60’s Style Houseplants – Part 2 : Modern Macrame

macrameWriting about 60’s Style Houseplants in my last article, I got a lot of positive feedback.  This inspired me to dig a little deeper.  The 60’s and early 70’s undoubtedly had a hippy sensibility.  And quintessential hippy decor would have to be MACRAME!  It’s been blowing up on Pinterest and due for a revival!

I mentioned this to my Mom last week when we were doing our weekly mall walk and she didn’t believe me.  She said that there was no way she would ever use macrame in her house again.  As we were almost at the end of our walk, we glanced into the window of a store, and there was macrame hanging everywhere!  I was thrilled to see that I was not alone in the Modern Macrame come-back!

One of the coolest Modern Macrame designs I’ve seen, is this DIY Macrame Pink hangingPink toolshanging pot done with untraditional brightly colored string on Refinery29‘s post about DIY Gifts for under $15.  I think it’s clever and so cute with the tea cup size white vessel, florescent pink string and succulent!  This would definitely fit into a Modern Home Decor without feeling overly hippy.

hanging-garden-macrameAnother inspiring Modern Macrame idea was found on this Skinny Laminx post.  She uses succulents to create a beautiful grouping of macrame planters.  I like the sizes and colors she sticks to.  Black, white and green and more small macrame vessels.  It almost reminds me of a hanging sculpture wall, similar to the living walls that have become so popular today.  I bet a small vessel macrame wall would look pretty awesome against a white wall in your home!

Another non-traditional use of Macrame for your home is this small Macrame-terrariumtillandsia terrarium cupped in a bold turquoise macrame hanger found on Ouch Flower‘s blog.  I love the color used and with the tillandsia it really reminds me of the coast.  Bold color also makes this feel modern rather than the traditional natural colors commonly used in the 60’s and 70’s.

modern macrameAnd lastly, if you’re not the crafty type or you just don’t have the time there are plenty of Macrame sources on the web.  Doing a quick google or amazon search you will be overwhelmed by choices.  But if you are looking for something more obscure, check out this Etsy page: HRUSKAA.  They have a lot of VERY MODERN MACRAME planters that you can order and have shipped directly to your doorstep.  You can have an instant Modern Macrame planter that will add sculpture and style to your home in an instant.  I think my Mom might even agree!

60’s Style Houseplants for your Modern Interiors Today!

1960’s Era Interior Design is huge right now and I’m loving it!  Especially, since my house was built in the 70’s, which was really a carryover from the 60’s.  Plus, my brother recently purchased an Eichler Home in Orange, it’s GORGEOUS and was the inspiration for this article.  Eichler design is impeccable and he obviously had nature on his mind when designing these homes.

pothos screenSo, with 60’s architecture, comes 60’s Era Interior Plants.  The first style of plants I think of are long drapping vines, most commonly used, Pothos Plants (Epipremnum aureum). pothos living wall These plants are easy to care for and will hang and climb as much as you let them.  You would often see them climbing along walls or down bookshelves.  I think it must have correlated with the free spirit of the 60’s lifestyle.

Some more modern uses of Pothos while still keeping that 1960’s vibe would be to use them in a more uniform manner along a wall or as a window covering.  I love both of these Pothos pictures, because of their simplicity and I think this technique will differentiate the use of Pothos from the 60’s-frumpier-style to today’s-more-modern-take.

split leaf philodendron split leafThe next 60’s style plant I love is the Split Leaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa).  This plant’s leaves almost epitomize a 60’s icon, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant.  You don’t see them often right now, but with the recent revival of 60’s design, I imagine they will become increasingly popular in the Interior Plant Industry!  Their finger or hand shaped leaves are irresistible and best of all they are super easy to maintain.  They thrive on neglect, need little water and medium light. When they are thirsty, they will tell you by drooping their leaves and that’s usually the best time to water because overwatering is a sure kiss-of-death for these dark green beauties.

Your Split Leaf Philodendron looks best planted in a container on it’s own.  It’s unique and organic shape should be showcased alone, so you can make out the detail in the leaves, funky stems and aerial roots.  I like the way these look in a tall container raised off the ground and preferably in an area that isn’t going to get a lot of traffic so you don’t damage the sprawling leaves.

Ficus LyrataLiving in a 60’s style interior you were often surrounded by plants!  One plant that does a great job at giving you that jungle feeling while still remaining modern is the Ficus Lyrata aka Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree.  This is a very popular plant right now and I absolutely love it’s massive leaves, shaped like Fiddles, hence the name.  It’s related to the Rubber Tree, Ficus elastica which was even more popular in the 60’s, but I prefer the look of it’s cousin Ficus Lyrata.  You often purchase them at a nursery in the shape of a tree or a column.  You can keep them like this by pruning regularly, but naturally they’ll want to seek the light and create their own unique form (as seen in the photo above).

Watermelon PeperomiaA classic 60’s plant that you don’t see much of any more is the Peperomia Plant.  Just like the Split Leaf Philodendron, I believe that this little gem should be having a come back any day now.  Peperomia-Silver-RippleIt’s unique 60’s appearance is just begging to be re-born in our Modern 60’s Re-do!  Peperomia makes a perfect desk plant, it’s the type of plant you’d also put on your dining room table or coffee table so you can get up close and personal.  PeperomiaThe detail on the leaves and different textures of different varieties will make your guests want to reach out and touch these precious greens.

Also easy to care for, these little gems have succulent leaves and stems, so you need to be careful not to overwater.  They will wilt a bit when thirsty and that’s usually the best time to water them.  They like bright light, but don’t want direct sun, so place them in a window and fall in love!

Other 60’s style Interior Plants for your Modern Home:  Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Sansevieria (Snake Plant), Rubber Plant.

Thank you for the inspirational photos from the following websites:  Birch Box Blog, Mint Six Home Blog, The Brick House Blog, Elephantine Blog

more succulents indoors.

I just can’t get enough of these indoor succulents!  I’m pretty sure it’s become an obsession.  I was on my route today and with succulents on my mind, I spotted this little guy and knew he needed to be mentioned.  To be honest I don’t know his name, but I really should because I’ve used him many times before.  I’ve even used this guy in low light homes and he’s pretty bullet proof.  If you see him, snatch him up because not only is he a keeper and loyal, but he’s not always easy find.  And a shout out to my client Kathy H. who is an amazing Home Stager, she had the eye to find this guy and placed him in the perfect spot on this entry table.20130808-111948.jpgSo, last night I was doing my nightly Pinterest browsing and came across this gorgeous Indoor Agave!!!  Love love love!  It made me realize that I haven’t played around with this beautiful species enough.  It’s on my to-do list, but I imagine since they meet my #1 rule of Indoor Succulent Success ~SLOW GROWERS ONLY~ they would work in your interior space.  One tip on Agaves though, they usually have spiky tips, so place accordingly (ie not in your bathroom, lol).

If you look closely, you’ll see that there’s also a tall slender Euphorbia ingens in the picture by the stairs along with a Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), which by now hopefully you know is my favorite indoor succulent.  Euphorbias in general should do well indoors and that’s why I love this photo so much.  It represents 3 large specimen succulent plants that you can easily use in your interior spaces, home or office.  Impress your friends and your plant maintenance would also be a breeze!  Do we concur, succulents are the best!Agave indoors

And last but not least, I can’t forget about my Tillandsia obsession.  These Air Plants are indeed succulents.  They can handle low to medium light and need little care.  I usually soak mine in water for 3-8 hours every two weeks to keep them fresh, but everyone has a different method depending on the weather and humidity levels.  I’ve been playing around a lot with this cute Tillandsia Terrariums.  For more pictures, please check out my Living Decor Gallery!

 

Tillandsias are always a great indoor choice

You you didn’t read the original article, check it out here.  There’s a lot more information on using Succulents Indoors in your Home and Office!

Orange County Plant Service Company goes gaga over Succulents Indoors!

So, everyone knows that succulents are the new ‘it plant’.  You see them popping up in front yards everywhere you look.  They are a wonderful choice in Southern California and Orange County from the inland desert areas to coastal regions.  They are drought tolerant, have interesting textures and shapes, and magnificent colors year-round!  I am a definite proponent of the

Pencil Cactus as Art!

Pencil Cactus as Art!

succulent movement!  Plus, you pretty much just pop them into the ground, avoid over-watering and Voila, a garden transformation is made!

All that sounds fun and easy, because it is, but running a primarily

Pencil Cactus

Pencil Cactus

Interior Plant Design and Maintenance Company we have not always been so successful with succulents when growing indoors with mostly low light.  For as easy as they grow in the exterior, in the interior they do the complete opposite and become bug infested, rotten and leggy overnight.  But the artist inside of me wouldn’t give up and I have become determined to grow succulents indoors!  Through a lot of trial and decease, I have had a few breakthrough plants I would love to share with you.

Photo Sep 30, 11 34 06 AM (HDR).jpg

Snake Plant

Succulents come in so many interesting shapes and forms, they add to a space, just like a beautiful piece of art enlivens a room.  My all time favorite Succulent Indoors would have to be the Pencil Cactus, Euphorbia tirucalli.    This plant has proven to me that it can handle lower light while keeping its gorgeous architectural form.  It will always need some natural light, but I’ve really tested this plant and as long as you don’t over water, it can be put in a medium light room with ease.

ZZ Plant

ZZ Plant

Two stand out plants, more common in the interior world, but definitely worth a mention for their versatility and hardiness.  First, is Sansevieria ‘Snake Plant’ (comes in a lot of different varieties, some growing only 6 inches, others as tall as 4 feet).  Second, is the Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘ZZ Plant.  Both of these plants can be used in a modern design and take very little care.  The big bonus to these succulents are they can take medium to low light!

Aloe

Aloe

So, the key to finding succulents that will grow and thrive indoors is to find plants that grow SLOW!  I’m still continuing to experiment, but I have had good luck with Aloe varieties, Haworthia varieties, Agaves, Euphorbias and Kalanchoe ‘Flap Jack’.

And if you just have a brown thumb, you can always resort to replica succulents!  I’m not shy to use these in low light situations

Haworthia species on left with Replica Succulents on right

Haworthia species on left with Replica Succulents on right

and they look great when combined with living plants!

If you’ve had luck with growing succulents indoors please leave me a comment and tell me what you’re growing!  Let’s share the knowledge and continue to grow together!

If you can’t get enough, click here for a few more awesome succulents in your home!

 

My Tricks for Simply Modern Interior Plants

Modern style is something that can be stunning when done correctly.  It’s also a style that can feel cold and not home-like at all.  No one wants to live in a cold museum, but a glamourous modern home is much desired.

That’s where plants come into the picture!  Plants are living, breathing beings that create an instant sense of warmth to a space.  I am a fanatic about balance and I believe that a cold modern space is easily balanced out by the warmth of a living plant.  Plants make us feel human and even the most architectural-like plants still have a natural organic form that is calming to our soul.

The following are my personal tricks for Simply Modern Interior Plants:

Agave vasesTwo Matching Extra-Large Plants is better than a Jungle of Small Plants

Three used to be the magic number with design, but lately I’m in love Euphorbia plantswith the number two!  Modern design begs for even numbers and when you make a space for two extra large plants in a room they have a undeniable presence!  Keep it simple and repeat the pattern exactly or almost exactly.  Plants with architectural form are often used, but I think even free flowing plants can look modern when used properly.  

Resist the urge to underplant with smaller plants, this will only take away from the natural form of your original specimen plant.

Repeat of same plantRepeat the Same Plant and the Same Color

Monotony is NOT boring, especially when it comes to plants!  It’s chic and Yellow Bromeliadssophisticated.  It again makes the mind calm and give you a sense of order.  The best part of monotony with plants is that they actually aren’t monotonous because each plant is actually slightly different than the other one.  This makes the scenario even more interesting to the eye and the mind!  

Pencil Cactus in Red PotsSorry guys, but SIZE MattersPalm in cylinder

Whether it’s an extra large container with a small plant or an average sized container with an enormous plant.  Size does matter!  If you have the space, the bigger the better!  Think over-sized, big big big!  (just don’t hit the ceiling…that’s too big!)

Don’t forget the top-dressing

The finale of your spectacular specimen plant is the over-looked and under-planned top-dressing.  The typical choice is moss for most people which works pretty great to cover the soil and grow pot.  Although, if you want your plant to be a true show stopper, you’ll want to consider some alternatives.  These are some of my faves:

White RocksSTONES:  White Decorative Stones as top-dressing.  Elegant and dramatic contrast, but honestly stones come in so many beautiful shapes and textures you can really have fun here.  Pick a color that will complement the decor and feeling of your space.  I think Stones always look MODERN and are one of my first choices!

moss n stoneglass top-dressing

MOOD MOSS WITH STONES AND GLASS WITH STONES:  These both add contrast in elements.  Both giving off a yin and yang feng shui feeling of balance! 

Reindeer Moss

 

 

 

REINDEER MOSS:  This gorgeous chartreuse moss is fluffy and has a gorgeous natural texture.  It comes in all colors of the rainbow, but chartreuse and white are by far my favorites!

Benefits of Interior Plants in your Home and Office

When you decide to add plants to your home or office you are not just adding beautiful greenery.  These living organisms interact with your body, mind and home in ways that enhance your quality of life!

A Natural Air Filter

Plants are proven to remove toxins from air – up to 87 percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) everyOffice Plants 24 hours, according to NASA research. VOCs include substances like formaldehyde (present in rugs, vinyl, cigarette smoke and grocery bags), benzene and trichloroethylene (both found in man-made fibers, inks, solvents and paint). Benzene is commonly found in books and printed papers abound.

We are Less Stressed and More Productive Around Plants
Plants significantly lower workplace stress and enhance worker productivity. In a research study common interior plants were used in a computer laboratory with 27 computer workstations. A computer program to test productivity and induce stress was specifically designed for these experiments. Participants working in an environment with plants present were 12 percent more productive and less stressed than those who worked in an environment without plants. 
purple bromeliad
Plants Reduce Sick Leave!

In another study by the Agricultural University of Norway, sickness rates fell by more than 60 percent in offices with plants.

The Dutch Product Board for Horticulture commissioned a workplace study that discovered that adding plants to office settings decreases fatigue, colds, headaches, coughs, sore throats and flu-like symptoms.

Other Benefits of Interior Plants 
  • Increased positive feelings and reduced feelings of anxiety, anger and sadness.
  • Reduction of sound levels
  • Reduction of stress levels
  • Control of humidity to the within the optimum levels for human health
  • Cooling effect
  • Absorption of carbon dioxide and emission of oxygen refreshing the air
  • Improved concentration levels leading to improved productivity particularly with those working with computers
  • Reduction of absenteeism in the workplace
  • Faster recovery from mental tiredness
  • Interiors feel spacious, looked after and clean
  • People prefer to occupy rooms that contain plants
  • Improved image – interiors are perceived as “more expensive”
  • Increase in creativity
Conclusion:  Love your environments!

Our need for nature was identified by the American biologist, Edward O Wilson, who developed a hypothesis called Biophilia, which he defined as “the innate affiliation people seek with other organisms and especially the natural world.”

Wilson’s research shows that, when given freedom to choose the characteristics of their ideal environment, people gravitate towards a location that combines three major features: positioned at height, overlooking the landscape, and being close to open water.  Effectively, what has been described is the landscape of our distant ancestors from the African plains, and that is the sort of landscape where we instinctively feel at home and safe: Humanity’s natural habitat.  So, by incorporating interior plants into your home or office it should be possible to make significant improvements to employee and human well-being.

For more information and facts go to:  http://www.greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org