If you’d like to add some greenery to your indoor life, but your home is lacking in natural light, don’t worry—there are many varieties of houseplants that thrive in low-light environments. Select wisely, and you’ll have an indoor garden thriving in no time, not to mention a host of natural air purifiers making for a healthier living environment. Here are some plants that will be healthy and happy in not-so-sunny situations:
Snake plant. This plant is known for its striking tall, skinny leaves, and small, fragrant lily-like flowers that bloom along a single stem. Snake plants also offer versatile design options for your home—ranging anywhere from 3-4 in. tall, to 3-4 ft. tall, they can perch nicely on a shelf or side table, or make a dramatic statement as a floor plant. An added plus—snake plants are very drought tolerant, making them the perfect option for busy (sometimes forgetful!) plant parents.
Peace Lily. While lovely peace lilies do require regular watering, they can thrive in less light than other plants in the tropical family. Place your peace lily close to, but not directly in front of, a window in a warm room in your house—North or West-facing windows are best for avoiding direct sunlight. Water your plant at least once a week or whenever you see the leaves drooping, and mist it from a spray bottle as well. You’ll enjoy both the peace lily’s stunning white blooms as well as its major air-purifying properties.
Philodendrons or Pothos. Also known as Devils Ivy, philodendrons or pothos, are one of the most popular, easy-to-grow, low-light plants. Known for their long, trailing stems that can reach 15-ft. long or more, these plants offer a variety of foliage options, from dark green to chartreuse or variegated shades of white and green. They’re perfect for positioning on a high shelf or from hanging pots in any room of the house.
Chinese Evergreen. If you’re looking to add a little color to your interior design, consider a Chinese Evergreen, which offers either multi-colored green or red-and-pink foliage. Another excellent choice for air purification, these plants can tolerate slightly dry soil as well. Certain varieties can reach 2 – 3 ft. in height, making for a striking statement in any corner of your home.
How to Design Your Home With a Sense of Harmony
Take these factors into consideration when it’s time to decorate your living space!
Proportion & Scale
Before buying furniture, always take measurements and try to visualize how it will fill the space it’s intended for.
Color Scheme
Take the time to look for inspiration and choose colors that match the mood you’re looking to create.
Traffic & Flow
When arranging furniture and decor, consider how you’ll move about each room and the way in which these items direct traffic.
Balance
The goal is for a room to have a consistent “impact” or “weight,” rather than having lots of decor on one side and wide open space on the other.
Five Peaceful Paint Colors
If you plan to repaint your interiors this year, don’t forget to pick a hue that will positively impact your mood. While bright red or neon green may be fun, they can subconsciously create stress in the body. Below are five peaceful paint colors to up the “ahhh” factor of your favorite spaces.
Violet
A dusty purple can promote balance and inner peace. Make sure to pick a shade with more blue tones and less black for a relaxing vibe.
Green
While a neon green can be alarming, a less bright shade (think forest or grass) can be calming and refreshing.
Gray
While some may think gray is dull, it actually has been shown to be a soothing, stress-free color. Plus, it goes with nearly any accent hue, so you can get creative with accompanying colors.
Blue
Choose a gentle ocean blue in the bedroom for a restful night’s sleep. Known to reduce tension, opt for a lighter shade when choosing your blue.
Yellow
A rich, buttery yellow can brighten your spirits. Perfect for bathrooms and kitchens, paint your whole space or a singular accent wall and soak up that sunny disposition.
4 Stunning Flowering Houseplants
Potted African Violet (Saintpaulia) on the background of cactus, houseplants
Are you the type of person who likes to take their flower garden indoors? Indoor plants do more than simply add color to your space; they can also improve the mood of those who live with them. If you’re looking for a blooming plant, consider one of the following four:
Bromeliads. These funky, spiky plants are in the pineapple family! Bright and tropical, they like lots of light and don’t require too much water, which makes them a great choice for a beginning gardener.
African Violet. These are some of the most popular blooming house plants, as they flower for a long duration and are relatively easy to care for.
Begonias. A well-cared for begonia will bloom almost continuously. Place them in a bright location away from windows.
Peace Lily. These lovely, graceful flowers are adaptable and low-maintenance. They don’t demand too much light and can survive stints of both over- and under-watering.
4 Tips for Choosing Window Treatments
Here’s how to find the right window treatments for any room.
Identify Your Goals
What do you want from your window treatments? Should they provide privacy, block out the sun or create a stylish look?
Consider your options
Depending on what functionality you need, the next step is to choose between curtains, shades, blinds or plantation shutters.
Find the Right Material
An exciting pattern can make a room pop, while light linen curtains offer a breezy feel that allows the sun in.
Look for Inspiration
Look at today’s most popular styles for inspiration, from Roman shades that elegantly fold to floor-to-ceiling curtains that make a room feel bigger.
5 Tips to Help Declutter Your Home
Here are a few tips to better organize your living space.
One Room at a Time
Decluttering your entire home can be a daunting task, so it’s best to tackle one room at a time.
Identify the Nonessentials
Consider what’s essential and what’s not. If you can live without it, toss it, or better yet, donate it!
Curate the Surfaces
Countertops, tables and shelves tend to bear the brunt of a disorganized living space.
A Place for Everything
Once you’ve identified a designated place for everything, make the effort to develop good habits to maintain organization.
Hide the Wires
Whenever possible, go with wireless technology to keep the ambience feeling streamlined.
Four Tips for Curating Stylist Shelves
How to Make a Statement on a Blank Wall.
3 Ways to Upgrade Your Interior Design From Home
Here are three ways that you can upgrade your home’s interior design without leaving the house.
Digital Design Services
Interior design firms are going digital with their services by video conferencing with clients.
Online Classes
If you’re more of a DIYer, then perhaps this is an ideal opportunity to enroll in that interior design class you never had time for.
Put Your Eye to the Test
Try experimenting with different looks by moving artwork or changing the flow by rearranging furniture.
Update Living Room Colors for a Trendy Upgrade
Short on Light? These 4 Houseplants Are For You
Snake plant. This plant is known for its striking tall, skinny leaves, and small, fragrant lily-like flowers that bloom along a single stem. Snake plants also offer versatile design options for your home—ranging anywhere from 3-4 in. tall, to 3-4 ft. tall, they can perch nicely on a shelf or side table, or make a dramatic statement as a floor plant. An added plus—snake plants are very drought tolerant, making them the perfect option for busy (sometimes forgetful!) plant parents.
Peace Lily. While lovely peace lilies do require regular watering, they can thrive in less light than other plants in the tropical family. Place your peace lily close to, but not directly in front of, a window in a warm room in your house—North or West-facing windows are best for avoiding direct sunlight. Water your plant at least once a week or whenever you see the leaves drooping, and mist it from a spray bottle as well. You’ll enjoy both the peace lily’s stunning white blooms as well as its major air-purifying properties.
Philodendrons or Pothos. Also known as Devils Ivy, philodendrons or pothos, are one of the most popular, easy-to-grow, low-light plants. Known for their long, trailing stems that can reach 15-ft. long or more, these plants offer a variety of foliage options, from dark green to chartreuse or variegated shades of white and green. They’re perfect for positioning on a high shelf or from hanging pots in any room of the house.
Chinese Evergreen. If you’re looking to add a little color to your interior design, consider a Chinese Evergreen, which offers either multi-colored green or red-and-pink foliage. Another excellent choice for air purification, these plants can tolerate slightly dry soil as well. Certain varieties can reach 2 – 3 ft. in height, making for a striking statement in any corner of your home.