Keen on Green | by Cara McBroom
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature.” ~Frank Lloyd Wright
Why do we crave the natural world? How does this relate to the way we decorate our interior environments? I would like to talk about the importance of incorporating plants and flowers in your living spaces.
photo via Bhouse
Ever notice that in almost every staged space you see in design magazines, you can always find a plant or flowers of some kind? I know that any time I finish installing a project, I never feel “finished” until I’ve added some fresh flowers, and maybe some fruit in a bowl. As a final touch, plants and flowers add so much life, happiness and love!
Watch what a difference the final layer of plants make in this gif from House Beautiful. It makes the space feel more inviting and lived-in.
via House Beautiful
There is some science behind this need for green. Biofilia can be defined as an innate love of that which sustains us (in this case, nature). “We evolved from the natural world…Nature provided shelter, clothing, food, light, heat and water. We have lost touch with the direct effect of nature. We no longer seek these elements from their primary sources…Yet, given the opportunity, we enjoy the sounds of nature—the soft running water, bird-song, the smell of fresh air, the feeling of earth beneath our feet, and the sunshine on our face. We need the nourishment of the living world for our health.” ~Barbara J. Huelat (2007) Healing Environments: Where’s the Proof?
So, basically, our enjoyment of plants, and a fresh bouquet of flowers is more than just an aesthetic preference! Studies have shown the healing effects of exposure to nature on hospital patients.
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
More studies have proven an increase in productivity for offices that incorporate live plants into their interior design.
This photo shows beautiful use of a “live wall” in an office setting.
What an incredible office design! photo credit
A 32’ x 60’ (1,920 sf) Interior Living Wall in a corporate atrium. This is live art!
Here are some ways to incorporate plants into your home:
Just kidding!!! I was just seeing if you were paying attention! I’m not suggesting you turn your home into a jungle. Here are some lovely, tasteful ways to incorporate greenery into your home:
Think about incorporating plants, even BEFORE your house plans are finished! This home has a built-in garden, but it still looks clean and modern. photo credit
Don’t have a green thumb? Sometimes all it takes is a trip to the florist (or a walk through the forest foraging for branches and wildflowers) to lift your spirits and give your home a welcoming feeling.
Try to use unique “found” objects as vases! photo credit
Use clear containers, and fill the bottom with fresh fruit or berries, for an inventive, gorgeous arrangement! photo credit
The last time I staged a home for photographs, I was able to bring home a huge bouquet of white hydrangeas, and I was SO HAPPY and excited! They literally made my entire week. So go ahead–feed your biofilia! Go out and treat yourself to some fresh flowers! Give interior plants a try! Good luck!
Emerald Coast Licensed Interior Designer, Cara McBroom 
[…] Pat’s company, Heroman Services, is the leading Interior Landscaping firm along the Gulf Coast and is ranked as a Top 25 Company nationwide. He was amazing to work with! I told him my design concept for the lobbies, we talked about placement of plants, and style, and he ran it with it! He provided photos of our spaces, with images of his proposed plants and containers photoshopped into the room! Click here if you want to read a blog I wrote about biofilia, and the importance of living, green p… […]