House Plants - Going Green With Your Home

With global warming already knocking on our door, going green is the need of the hour. Minor contributions, if made by everybody on this planet, can go a long way in making it a healthier and happier place to live in. Including house plants in your home decor is a minor step in this direction which can help improve the air that you breathe in your homes. Increasing the levels of oxygen in your homes is very conducive to good health. It is also a great way to make a statement with your home decor and give your homes a really classy look.

Match the House Plants with the Decor

Houseplants add a definite charm to any home decor and make your place look a lot more welcoming. There is not much you can do wrong while decorating with house plants, however ensuring that they match the general decor of your home is a good idea.

If you have a minimalist or a contemporary style of decor which is generally characterized by its linear nature then opting for plants with a sleek look with plants which have long and thin leaves can add to the clean look of your house.

Florals and frilly plants should be used in homes with a Victorian style decor. Palms are best if used in homes with a South Seas look. Cacti can also be used in this decor; these are extremely hardy plants requiring very low maintenance.

Group Them Together

While aiming for a dramatic effect grouping plants is a great idea. Place plants having different heights together in a corner of you home. The height difference should taper out gradually, tallest plants in the center and the shorter ones tending towards the periphery. Such a grouping will only work if all the plants have similar water and light requirements. Placing plants from the same family having complimenting colors can brighten up your living room.

Make them Look Prominent

Some extremely appealing plants are shorter in size and are not visible if grouped with other taller plants. Raising the height of these by placing them on stools on heightened platforms can make them look prominent and enhance the appeal of your room. Placing plants on heightened stools in bathrooms can give a very relaxing feel and a spa like effect of comfortable elegance.

Lighting for the Plants

In cold areas where sufficient exposure to the sun is not possible for the plants, lighting can help them grow. It can also be used for plants placed in a corner where the sun rays do not reach. Lights when placed discreetly can not only help the health of the plants but also create a mysterious and shadowy effect that provides further enchantment to the rooms.

Plants can give a very earthy appeal to your home. However, it is important to ensure that you do not go overboard with the effect. Too many plants if grouped at a single corner can look over whelming. Maintain balance while decorating with houseplants for a more salubrious and appealing environment.

Senior staff writer Scarlett offers a wealth of creative tips on home decorating. And she suggests that if you can't use house plants then bring the look of nature inside with these floral rugs and green rugs.