By Guest Blogger, Nadine Reid

If you're looking for a quick way to add some life and color to your room, consider using plants

Not only will they make your room look more inviting, but they can also improve your air quality.

We'll give you some tips on how to choose the right plants for your space.

Which Plant Is This?

You already have some houseplants around your house, but you don’t know how to identify them?

The easiest way to identify your houseplants is by their leaves.

Try to find leaves that are unique to each plant and take note of their shapes, sizes, and colors.

Some common houseplant leaves to watch out for include heart-shaped leaves, wavy or serrated edges, star-shaped leaves, and spiny or velvety textures.

Pay attention to any flowers or fruits that the plant produces, as these can also help you identify your plants more accurately.

With careful observation and some research on common houseplants, you should be able to identify most of the plants in your home and use them for your room design.

Helpful Design Tips:

Create a Cohesive Look

Create a cohesive look by selecting plants that share a similar aesthetic.

If you have a modern, minimalist decor style, try opting for low-maintenance plants like succulents or air plants.

If you have a more traditional, rustic style, consider choosing potted trees or flowering plants.

Whatever your style, make sure to choose plants that are the right size and shape for your room, as well as ones that require similar levels of light and water.

Think About the Size

Think about the size of your room and choose plants that will fit comfortably within it.

Larger plants may look out of place in a small space, while smaller plants can easily overwhelm a large room.

Plant Maintenance

Opt for low-maintenance plants, such as succulents or air plants, if you don't have a lot of time to dedicate to gardening and upkeep.

These types of plants typically require very little water, making them perfect for busy homeowners.

Additionally, they can add a beautiful pop of color to your space and help freshen up the air by removing toxins.

Arrangements

Experiment with different styles and arrangements of your plants to find the look that works best for you.

Whether you prefer traditional planters, hanging baskets, or vertical gardens, there's a plant solution out there for you.

Sprucing Up with Live Flowers

Use plants to add color and life to your space.

If your room is feeling a bit dull, try incorporating some brightly colored flowers or foliage to liven things up.

Adding live flowers to your room's design is a great way to spruce things up and make the space feel more alive.

Not only do they add color and freshness, but they can also help to improve your mood and create a more relaxing environment.

Whether you choose a simple arrangement or go for something more elaborate, adding flowers to your room is an easy way to update the look and feel of your space.

Plants for Every Room

Not every plant is a good fit for every room.

When choosing plants for your room, it's important to consider the size and layout of the space.

If you have a small room with limited floor space, opt for smaller plants like succulents or pothos that won't take up too much room.

You may also want to avoid larger plants like fiddle-leaf figs and ferns, which can quickly overwhelm a small room.

If you have a large open space like a living room or kitchen, you can be more adventurous with your plant choices and go for larger plants that will fill up the room.

When it comes to light levels and humidity, try to select plants that will do well in the conditions of your room.

Ferns, for example, prefer moderate to low light and high humidity, so they wouldn't be a good choice for a sunny bedroom.

Spider plants, on the other hand, can tolerate low light and humidity, making them a better option for that space.

Here are some plants that will thrive in each room of your house:

Living Room:

- Ferns: These elegant plants thrive in moderate to low light, making them the perfect choice for your living room. They are easy to care for and require very little maintenance. Plus, ferns come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that fits perfectly with your decor.

- Spider Plants: If you're looking for something a little more low-maintenance, spider plants are an excellent choice for your living room. They tolerate low light levels and humidity, making them easy to care for even if you aren't particularly green-thumbed. Plus, they filter toxins from the air, so they are ideal for homes with pets or smokers.

Bedroom:

- Jasmine: If you enjoy the sweet smell of flowers, jasmine is a great choice for your bedroom. This fragrant plant blooms in the spring and summer, filling your room with its lovely scent. Jasmine does best in bright indirect sunlight, so place it near a window where it will get plenty of light.

- Aloe: If you need a plant that is soothing and easy to care for, aloe is an excellent choice. This succulent thrives in dry conditions and requires very little maintenance. Plus, its gel has medicinal properties, making it ideal for treating cuts, burns, and other minor injuries.

Kitchen:

- Herbs: Herbs are a great choice for the kitchen, as they are easy to grow and add extra flavor to your cooking. There are many different varieties available, so you can find one that matches your personal taste preferences. Just make sure to pick herbs that will thrive in your kitchen's conditions (either sunny or well-lit, with good ventilation).

- Tomatoes: If you have a sunny spot in your kitchen, consider growing tomatoes. This popular fruit (technically a vegetable) is easy to care for and can add a delicious flavor to your meals. Just be sure to provide support for the plants, as they can get quite large.

Kids Room:

- Corn plant: Also known as the money tree, the corn plant is believed to bring good luck and fortune. It's a great choice for the kids’ room because it's easy to care for and can tolerate low light conditions. Plus, its large leaves add a pop of greenery to any space.

- Pothos: A versatile plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, pothos is ideal for the kids’ room. It does well in low light levels and high humidity, making it easy to care for even if your kids aren't the best at remembering to water their plants. Plus, its interesting foliage adds a fun touch to any space.

- Bromeliads: These stunning plants come in a wide range of colors and sizes, making them a great choice for the kids’ room. They do best in bright indirect sunlight, so place them near a window where they will get plenty of light. Bromeliads are also very tolerant of neglect, so they are perfect for kids who might not remember to water their plants regularly.

Bathroom:

- Peace lily: Peace lilies are a great choice for the bathroom, as they tolerate low light levels and high humidity. They also remove toxins from the air, making them ideal for homes with pets or smokers. With their striking white blooms and glossy green leaves, peace lilies add a touch of elegance to any space.

- Spider plant: Another popular plant for the bathroom is the spider plant, which thrives in humid conditions and tolerates low levels of light. Its long grassy leaves add a unique pop of greenery to any space, making it an excellent choice for your bathroom.

- Dracaena: This tropical houseplant has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It tolerates both low light levels and high humidity, making it ideal for the bathroom. Plus, its bold leaves add a touch of drama to any space.

- Orchid: Orchids are a classic choice for the bathroom, as they thrive in humid conditions and require very little maintenance. They also come in a wide range of colors and sizes, making it easy to find one that fits your personal taste. Just be sure to water them regularly and give them plenty of bright indirect light. With proper care, orchids can last for many years.

No matter which plants you choose for your home, remember that they need proper care to thrive.

Make sure to water and fertilize them regularly and take note of any specific needs each type of plant may have.

With a little bit of effort, you can create a beautiful oasis filled with life and color right inside your own home.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

I’d love to connect with you!

Nadine Reid is a tried-and-true handywoman with multiple years of experience in home renovation, fixer-uppers and other, less-exciting stuff like plumbing or DIY woodworking as well. If not tinkering around the house (hers or her friends'), she can be found strolling around the park with her husband Roy and their two dogs Bella and Blitz.

The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of Michael Helwig Interiors or its Principal, Michael Helwig. Michael Helwig Interiors, and Michael Helwig, do not have any affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.