But we are pleased to report that keeping plants alive is likely the most difficult part of designing with botanicals and florals. When it comes to plant design, we review two main areas. Firstly, plant attributes and secondly, vessels, vases or containers. Understanding each area and its associated categories is often the missing link to feeling confident about this endeavour.
Plant Attributes
Think of plant attributes like the features of a plant. It’s important to truly understand each feature and how and why it should be considered in your spaces before tackling the design.
Size
Rarely the size purchased is what you can expect over longer period of time. It’s important in the selection process to investigate what a standard mature size may be. Will this plant require dedicated real estate in your home? Its very own corner or wall? Large houseplants can be like a statement piece, They demand and hold your attention. Smaller houseplants, those that can happily reside on furniture or stands, can make their own big impacts if utilized in an effective way.
Form
What kind of lines, shapes and structures make up your plant? Look carefully. Does the form evoke a something soft and subtle, or something strong and precise? What kind of visual space does the plant hold? The form is similar to someone’s precnese when they walk into the room. Here instead we consider the feelings evoked when you first see the plant upon entering. What we love about different forms is that they can be artfully combined to tell and engaging visual story.
Colour/Texture/Pattern
It’s a good thing that the primary colour of most plants is green. It evokes feelings of balance, calmness and renewal.There is however, a wide range of colours, even within the green hues, there is quite a bit of versatility. And wonderfully, just like the striking Fall display of foliage, some houseplants can display a colourful transformation with the right kinds of blooms or foliage display.
Texture and patterns deepen the visual identity as well. Is the foliage sleek or furry? Is your plant covered in dots that bring you joy? Are there crinkles that resemble rippling water? This particular feature may not be the first thing to catch your eye, but it certainly is what holds it.
Smell
When considering plant design, it is quite easy to forget this integral feature. In other aspects of design, it is not often that you consider this sense, but with living, at times, fragrant things you should. Some scents are powerful and long-lasting, they can be sweet or bold and they can either be a welcome addition or easily nauseating. Be sure to consider placement accordingly.
Vessels, Vases and Containers in Plant Design
Colour & Material
The right combination here can speak volumes, whereas as poor selection can limit the wow-factor. Consider a visual balance, if your plant is busy, opt for a solid colour. If you have a monotone colouration maybe a patterned vessel becomes appropriate. In the consideration of material, we recommend assessing your own design preferences and choosing something that feels like it belongs in your home.
Shape and Size
Shape can set a mood while size is indicative of two things: the plants’ requirements and its final location. If you’re working with a larger houseplant that will take up a corner, a larger vessel would work well, even if you have to utilize a cache pot to fit the area. If something smaller, the pot can help fit the needed size. The traditional flower pot shape (larger at the top and tapering near the bottom), is a popular choice across the board as it tends to compliment most selections. An hourglass shape pairs well with trailing plants, while smaller pots work well with low growing specimens.
There’s a funny saying that dogs can often look like their owners, it’s called self-similarity. And while your houseplant may not resemble its owner, we hope that you fill your rooms and spaces with plants that look and feel like they are just meant to be there. For more reading on all things home, garden and lifestyle, peruse the Wild Blog . If you don’t already, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
