Plants aren't just an integral part of life as we know it they are also an essential component of interior design. Houseplants, or plants that are meant to be kept and cared for indoors, are often one of the forgotten details that fully complete a home's decor.
With so many varieties, sizes and colors to choose from, houseplants can be used to enhance numerous types of interior designs and styles. Regardless of a home's basic design or decorative scheme, houseplants can pull the entire look together while giving the living space a warm, welcoming feel.
In addition to their beauty and general appeal, houseplants can be used to serve a number of different interior design purposes.
Naturally, most pieces of furniture and architectural structures are comprised of hard angles and surfaces with straight lines. But plant life has the ability to add softness as well as depth and interest to all kinds of indoor spaces.
Plants can cleverly be used in living spaces without entryways or foyers to create a more welcoming feel when entering the home. Or, use a line of plants to direct traffic flow to a certain room such as the living or sitting room, for instance.
Blooming houseplants are the perfect choice for creating an interesting focal point particularly if the blooms are in a color contrasting with the rest of the home's decor. Create small groupings of blooming plants in areas such as fireplace mantels, end tables, coffee tables, desks, pianos and at the top or bottom of staircases.
Houseplants can also make a room seem much larger than it really is and they can even help to fill up some empty, unused space in bigger living areas. Cluster large groups of plants together all in their individual containers.
In smaller rooms, extend some of the outdoors inside by placing a few plants near the windows. For rooms with low ceilings, place a tall, thin plant with delicate leaves in one corner to pull the eye upward. If floor space is at a premium, use one or more hanging plants instead.
Alternately, houseplants can help to bring a cozier feel to large or sparsely decorated rooms. Rooms with high ceilings are perfect for oversized plants or those with long, draping foliage.
Use a grouping of several plants arranged together to divide large living spaces or to define one area from another. Bushy houseplants such as varieties of Ficus are ideal for filling boring corners.
Besides the plants themselves, the pots and containers they are kept in also add to a home's interior design and appeal. Use complementary colors, styles and textures for all containers to ensure the houseplants are providing that extra, essential decorative touch.
