Home Decor Inspirations

Tag Archive for: Home Decor Inspirations

Add a new dimension with trailing plants

Trailing plants are a great solution for adding greenery when space is a premium. Most plants can be suspended in hanging baskets or placed on a shelf such as the herbs and succulents featured in Floresy’s collaboration at Aneto Deli. But for a more wild, botanical look, why not try a trailing plant instead? Trailing plants will bring a softness – or even some wildness – to your interior decor.

trailing plants hanging from ceiling in a scandi bedroom

Trailing plants can be is displayed in the smallest of spaces whilst not taking up valuable floor space.

A trailing plant hanging from the ceiling will emphasise the height of a ceiling. Also, placing a trailing plant on a high shelf will likewise emphasise the expanse of a wall. Conversely, where the ceiling height is disproportionate to the size of the room, an array of trailing plants will lower the effective height of a ceiling. This eatery – Hammer & Tong 412 in Melbourne – does just that to create a more intimate setting.

Hammer & Tong 412 in Melbourne uses hanging vines to create a more intimate atmosphere.

How to display trailing plants

Hanging baskets

Long before living walls, there were hanging baskets. For the classic cottage garden look, it is hard to beat a traditional basket stuffed full of colourful flowers such as fuschias and lobelias. Perfect for an English pub garden.

An unashamed display of trailing fuchsia in a hanging basket. Photo: Pinterest

For indoors, a retro revival is the macrame or crochet hanging basket such as this plant hanger from Modern Macrame. Slip the potted plant inside the knotted rope hanger – make sure the pot is attractive too. Most hangers of this style allow two or three plants to be stacked on top of each other and even small or low-level plants can be used to add height to an interior scheme.

Macrame plant hanger for trailing plants

Even small plants can add height using a plant hanger.

Trailing plants on shelves

Shelves will allow you to show the length of any trailing plant off to its maximum effect. In this display, the long, graceful plants balance the boxiness of the small display shelves. The trailing leaves break up the structured lines of the boxes. The images of the still life and green bird all contribute to the botanical theme.

Trailing plants on display box shelves

Here, the Hotel Armour use a dense display of trailing and upright plants to create a rich and vibrant look. The trailing leaves from one shelf spill over the plants on the shelf below. The display uses only a few varieties of plants and only foliage to slightly tame this otherwise wild look.

Trailing plants as living wall artificial plants

Hotel Amour creates their take on a living wall using selves and trailing plants. Photo by LostNCheeseland on Flickr

Window boxes

Trailing plants in an old-school window box

Get the look with Floresy products

Floresy stock a wide selection of plants suitable for creating a hanging display. Products, such as this Ivy or Hedera, is a great choice for a more traditional theme and can be used inside or outside. Floresy makes ivy in two leaf styles – this long green 130cm product as shown below – or a white/green variegated leaf ivy.

long green ivy artificial plant trailing plant by Floresy

Artificial long green trailing ivy 130cm by Floresy

Succulents are very on trend. Try smaller plants in a hanging display such as these succulents in dark grey pots. These would work well in a contemporary or understated interior theme because of their neutral asthetic.

artificial succulents mix in dark grey pot

Artificial succulent mix in contemporary dark grey pots

A popular choice of trailing plant to display on a shelf is this variety of succulent. The Schlumbergera Truncata Floresy plant product comes in white ceramic pots and is the perfect length to add to an existing shelf because it isn’t too long. They will look great as a display at a reception desk area.

Succulent in ceramic pot cactus

This trailing succulent is known as the ‘fishhook’ plant or banana vine however its Latin name is Senecio radicans. Its tangle of leaves works well in any botanical theme whereas its length is perfect for display on a shelf or suspended.

Artificial succulent plant trailing plant banana vine

Artificial succulent fishhook or banana vine by Floresy

Floresy Products, Ideas

Artificial Bamboo Tree – Inspiration

Artificial Bamboo Trees at Floresy are versatile, practical and decorative.

Bamboo is a mystical plant deeply rooted in Chinese culture and other countries across Asia. To the Chinese, it represents integrity and means friendship in India. Some folktales from around the world include either a baby or a beautiful woman that emerges from a bamboo stem…

Rare-blooming, bamboo is actually a grass and is one of the fastest growing plants in the world. Some species grow at rates of up to 90cm in a 24 hour period. It is lightweight, strong but flexible and very versatile. It can be used in place of wood as anything from rafts and skateboards through to fishing rods and scaffolding. Modern Western interiors see bamboo used in flooring, furniture and kitchen utensils. Bamboo suggests peace and tranquillity. It is also used to create natural textiles for clothing. And no self-respecting English garden is without Sweet Peas growing up a wigwam of bamboo canes.

So, needless to say, this plant is rather special.

At Floresy, we offer a wide choice of artificial Bamboo Tree products. Bamboo is consistently one of our most popular selling plants. Just as the natural form lends itself to many uses, our artificial bamboo products are just as versatile. Bamboo works well both indoors and outdoors. One of it’s most versatile qualities from a design point of view is that it is both decorative and architectural. Here are some design ideas to give inspiration of how to use bamboo in your domestic or commercial setting.

Artificial bamboo as a space divider

You can use artificial bamboo to divide specific areas. Subdividing large spaces creates smaller, more usable “rooms” without losing the scale of the space. For an example, rows of bamboo will create smaller, more discrete spaces. This quickly and cost-effectively solves the demand for more meeting rooms that many open-plan offices can’t deliver. For a large outdoor space – for example, a swimming pool terrace – you can use potted bamboos to separate the pool from the terrace giving bathers greater privacy. Using bamboo like this creates a sense of order and privacy in an otherwise open space. It retains the sense of space and doesn’t adversely affect light conditions. Plus it is exotic yet calming.

Artifical bamboo as a screen

Try using a bamboo screen to disguise or hide something. You can use a line of plants to hide an unsightly or unattractive wall, for example. Likewise, you can use bamboo’s natural beauty to bring interest to an otherwise boring and plain area. Because bamboo is tall, it is useful for screening larger areas. During a refurbishment, artificial bamboo offers a flexible and attractive choice to temporarily screen the work. Plus, being artificial you can store them when not in use.

Artificial bamboo as a decorative feature

Simple decorations of bamboo are perfect for interiors with a minimalist style. By placing bamboo poles in a modern vase act you can create a frugal and honest display. Or, place the bamboo close to a wall to add some colour and interest. The leaves of bamboo add texture whilst the tall stems bring instant height. You can easily create a gentle atmosphere of harmony with a well-chosen bamboo.

Our artificial bamboos are perfect for anyone who wants to add more greenery to a room. They are great for areas which are too dark for real plants. Being artificial means they are more flexible in how you choose to use them. Plus, they are portable so can adapt to changes in a rooms purpose, layout or design. And, very unlike a real plant, pop them in the cupboard when not in use. Our artificial bamboo is the best faux bamboo you can find. Available to buy in sizes ranging from 60cm to 300cm in height, Floresy has artificial bamboos to suit every location.

If you would like advice about designing your space with artificial plants or faux tall trees, please contact us here.

Floresy Products, Interior Styles

Cyclamen in Rustic Interior Design

Rustic interior design styles are characterised by an eclectic look where natural textures dominate. The organic beauty of wood, usually unpainted and often untreated, is used throughout on the floor, walls and in the furniture. Natural fibres such as cotton, linen and hemp, worn leather, wicker and earthenware compliment the wood. Unique handcrafted items from reclaimed materials show age and wear. Distressed pieces are repurposed or made good. Plump upholstery and generous cushions, embroidered table linen and handwoven rugs combine to create warmth, comfort and a homely quality.

Rustic Chalet Interior Design Style

There are many variations of rustic styles including English cottage, beach house and log cabin. The Rustic Chalet is a take on the login cabin look with a more European twist than it’s North American counterpart.

Think of a rustic chalet and you think of an alpine lodge, set among the trees and overlooking an Austrian village or French ski resort. They are cosy and warm. Open fires in the winter and large glass verticals making the most of the summer sun. A rustic chalet is likely to be open plan and unapologetically constructed from pine. Large brick or stone built fire-pits are focal points around which ample sofas are arranged. They offer a snug place to curl up with a hot chocolate after a hard day on the slopes.

But rustic doesn’t have to mean backwards or old-fashioned. Open plan living is a modern concept that resonates with the single-room living structures first built during the Stone Age. Add built-in kitchens, floor-to-ceiling windows and 4K HDR TVs and your rustic chalet becomes a modern social space. The warmth and character of old meets the convenient and technology-ready future.

Rustic Chalet – Cyclamen Arrangements

Cyclamen are winter- and spring-flowering plants native to countries of the Mediterranean basin. Their delightful flowers range in colour from white through pinks and into purples. They often have variegated leaves. And due to their compact nature, they do very well in pots either indoors or outdoors. Despite their association with funerals, their meaning is really that of sorrowful departure. Such as leaving behind your beautiful alpine cabin at the end of your skiing holiday. But they also make good leaving present for someone who is retiring.

Floresy offers three made-to-order flower arrangement featuring cyclamen: cyclamen in a handmade casing, cyclamen mass in a pot of stone and cyclamen in a quadrat.

Cyclamen in a handmade casing

Cyclamen in a Handmade Casing is a sweet and charming arrangement with those all-important finishing handmade touches. It is no surprise that this is one of our most popular compositions. It would fit in perfectly, and add a splash of colour, in any modern rustic interior. This arrangement would sit well in a traditional English pub or a friendly B&B that offers all the comforts of home. As cyclamen is often winter-flowering, this display would also be a welcome sight at the reception desk of any hotel during the festive season.

Cyclamen mass in a stone pot

The Rustic Chalet – Cyclamen Mass is a larger display than the handmade casing. Instead, it features textured brown stoneware. Because of its compact and neat design makes a perfect table centrepiece for any rustic setting. The cyclamen mass is available in three sizes.

Cyclamen Quadrat

The Cyclamen Quadrat uses the same stoneware but larger still and square version. This arrangement is big enough to be floor standing so you can use it to define a doorway the floor or on a pot stand to add extra height or impact. The winter berries, fern fronds and dried moss spill over the top of the pot softening its angular edges. This display comes in three heights, each featuring white cyclamen in bloom.

All these displays are available to buy from Floresy and meet with our high standard of design and production. We also offer a bespoke design service to fit all of your interior and exterior design needs. You can contact us here or call us on 0208 0770891 for more information.

Ideas

Fantastic Foliage Ideas

Plants have an important role to play in interiors. They help create a harmonious atmosphere that is relaxing and reminds us that we are part of nature. In a commercial setting, they add a homely touch to an otherwise functional space. But it is their very colour that achieves so much of this atmosphere. Green is a particularly soothing colour. So the fantastic foliage of plants is what makes them such an important addition to any setting. Greenery is on trend so let’s explore some of the many exciting leaf shapes and patterns plants have to offer.

Fantastic foliage ideas

Feathery ferns

Ferns in glass containers on a desk and hanging from the ceiling

Ferns in glass terrariums helps to show off their fantastic foliage

Ferns are an ancient plant that predates the dinosaurs. They come in a variety of leaf shapes from the incredibly light fronds of the maidenhair ferns to robust, drought- and shade- tolerant plants we associate with dense woodland.

The fronds of a fern are usually a playful mess, spilling out in random spreads. Because each frond is made up of multiple smaller leaves, ferns are great for allowing light to pass through them. You can also set them against a coloured wall for glimpses of the colour behind. Equally, they do well in pots with a contrasting colour or finish to the fronds.

Ferns make great hanging plants as shown in the terrariums of Vosegesparis’ blog article. But they are also great pot plants on a desk or plant stand. You can group ferns together or with other plants: combine ferns with mossy woodland plants to create a dense magical forest; or add them to a sub-tropical scheme evocative of humid jungles.

split leaf philodendron have fantastic foliage

Splendid waxy green leaves of a split leaf philodendron

Waxy leaves

If a plant has a waxy leaf it usually means that it comes from drier climates where it has to conserve water. The waxy surface helps the plant to retain water in otherwise dry or hot conditions. A great variety of plants have this feature including the philodendron. Not to be confused with the monstera or cheese plants, philodendrons have large glossy leaves. They range from heart-like to spearhead in shape and are sometimes split-leaved (such as the variety picture as described in the best houseplant article from linternaute.com).

Anthuriums offer great waxy leaf foliage too. This red anthurium from Floresy features dark green glossy leaves with striking red veins running throughout each leaf.

Waxy and glossy leaved-plants add a rich and vibrant lushness to a scheme. Their shiny leaves are also quite tactile and invite people to stroke their smooth and generously sized leaves.

Anthurium by Floresy has large, tactile waxy leaves.

Variegated leaves

Zebra grasses look like porcupine quills

Variegation in leaves is when the leaf has more than on colour. Sometimes this is in the form of stripes like this zebra grass, which looks almost like porcupine quills arranged in a pot. Zebra grasses are a variety of miscanthus and can grow very large in dense clumps. Zebra grasses are from Eastern Asia and are very popular garden plants in Japan.

The variegation in leaves can also be a colour gradient from the centre of the leaf radiating outwards. Generally two-tone, colours include white and all shades of green plus a few less expected colours such as pinks and reds. Variegated white-green leaf of this Floresy artificial ficus tree shows this very typical variegation pattern. The darker green leaves have white edges that soften its overall shape. If you compare the variegated leaf with a solid leaf variety you can see the difference in the overall size impression it gives.

: As this plant has a solid leaf colour, this classic dark green ficus tree has denser-looking foliage.

: The variegated leaf of this white green ficus has a lighter, and less dense look despite being the same size.

Crazy leaf shapes

Sansevieria plant in brown pots on patio

Sansevieria or snakes tongue work well as indoor or outdoor plants (image from Pinterest)

Sansevieria is also known as snakes tongue or mother-in-law’s tongue. It is a popular plant for its upright spiky leaves. The leaves tick all the boxes: they have an interesting shape, they’re variegated and they are stripy! They are a commonly used architectural plant for indoors and outdoors, in residential and commercial settings. Floresy offers both a yellow-green sansevieria variety and a darker green leafed variety with a subtle stripe.

Spiky-leaved plants are popular because the structure of the plant has such contrast with more typical leaf-shaped leaves. Other spiky plant choices include yuccas, grasses and the softer but spiky-shaped leaves of palm trees. The kentia palm is a very popular tree for interiors, especially for the urban jungle trend.

Bonkers tillandsia is a family of evergreen plants that includes air plants. Their minimal root system means they can grow in the thinnest of soils and on other plants. These thinner leaf varieties come from wetter climates than their bigger-leaved cousins. All varieties can absorb water and nutrient through their leaves so can appear to literally survive on air. This display idea from Rodale’s Organic Life has a collection of air plants erected on wires above some equally beautiful pebbles.

Tillandsia air plants are displayed on wires above rocks.

The best thing about including plants with fantastic foliage into your decor is the huge variety of texture they add. Combine different types of plants with different leaf shapes and colours to create a fabulous display of fantastic foliage.

Floresy Products, Trends

Guide to Architectural Plants

Architectural plants are the backbone of any exterior planting scheme. If gardens are rooms, architectural plants are the furniture. These vital plants are the structure around which smaller or seasonal plants are placed. They act as focal points for a bed of plants to give them volume and presence. But they can also have more simple yet structural uses such as defining a doorway or walkway. Or just filling a space. Wherever they are used, they add height and visual impact to a design.

In modern minimalist architecture, structural plants are often used in isolation to create drama using a minimal number of plants. The choice of planter or pot that the architectural plants are placed in is often as important as the choice of the plant itself. The use of plants in sleek and cutting-edge exteriors helps soften the overall look. The coldness of stone, steel and glass emphasises the green of the foliage.

Design by Rayavat Engineering

Architectural plants design tips

Choose a bold or striking plant as a focal point to a flower bed or a collection of pots.
Add instant height to a space to create more visual interest
Using a large artificial as the focus plant(s) will require far less maintenance and will look good in any location.
Use planting to soften the harsh lines of the outside of a building

Unlike their natural counterparts, Floresy artificial architectural plants will not grow bigger to obscure a window or view. What you get is how it will stay. This is a big advantage when designing a look of a space. Especially if the style is precise and ordered like minimalism often is. Very low maintenance also means no watering and no sweeping up dead leaves.

What makes a plant an architectural plant?

Some people may argue that certain plants can be classified as architectural whilst others will disagree. It is the use and placement of a plant that makes it architectural or structural. Because the plant needs to add a certain focus, architectural plants have similar traits. Architectural plants will often have at least one of the following:

A distinctive shape
A distinctive leaf colour or shape
Evergreen or offer interest all year round
Interesting bark or stems
Generously sized (but aren’t we all?)

You can be creative and use any plant architecturally as it is all about the context. A climbing ivy or wisteria can be used to frame a doorway just as two identical topiary boxwoods in striking planters. Use low, ground-cover plants around the edge of a patio to create a visual boundary. Likewise, place them around the base of a statue or sculpture to contrast with its height.

Choosing architectural plants

Buying real architectural plants is certainly a considered purchase with mature specimens carrying a hefty price tag. A significant advantage of choosing a Floresy artificial architectural plant is that your investment will require far less maintenance, look exactly the same all year round, will not grow to spoil a design and can be moved to different locations and still look just as good. All these factors mean that your investment is more secure and has a longer lifespan than a real plant could be.

Tall and upright architectural plants

Yuccas are great architectural plants for both indoor or outdoor.

Yucca plants are known for their tough, sword-like spiky leaves and are popular as both an indoor and outdoor plant. The leaves of a sansevieria are also spiky and are also known as ‘snake tongue’. They come in a dark green and this yellow-green variety. Both this artificial yucca and this sansevieria are great solutions for adding vertical drama when floor space is at a premium. The yucca and Sansevieria are also useful for creating a more tropical feel to a setting.

Sansevieria come in two shades of green and make a fantastic feature plant when space is a premium.

Formal architectural plants

Boxwood gentle topiary tree in the pot

Nothing is more classical in a garden landscape than a box topiary. This beautiful box in a pot from Floresy combines the formal choice of the plant with a softer shape and styling. With a bonsai-inspired shape, this particular product will suit any more formal setting including oriental gardens because of this delicate shaping. The thuja conifer tree offers a very traditional look and so is equally suited to a formal presentation. You can easily imagine a line of these trees flanking a gravel walkway on the approach to a stately hotel or conference centre. But they will look equally at home in a very professional office reception. It is a very flexible choice because you can use it in a variety of different situations.

The Thuja is a conifer like plant with great potential in more formal schemes.

Bushy and big architectural plants

Artificial Larch trees by Floresy is available in three different heights

Same as the thuja, Larch trees are also conifers. This variety from Floresy is available up to 180cm in height so it’s big without being too unpractical. They can easily fill a space but their more delicate branches will not block the light. In addition, they can be decorated with lights for a romantic effect. The cycas is a bold a bushy plant which means it is ideal for a central placement. Its big enough so that you can add additional plants underneath or just plant individually in a gravel bed.

Artificial cycas palm tree architectural plants

Artificial Cycas Palm Plant 100 cm artificial plant

Floresy also offers a bespoke tree design service for the ultimate in architectural plants. Contact us today so we can help you with your designs.

Seasonal, Trends

Frankfurt Christmasworld Trends 2016-2017 – design by Modern Nature

“The Clearest way into the universe is through the forest wilderness”

The theme for the Frankfurt Christmasworld international trade show 2015, was ’Ice hotel’. Exhibitors and visitors alike were wowed by the winter scene made rich and bountiful by all the wonderful displays. The setting may have been crisp and translucent because of the cold and frosty elements but in reality, the ambience was of happiness, surprise and abundance.

Frankfurt Christmasworld adopted the growing trend for returning to nature and using natural materials but with their own twist on it. The scene was certainly that of a forest brimming with all things that mother nature could provide. But this is forest a magical forest full of grottoes and fairy tales. Workshops, crafts and forest creatures that might be more than they appear. The only thing missing was the elves. Childhood memories were evoked and imagination fuelled by so many offerings and stalls ripe for exploration. Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a little magic.

Copper adds a decadent accent

Despite the icy theme, it isn’t a dark forest of hibernating through the winter – it’s a contemporary forest full of life. The colours are warm and luxurious and surprisingly intense. The greens stretch from a dark pine to vibrant leaf green. The browns start rich and deep then burst through into rusts and coppers.

Copper is a theme seen through many of the designer stalls at Frankfurt Christmasworld 2015. The combination of copper and gold add decadence and opulence to the rustic textures of wood, leather and hessian. It’s a modern natural look perfect for Christmas and also for hoteliers and restauranteurs looking for a homely style that doesn’t compromise on luxury. A touch of glamour goes a long way. In contrast, more means more when it comes to the flowers.

The arrangements are big, plentiful and everywhere! Colourful blooms are set against on-trend greys and the theme of copper and golds are reflected in the choice of flowers. And it’s an easy-to-follow look that you can create in your own home. In the kitchen, in the living room and even in your bathroom. Large plants will make you feel as if you were in the tropics whilst many smaller pots clustered together will add colour and tranquillity. Here is what is trendy at the moment:

Let Floresy design your next exhibition stand

Floresy offers a bespoke design service to help you create beautiful and sleek themes for your exhibition. We can advise you on the most efficient spatial layout of your booth. Even in the smallest of spaces, we can provide innovative solutions to help you stand out.

Whether you already have a completed design and need ideas and inspiration about how to include greenery into space, or if you need the space designed from the beginning, we can provide you with unique and creative solutions.

Take a look at our dedicated services and products to the Exhibitions page for more information.