood floors and earthy colours, try a bamboo basket or teak planter. A room with antique or period-style furnishings would be enhanced by copper, pewter or antique brass planters.

And a modern space would surely pop with sparkling white porcelain or ceramic containers and modern stainless steel planters. – Home Rehab Online