Studies have proven that like outdoor, indoor plants filter and clarify the air surrounding them, a natural alternative to artificial air fresheners. Certain plants are more proactive in their fight against unwanted air pollutants. For example, Aloe (Aloe Vera) is a very easy to take care of plant that filters toxins found in chemical cleaners and paint products. Consider adding a decorative houseplant or two to a room prior to unwanted & lingering smells as an inexpensive and attractive solution.
In office culture, it is common to receive or give a gift of an indoor plant. Most of the plant is placed in a window to provide a barrier between the chaotic, sometimes distracting outside world, or between cubicles to provide more color in an open, uninteresting space. Similar ideas can be incorporated when decorating a home. To add privacy without surrendering natural light to curtains or blinds, a tall plant in a windowsill may be all that is needed between a room and the realities beyond.
Unlike the size restrictions of an office space, decorating a home with indoor plants can turn to a canopy of exciting, large plant options. A modern planter or classical plant urn hosting a stoic, thriving may be the statement piece missing in a living room, hallway or library for example. Like a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers on a dinner table, a potted plant filling the space benefit a hanging piece of art is simple, chic and complementary.
Incorporating plants into interior decorating is not a new concept. Art Nouveau designed houses and rooms embraced plants and nature into all mediums of art and decorative design; rooms bloomed with living and depressed plants in hues of green and gold. In the 1970s, houseplants practiced controlled and controlled every crack and corner of free space, turning a simple living room into a daily botanist's sanctuary.
Today there are a variety of ways to include plants in a household. Small, matching sets of succulents that need very little attention can be placed almost everywhere. Glue a magnet strip to small, lightweight ones and turn your refrigerator's humdrum face into something that practically greets you everyday in the kitchen. An unsightly heating unit or uninteresting corner space can also quickly be covered up by an attractive plant and planting box or urn.
Discuss with your local floral shop or nursery different indoor plant options suitable for the locations you have in mind. Consider the amount of light the areas receive and the dimensions of the space available. Ask specific questions such as how often, and how much water or care is needed and equally important, how big the plant will get. No matter how big or small the additions of houseplants may be the refreshing sight of an indoor plant always brings a breath of fresh air to any home.