Embracing Houseplants in Uncommon Spaces
The emerging trend in home design is all about thinking outside the box, or rather, the pot: the use of houseplants in unconventional spaces. No longer are homeowners simply situating a potted Ficus Benjamina in the corner of a room, or hanging a Boston fern in the kitchen. Now, we are seeing a movement that takes houseplants well beyond their traditional settings.
Bringing Greenery to the Bathroom
A new trend is sweeping home design: the bathroom is no longer just a practical space - it’s turning into a garden. There’s a surprising array of houseplants that thrive in the moisture, warmth, and indirect light that bathrooms typically provide. Plus, they can deliver a spa-like ambience. Orchids, air plants, and ferns, to name a few, are some favorites in this humid setting.
Houseplants as Room Dividers
In open-concept spaces, houseplants are being innovatively used as room dividers. Think of tall, bushy plants like snake plants and bamboo palms placed at strategic points to help partition different living areas. Not only do these plants create natural aesthetic barriers but also they clean the indoor air.
Plants in the Bedroom
Aloe vera, lavender, or peace lilies are houseplants that can find a perfect spot in the bedroom. Not only do these species purify the air, but research shows they can promote better sleep. We breathe the oxygen they produce and feel calmed by their presence, which enhances an environment conducive to quality rest.
Window Sill Herbs
Take advantage of natural light by having your own mini herb garden visibly dangling from your kitchen window sill. Aromatic herbs like basil, rosemary and thyme not only offer the instant gratification of having fresh produce within arm’s reach but also bring a delicious fragrance to the kitchen space.
Statement Plants in Offices
Incorporating plants into office spaces is becoming a popular trend. Large, eye-catching plants—like fiddle-leaf fig trees or bird of paradise—can make a home office feel more lively and less sterile, which can have a positive impact on mood and productivity.
- Many houseplants have air-purifying qualities according to NASA’s Clean Air Study. They can reduce levels of formaldehyde, benzene, and other harmful chemicals in the air.
- According to a study done by the University of Agriculture in Norway, indoor plants can reduce fatigue, coughs, sore throats, and other cold-related illnesses by more than 30%.
- A study by The Royal College of Agriculture in Circencester, England, found that students demonstrate 70% greater attentiveness when they learn in rooms containing plants.
Utilizing houseplants in these unconventional ways can revolutionize your indoor spaces, providing not just aesthetic benefits but also improved air quality and overall well-being. A unique pattern of houseplant distribution in your home can create an endlessly captivating environment. So next time you go plant shopping, consider choosing that exotic plant you love and finding a unique spot for it. With a little creativity, your entire home can flourish.
