The end of winter is in sight and we’re already dreaming of warmer days and tropical vacations. What better way to bring the outdoors in than with a plethora of plants? From sweet succulents on floating shelves to ceiling-high bananas trees in the living room, the options are endless. Not only is foliage a budget-friendly design move, it’s also rejuvenating and brings life to any room. (We’re not judging if they’re real or faux…) Scroll down for 20+ fresh ways to use greenery in your home!
A large fiddle-leaf fig tree makes a fresh statement in this airy Edwardian home ‘s white and blonde wood living room, where designer Shauna Walton (left) sits with homeowner Sonya Weisberg.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home October 2020
Designer: Shauna Walton
The all-white kitchen feels summery with fresh-cut stems and potted greenery.
Photographer: Lauren Miller
Source: House & Home October 2020
Designer: Shauna Walton
In event planner Catriona Smart’s glam Toronto home , sky-high Cavendish banana trees frame a dramatic granite fireplace.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home, December 2017
Designer: Haddington Developments, Kirsten Marshall of Palmerston Design Consultants
Playing with height is key when decorating open shelves. Here, playful pots add personality in design blogger Medina Grillo’s entryway .
Photographer: Kasia Fiszer Photography
Designer: Medina Grillo, Grillo Designs
A row of greenery on top of the bookshelf adds a welcome pop of color (along with the citrine couch) in Medina’s boho living room.
Photographer: Grillo Designs
Designer: Medina Grillo, Grillo Designs
A ladder-style desk offers plenty of room for potted plants and creates a chic office space in Wendy Lau’s DIY-filled home .
Photographer: Janet Kwan
In the entryway, a diverse array of vegetation — from flowers to succulents — sets the tone for the rest of the verdant home.
Photographer: Courtesy of Wendy Lau
Toronto-based plant guru Dorrington Reid transformed his compact condo into a lush oasis with 150 houseplants. Floating shelves from Ikea give the foliage the attention they deserve.
Photographer: Courtesy of Dorrington Reid
Dorrington recommends buying Sansevieria (also known as snake plants) and Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plants) for their aesthetic and low-maintenance care (perfect for beginners!).
Photographer: Courtesy of Dorrington Reid
Designer Michelle Martel loves ZZ and snake plants since they do well in low light. The shower is a perfect place to add some greenery and bring home a spa vibe. Plus, you can water your plants while you shower!
Photographer: Courtesy of @michellemartelathome
Designer: Michelle Martel
A basket of freshly-picked wildflowers is a sweet touch in this Scandi-style home ‘s minimalist mudroom. Switch it up depending on the season: a branch of bright maple leaves is perfect for autumn, while a bundle of daisies and forget-me-nots celebrates summertime.
Photographer: Ashley Capp
Source: House & Home July 2015
Designer: John Baker & Juli Daoust-Baker
Leaves cascading from the window bring this Georgian farmhouse to life. Framed grass art by Norihiko Terayama is a fresh twist on decorating with foliage.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home October 2019
Designer: John Baker & Juli Daoust-Baker with Christine Ho Ping Kong & Peter Tan of Studio Junction
Flora on the windowsill echoes the abundant nature just outside of this bright kitchen .
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home March 2020
Designer: Gillian Green
The shower feels like a tropical oasis in this bohemian home filled with fabulous DIY projects. More is more: hang plants from the ceiling and around the shower head, and place them on a bench and on the floor.
Photographer: Courtesy of This House 5000
Design guru Justina Blakeney brings a global feeling to her spaces with natural materials and pops of color. From life-sized potted plants to vases of flowers on the coffee table, the mix-and-match approach makes this living room feel like a lush escape.
Photographer: Courtesy of Loloi Rugs
Designer: Justina Blakeney
In designer Alison Milne’s cozy Toronto home , the principal bathroom is a space for rejuvenation. A large potted plant beside the tub brings a relaxed, Japandi feel to the space.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home December 2020
Designer: Alison Milne
This 135-year-old clapboard house got a much-needed facelift from designer Arren Williams with a variety of tropical plants that bring the outdoors in.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home March 2020
Designer: Arren Williams; Architecture by Bldg Workshop
Gardening on the patio and tending to her indoor plants helps Alison Mazurek of 600sqft.com make the most of her one-bedroom apartment . Foliage on top of the cabinetry and Murphy bed draws the eye up and makes the kitchen feel more spacious.
Photographer: Alison Mazurek
Source: House & Home September 2020
A single pot is nestled beside the tub for a soothing touch of greenery in this minimalist principal bathroom .
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: House & Home Kitchens + Baths 2020
Designer: Dianne Berman, Delo Interiors
Splashes of mossy green and fresh fauna create a restful retreat in designer Carmeon Hamilton’s home . She added French doors to bring in more natural light.
Photographer: Kim Thomas
Designer: Carmeon Hamilton, Nubi Interiors
A soaker tub, large windows and a tall snake plant make this century home bathroom the perfect spot for a Sunday soak.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home March 2019
Designer: Kyla Bidgood & Kris Hageland, Bidgood + Co