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How to Live With Plants
Find out how to adapt your home to these beings; flaunt nature's beauty from within the confines of your walls
Shristi Nangalia
16 February 2017
Houzz India Contributor, Architect, Architectural Writer and Content Writer. Painting, craft work, pets and good food are my getaways. Cultures and colours always inspire me. Email: shristi012@gmail.com, Business profile: @decoretteindia.
Houzz India Contributor, Architect, Architectural Writer and Content Writer. Painting,... More
Many of us long for lush plants and colourful flowers to dot our homes – but only a few of us are able to achieve the desired effect. While there are several low maintenance options available, care and attention is still required for any kind of plant life to thrive. But the work you put in is nothing compared to the tropical bliss or the zen-like ambience that the greenery will bring into your home. What are you waiting for? Look at these great ways in which plants have been incorporated into residences, and bring them home already.
Green on the window sill
Green is said to be the most soothing colour of the spectrum as it indicates renewal, cheer and life. Given the limitations of open spaces in urban areas, very few can enjoy the luxury of looking out onto any kind of gardens. But indoor landscaping can create a picturesque scene right within your home! Soothe your eyes as you look out to the view through potted and hanging plants on your window.
Green is said to be the most soothing colour of the spectrum as it indicates renewal, cheer and life. Given the limitations of open spaces in urban areas, very few can enjoy the luxury of looking out onto any kind of gardens. But indoor landscaping can create a picturesque scene right within your home! Soothe your eyes as you look out to the view through potted and hanging plants on your window.
Important: Do ensure that the plant is suitable for indoor use. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii), weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), English ivy (Hedera helix), Philodendrons (Philodendron bipinnatifidum) and Dracaenas (Dracaena marginata) are popular, and well-suited for inside spaces.
Make sure the plant gets all that it needs – sunlight, water and supplements. Long stored soil can lead to dampness and odour in the area so use water retardant surfaces like stones, vitrified tiles and marble around the main diameter of the plant base. Make allowances for the plants’ growth; you need to ensure you have the space to accommodate the full size your plant will grow to.
Make sure the plant gets all that it needs – sunlight, water and supplements. Long stored soil can lead to dampness and odour in the area so use water retardant surfaces like stones, vitrified tiles and marble around the main diameter of the plant base. Make allowances for the plants’ growth; you need to ensure you have the space to accommodate the full size your plant will grow to.
Grow it near a skylight or stairs
If you have a skylight or a staircase in a central space then this can be an ideal spot for a signature root. This way, the staircase becomes a focal point and even a conversation starter!
If you have a skylight or a staircase in a central space then this can be an ideal spot for a signature root. This way, the staircase becomes a focal point and even a conversation starter!
This design may be asymmetrical but it couldn’t be more balanced. The heavy staircase on the right is stabilised by the row of trees standing on the left. The patch of plantation brings in focus to the brown-tinted walls, floors and the staircase.
Make it a part of the passageway
Given the amount of space available in the passage, you can either create a flower bed, hang planters or create a potted wall. Since sunlight is a challenge in hallways, choose the plant species that does not require direct sunlight.
Given the amount of space available in the passage, you can either create a flower bed, hang planters or create a potted wall. Since sunlight is a challenge in hallways, choose the plant species that does not require direct sunlight.
Make an indoor garden
Create your own little greenhouse within the confines of your walls! In this image, the indoor garden is built under a skylight and cordoned off by glass. Once the winter sun streams in, place bamboo furniture, a swing or even a simple rocking chair would do. Soak in the heat as per your own convenience.
Create your own little greenhouse within the confines of your walls! In this image, the indoor garden is built under a skylight and cordoned off by glass. Once the winter sun streams in, place bamboo furniture, a swing or even a simple rocking chair would do. Soak in the heat as per your own convenience.
Use them as accessories
Plants and shrubs make little spaces look bigger and can be made into surprising focal points. In the picture, a tree trunk has been painted in the same colour scheme as the rest of the room, expanding the scale in one go.
Plants and shrubs make little spaces look bigger and can be made into surprising focal points. In the picture, a tree trunk has been painted in the same colour scheme as the rest of the room, expanding the scale in one go.
Dried up plants are OK too
The bare branches of trees have their own natural appeal and can take on a sculptural quality. Besides, they need no maintenance and last longer than the live ones. In this picture, the curved and organic form of the branches provide a foil to the existing geometry and linear lines of the home.
The bare branches of trees have their own natural appeal and can take on a sculptural quality. Besides, they need no maintenance and last longer than the live ones. In this picture, the curved and organic form of the branches provide a foil to the existing geometry and linear lines of the home.
In bathrooms
Many indoor plants thrive in moist areas. In the space here, the vegetation grants a spa-like feel to the bathroom. Even the highlighters on the wall seem diffused compared to the lush green of the plants.
Many indoor plants thrive in moist areas. In the space here, the vegetation grants a spa-like feel to the bathroom. Even the highlighters on the wall seem diffused compared to the lush green of the plants.
As screens
Repetition and symmetry has its own classic appeal, as is seen in the sequential placement of tall trees. They serve the dual purpose of not only acting as a partition but as also complementing the modern frame of the atrium. The look can easily be extended to your living and dining room as well.
Repetition and symmetry has its own classic appeal, as is seen in the sequential placement of tall trees. They serve the dual purpose of not only acting as a partition but as also complementing the modern frame of the atrium. The look can easily be extended to your living and dining room as well.
As a vertical garden
Infuse joy in your space by erecting a living wall. This green wall will not only limit negative psychological effects (according to vastu) but will also improve the air quality. It is also proven to reduce noise and act as a thermal insulator. Gain the maximum benefits of a green wall by placing it against a motor room, garage, kitchen or along the south wall to cut down heat and noise. Let the good energy flow!
This story was originally published in 2017 on Houzz India.
Read more:
7 Steps to a Kitchen Garden in a Small Apartment
Ways to Enhance Your Entry Portico
Tell us:
Which of these ideas would best suit your interior? Share in Comments below.
Infuse joy in your space by erecting a living wall. This green wall will not only limit negative psychological effects (according to vastu) but will also improve the air quality. It is also proven to reduce noise and act as a thermal insulator. Gain the maximum benefits of a green wall by placing it against a motor room, garage, kitchen or along the south wall to cut down heat and noise. Let the good energy flow!
This story was originally published in 2017 on Houzz India.
Read more:
7 Steps to a Kitchen Garden in a Small Apartment
Ways to Enhance Your Entry Portico
Tell us:
Which of these ideas would best suit your interior? Share in Comments below.
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