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Why Plants Are Great In Design

PLANTS BRING A ROOM TO LIFE

In the last couple of years I have really come to appreciate how much character a plant brings to a room, especially in the winter of colder climates like Massachusetts. In the summer our neutral dining room is just filled with natural beauty because it has two big bay windows, with gardens surrounding this side of the house.
Come this time of year, the quiet room palette becomes dreary with the lack of green outside the window, so live plants are a must! This dieffenbachia that I just picked up at BJs (only $12.99!) is considered “delicate” – it likes high light, so hopefully it will drive in this sunny spot between the two bays. I love it here next to where I blog! {I bought that cute stand from the Facebook Yard Sale I started for my town…it was $5. The plant needs a pretty pot or basket to live in.}
The philodendron has been by the sidelights of my front door for a couple of years and loves this spot. Sometimes when I forget to water it, it goes all droopy and sad, but as soon as I give it some love it perks right back up.
There is just something about a live plant growing and thriving, while the view out the window is of snow and leafless trees.
PLANTS WORK WITH EVERY COLOR SCHEME 
When this wooly mammoth 
was finally removed from our bedroom (hooray for small joys!!!!!!), I filled the space with this baby dracaena (aka Madagascar dragon tree). Against the tealy-navy blue of the Gentleman’s Gray walls, I LOVE the deep and bright greens and the very fine edge of pinkish red.

{Dracaena is a great plant for blackthumbs – I have had another one for over a decade and have managed to keep it alive through the newborn years, vacations, and outright neglect.}

PLANTS ARE GREAT FOR SPACES THAT ARE GOING THROUGH A TRANSITION


My poor living room has been in a holding pattern for some time. I have some plans for it, but in the meantime a big leafy plant makes the room feel so much more cheery, and fills it up. I recently picked up this fern at Trader Joe’s. I know ferns can be a bit finicky but it is absolutely thriving in the living room window.

Like the dieffenbachia in the dining room, I haven’t found a proper pot for this plant yet – it’s just sitting there all humble in it’s plastic pot, on a dinner plate, minding it’s own business whilst being all fabulous.

PLANTS BRING COLOR AND TEXTURE TO A NEUTRAL PALETTE

Varying greens, leaf shape and size, and flowering plants are God’s artwork.
 

This crown-of-thorns plant flowers all winter.
Even if you have a blackthumb, you can learn to keep houseplants alive. Check out this post about some low maintenance plants:  Keeping House Plants Alive.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Thanks so much for stopping by today, 
I don’t tell you often enough how much I love to visit with you!
xo, Lisa

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  8. Kris @ Driven by Décor says

    I feel the same way about my dining room Lisa – we have a very similar bay window and it looks so pretty in the summer but right now it needs some life and some plants would be a great fix! And I didn't know you started a tag sale site – I just learned of those when someone in our town started one a few months ago (and coincidentally just posted about it yesterday) – they are awesome and I've found and sold so many great things!

    Reply

  9. stephanie at Stephanie Kraus Designs says

    So funny you mention this in your post. My family room is filled with large expansive windows that take up most of the room. right now its gray and dingy outside but come spring my room will be surrounded by rich greenery and I do take that into consideration when I design and redesign my fam room!

    Reply

  10. Vel Criste says

    I couldn't agree with you more Lisa! I love fresh greenery at home and hence I haven't started my spring decorating yet because I need more! LOL! Love all the plants all around your home dear!

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  11. Andrea says

    Now that Spring is right around the corner, I'm feeling the need to bring some more green into my life. I"m going to try harder to keep my plants alive this year. They really do bring so much life to a space.

    Reply