Houseplants.

Spring is well and truly springing; It’s a great time, if you don’t already have houseplants, to bring the outdoors in.

An essential in every pad in my opinion. As well as looking good, house plants support human health, by bringing a connection to nature as well as softness and movement. The greatest benefits are through wellbeing and productivity improvement, and they positively influence indoor air quality. Leaves and other parts of the plants act as natural filters to catch allergens and other airborne particles.

I tend to find myself ever fascinated by nature and the power of plants. Not just when ingested as medicine, but research in hospital show they can aid faster healing - patients recover faster when surrounded by greenery.. this is very much linked to the earth element and bringing the direct connection into one’s home. (see “the Ideal Bedroom”) An apple a day ’n’ all that!!

The use of real plants is the most beautiful way to harness the power of nature. According to Chinese philosophy, plants come under the ‘wood’ element. The energy of wood is uprising, like sprouts rising through the soil. The energy is strong and represents vitality.

The wood element can also be represented by colours green and blue; vertical, columnar shapes; Images of flowers, plants and trees; and wood furnishings.

When decorating, your choice of paint (not just the colour) is also worth some consideration - I am noticing many eco conscious companies coming on the to the market which offer non toxic/plant based paints. Do not underestimate your living environment and its important link to overall health.

It’s no wonder having more house plants is one of 2022’s Top Interior Design trends.