5 easy ways to add drama to your home with plants

I've said before that I don't have a green thumb. However, over the years I've found that there are a number of plants that are easy to care for:  peace lilies, jade plants, banana leaf plants. These varieties have become a staple in my home decor.

Incorporating live plants in your decor is the easiest way to add life, interest, and drama.  AND it is less expensive than buying new furniture.

Here are 5 ways to "spruce" up your decor with plants all in one day:


1. Go bold with large plants.  The bigger the better!  I love large bold leaves like those on banana plants (that's what I call them, not sure if that is the official name) or peace lilies.

[photo by moi]

2.  Raise your plants off the floor.  You don't have to use common plant stands.  Antique tables from consignment shops can add height and not break your budget.  I like when plants tower overhead.

 [photo by moi]

3. Use bold pots. I love this huge pot that I bought from a local overstock store.  I filled half of it with paper and some old plastic pots (the ones that come with plants), then the other half with the planting soil.  This keeps the pot from being too heavy.  I also put my large pots on bases with wheels so that I can easily move them around.

[photo by moi]

4.  Use up lighting.  I use a can light on a timer so that my plant lights up the corner of my dining room every night. This adds a bit of drama in this otherwise dark corner at night as well as makes the window glow from the outside. Can lights are not expensive and can be found at any local hardware store (big or small).  Ikea also has great inexpensive lights you can use for plants.

[photo by HoaryHead]

5.  Group plants together to fill space and add texture.

[ photo source]