Planting is a fashionable moment, and it’s no wonder—the limitations of the pandemic have us all finding ways to bring the outdoors in, creating inspiring, refreshing, and colorful schemes inspired by faraway places.
Whether in repeating foliage, a classic toil interpretation or a rich foliage spectacle, the perfect image of paradise, the shape of a palm, always brings a space to life — so we asked our decorating editor to show you just how amazing planting in your home design can be.
Decorate with plants
Anyone looking for decorating ideas that are bold and easy to liven up with cuteness needs to consider decorating with plants. More modern than floral room décor, botanicals make for a more coordinated look as well, sticking mostly to green or neutral color palettes. Smaller repeating patterns fit in more traditional spaces, while extreme decor enthusiasts will love more use of the botanical decor theme.
1. Create a feature wall
(Photo credit: Future/Adrian Briscoe/Olivia Gregory)
Are you looking for living room wall ideas? A single wall with vibrant banana leaf wallcovering can be a great addition to a calm, neutral, and contemporary open space like this one. With so many floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s a great way to connect with the outside.
Banana leaf wallpaper, gap blocker. Phoenix Table, Tom Faulkner.
2. Create Foliage Flourishing With Cloth
(Photo credit: Manuel Canovas)
This stunning graphic of stately palm trees in vibrant green and blue will always be the star of the show. When decorating with plants, you can use it in a small but powerful way to mark an outline – as seat covers or curtains.
Chair and curtain in Malacca in the Prairie, Manuel Canovas. Bespoke chair, Kingcome Sofas.
3. Bath is bathed in plants
(Photo credit: Future/Chris Everard/Alyce Taylor)
Are you looking for ideas for traditional bathrooms – with a modern twist? A palm print is perfect for bringing a tropical paradise feel to a bathroom, as shown in this feature wall of trees intertwined with flower blossoms and bamboo stems. The subtle pink color is soothing and relaxing.
Bamboo garden wallpaper in deep pink, linwood.
4. Take a careful approach with neutral tones
(Image credit: Arte)
If you’re looking for neutral room ideas, a subtle way to incorporate a tropical vibe, this wallcovering features Greek views in a neoclassical style reminiscent of air cloth. The neutral color route is the perfect backdrop for a serene bedroom scheme, with a gently tonal color palette of textured linens and natural wood.
Le Mythe wallpaper in Sand, Arte.
5. Met the tropics with the cap scheme
(Photo credit: Future/Adrian Briscoe/Olivia Gregory)
Another idea with wallpaper ideas is to use an oversized sheet directly above the dado, with the area below in a complementary contrasting texture or material. The white and neutral print background keeps the look fresh and clean.
Hinson Palm wallpaper in green, Scalamandré at Turnell & Gigon.
6. Put plants in the kitchen
(Photo credit: Future/Simon Bevan/Claudia Bryant)
Even kitchen backsplash ideas can be given a plant-based treatment. Leaf designs translate beautifully into more exotic palettes—so no need to stick with green if you want a more neutral look. The oversized plants here in soft pinky brown make an impact, while their size allows the space to feel more spacious.
Wallcovering in Serica Garden in Malo, Anna Glover. Signature Encaustic Tourmaline Flooring, Amtico.
7. Serve up spring greens for a fresh feeling
(Image credit: Future/Chris Everard/Sally Conran)
Green room ideas, of course, are really suitable for decorating with plants. Delicate cartouche wallpaper is a classic option—mixing it with more modern green and white fabrics keeps the look fresh.
Rousseau wallpaper in Old Olive, Cole & Son. Toby’s sofa, William Leeward. Choice of pillow fabrics from Nile and York at The Fabric Collective.
8. Create a classic appeal with pastel shades
(Photo credit: Future/Damian Russell/Ali Brown)
Joyfully expressive pastel colors will transport you to the balcony of a 1950s hotel.
Sun Chair, McKinnon & Harris; Cushion at the Rainforest Rabble in Sherbet, Linwood. Curtain in Sedona 3927 0135, Casamance. Impasto wallpaper in purple, Designers Guild. Vinyl exhibition flooring, Atrafloor.
9. Create a retro vibe with dark neutrals
(Image credit: Cole and his son)
Inspired by the stunning landscapes of South Africa, this wallcovering shows off the feathered crowns of hoops hiding among fronds and foliage. Teamed with sleek furniture and divided by arched white shutters, the style feels rich and sophisticated without overwhelming the space.
Hoopoe wallpaper in olive, chartreuse and fuchsia on cream, Cole & Sun.
10. Create a contemporary appeal with bright colors
(Photo credit: Future / Jake Curtis / Melinda Ashton Turner)
For those looking to indulge in a love of color and pattern, this exotic palm design with its deep sunset pinks and refreshing greens serves as a bedroom full of vibe. Plain bed linens and simple décor keep the look balanced.
What colors go with plants?
Plants are usually designed in green or natural shades, so it’s best to choose colors that naturally complement these outdoor colors—from white to brown and every shade of spice in between. Other greens—whether they’re lighter or darker—will work, too, creating a rich, multi-layered look that is bold and attractive.
Is decorating with plants popular?
Planting is really in vogue nowadays – extreme motifs are becoming more popular than classic florals or smaller repeating patterns as people become more adventurous with their home décor.