Never underestimate the value of greenery in your home – live or silk doesn’t matter, it’s the feeling of life that plants add that is important.  Many designers/decorators rely on silk plants in their projects to make a room feel lived in and finished because they know that rooms are warmer and friendlier with a plant or two tucked in.

1. Use a tree to fill up a dark corner – ideally it should visually fill the space but not overwhelm furniture or room details around it
2. Place a small silk plant on a stack of books in a bookcase; it will add life and a change of texture.
3. Plants soften the hard edges of accessories, so a little potted flowering plant or silk ivy can do wonders in any tablescape, bookshelf or potshelf
4. Use a plant as a “place holder” when you have a space that’s eventually going to have a piece of furniture…..but doesn’t yet.  A plant is an inexpensive way to fill the space and give you time to keep shopping for just the perfect piece.

5. 

   a variety of greens make an interesting display

   A standard solution for tops of kitchen cabinets, silk greens do NOT have to be boring.  Avoid draping the expected ivy along the edges of the cabinets.  In this picture you’ll see that a focal point is created with a fern and then greens trail on either side but are in proportion to the size of the fern.  Also notice that the trailing greens are a mixture of ivy (small leaf) and pothos (broad leaf) and you could mix in a spider plant (spiky leaf).  Also vary the shades of green or mix in a variegated plant for variety.

6. A blooming orchid (or other favorite) will certainly dress up a bathroom countertop and provide a great way to emphasize your accent color.
7. Consider the shape of the plant when you place it.  Is it a tall, narrow topiary next to a tall, narrow lamp?  It would be stronger to pick something shorter and broader to contrast with the lamp shape.
8. Plants can reinforce the style or theme of a room.  Topiary plants can emphasize a traditional or formal design.  Their sculptural qualities might also work in a contemporary setting.  Ferns work well in a gardeny, country or tropical setting.  Orchids add a contemporary, spare look but with a flash of color.  Group orchids (even silk ones) in front of a window in a tropical room.  Grasses are very popular and I think they work well in contemporary or transitional rooms because they can be very sculptural – but also try them in a natural, country room.  And the traditional favorite of ivy – works just about anywhere.
9. Silk floral arrangments can be helpful in supporting your accent color.  There are some definite tips about buying and using arrangements – enough for another whole post, so watch for it soon.

REAL OR SILK?

If using real plants, keep them groomed – tall, scraggly plants with yellow leaves are not attractive.  If you have the light and the time to care for live plants, they can be rewarding and beautiful inside.  But, if that’s not your interest, use silk plants but buy the best you can afford.  And, spend more on plants that are at eye level than ones that might be up on potshelves or kitchen cabinets.  After taking the time to select the perfect plant, don’t just bring it home and plop them.  Take the time to properly “fluff” the leaves and that means every branch or leaf to make it look more realistic. 

What is your favorite plant use?  Have you used a plant to solve a decorating dilemma?

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