Bringing The Outside In
The phrase “bringing the outside in” is well-used in the world of interiors, and for good reason. It’s a great way to create a more calming and natural atmosphere in your home or office. For some, this means framing a view of the greenery outside. For others, it means using green inside their homes, whether on the walls, through textiles, or by having plants.
Have you ever noticed how in glossy house magazines, there’s often a plant hidden somewhere in the background of a photo, or how there’s always a plant pot featured in the “favourites of the month” section? It may seem obvious to have houseplants, and for those of you already converted, you might wonder why some people don’t.
Benefits Of Plants In Your Interiors
There are many benefits to including plants in your interiors. For one, they can help purify the air you breathe. In fact, some studies have shown that certain plants are particularly effective at removing common toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. But that’s not all. Plants can also boost your mood, especially in the bleak winter months when outside greenery is elusive. They help relieve stress and anxiety, and can even help you sleep. All that, and they look beautiful too!
Will You Be Able To Look After Them?
However, many people don’t have plants at home or in their office. They believe they can’t look after them, they don’t have space, or they worry that having plants, especially in the bedroom, is bad for their health.
Let’s dispel some of these myths. Everyone can look after plants, as long as you pick the right plant for you and your space. Your local garden centre, florist, or nursery can provide a wealth of knowledge and help you pick out the right type of plant. If you’re not sure where to start, we both favour succulents. They’re fairly self-sufficient, thrive in lots of different types of lighting, and don’t need frequent watering. Plus, they come in a variety of interesting shapes and sizes.
In terms of size, plants don’t have to be huge to make an impact. Delicate mini ferns can add subtle texture, while seasonal indoor bulbs can provide flashes of colour. If you have the space, larger plants like palms and birds of paradise can really pack a punch and add height and form to a corner of a room.
As far as health benefits go, you only have to search the internet to find a whole host of studies showing the positive effects of having indoor plants.
Should You Include Plants In Your Interiors?
Yes! If you favour a neutral interior, plants can add a layer of delicate colour that harmonises well with natural materials, textures, and soft neutral tones. If you’re more of an Abigail Ahern at heart and love dark and moody interiors, green structural plants will really pop against a darker colour palette.
Using plants as an extra tool to give your home interiors more depth is an easy option, so give it a go and you won’t regret it!
