The Art of Design Issue 44 2020 | Page 67

67 Go green apartments. Keep in mind that a plant wall works best in uniform order, so use the same The benefits of house plants and greenery plant type with similar heights as this will indoors is twofold. Firstly, plants have air- also give the illusion of a more defined zone. purifying qualities, absorb CO2 and release oxygen back into their surroundings, while Similarly, ‘living walls’ use panels of plants also filtering harmful chemicals. Secondly, grown vertically, either free-standing or plants have calming effects, helping to attached to walls or trellises. This can lower stress and boost wellbeing. provide a much-needed greenery boost Which plants? If you’re a green-fingered beginner, start with a fern, cactus, or the tall and thin- leafed mother-in-law’s tongue. Fig trees into a home and create a clever dividing point. In rooms with poor or little natural light, faux foliage can still create an interesting look. Natural materials and dwarf olive trees thrive in sunny spots, whereas for dark corners, the likes of the Bringing nature indoors doesn’t only apply prayer plant, Baltic ivy (a hardy type of to plants. Use materials normally found English ivy) and asparagus fern (with soft outdoors and make them a part of your leaves) are the best choice. home’s interior décor. Wood, wicker, rattan and stone all work well to bring an outdoor Other easy to care for plant varieties theme inside. A wooden, rustic style ladder include bamboo, spider plant, aloe vera, can provide a great alternative to polished succulents, snake plant and peace lily. For wood shelving, for example. areas with little natural daylight, you can also opt for faux plants. Of course, while Add natural elements throughout the you get the visual perks, you don’t get the décor; seashells, jars of sand and bunches air-purifying benefits. of branches can all make interesting focal How to style plants Grouping plants together gives a greater impact on a space. Stick with the odd number rule and group plants in threes or fives. Mix up how you style plants too, using “As a design element plants are incredibly versatile. Whether your home is minimal and clean, or eclectic and busy, plants do so much to soften and add texture. Think about them as you would a piece of art or an ornament, lifting and adding an extra dimension to the space. “Design trends tend to work on a cycle of between 30 to 40 years, so it’s little surprise that the humble 1970s houseplant is back with a bang in 2020. The trick is to a combination of hanging plants, wicker, cues such as woody incense and fresh flowers for a floral smell. The same feeling of being relaxed and free in nature can be brought into your home by stimulating the senses. Outdoor colours wooden and stone pots to add texture and interest. Embrace a natural colour scheme for an understated, calming look. This can apply For a minimal uniform look, pick the same to the wall and floor colours, curtains and variety of plant. But if you want to group furniture. Use green to evoke the earth, together along a mantelpiece, go for a mix grass and plants, blue for the sky and ocean, of different heights and styles of plants – and yellow for the sun and flowers. Neutral mixing up leafy with spikes and hanging tones such as white, cream and beige will all plants. make your interiors feel more natural, clean Zone the space harness houseplant mania in a modern A ‘plant wall’ can effectively divide up the and contemporary way that enhances our space to help create zoned areas, such as homes, without it looking dated.” splitting the kitchen from the living room Read on for Catharina’s tips in full. points. Imitate nature by adding outdoor – this is particularly useful for studio or loft and fresh. Avoid cold, man-made materials and embrace wood, cork and bamboo flooring. These feel warmer underfoot and are a more natural, organic choice. For more information on Contura, please visit www.contura.eu