Tag Archive for: residential interiors

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Do Artificial Plants Affect Feng Shui Energies?

The seasons are changing and with that change comes an exciting chance to bring a new and positive vibe into living space using the powers of Feng Shui.

You may or may not believe in this age-old Eastern philosophy however, it may be a great wealth of inspiration if you have hit the proverbial brick wall.

What is Feng Shui?

Originating in China over 6000 years ago, Feng shui means “fēng ‘wind’ and shuǐ ‘water’”.  Two of the earth’s natural flowing elements.

Considered a  “pseudoscience”, it is a method that uses the position of one’s body and the objects in a given space to create a sense of balance and harmony. It is believed that how you arrange a space can affect how energy (chi) flows through it.

Plants play a pivotal role in the art of Feng Shui, representing growth and new beginnings. They are related to the wood element in the feng shui Bagua map, helping to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve productivity among other things. 

Who wouldn’t want this additional boost to help create a calm yet productive lifestyle?

But where do artificial plants fit in the grand scheme of interior decoration and how do they affect the Feng shui? Feng shui interior design

Are Artificial plants Ok to use?

Sure real plants provide great energy – as long as they are getting all the necessary nutrients and light. However, plants that are lacking in these things will eventually die and that death will then go on to create a negative vortex of energy!

Although faux plants may not generate the same natural energies – principles teach us that it is not all about the material of the object. The beauty of a high standard faux plant is that its low maintenance removes the stress of continuous upkeep, providing a psychological impact of uplifting energy.

So the straight answer is …YES! Faux plants most definitely have a part to play in the teachings of Feng Shui. 

3 Tips to Create Better Feng Shui Using Artificial Plants

 

1. Use plants with a natural flow and aesthetic appeal

Go for a leafy rounded plant that displays a smooth texture. According to the teachings of Feng Shui, a plant rich in colour can lift your mood at all times. 

A blossoming plant promotes a sense of fresh life creating positive energy. As you know, a faux cannot blossom. So a great way around this is to opt for an artificial plant with a flowering effect. On the plus side, there won’t be any fallen leaves to clear up!

2. Keep your artificial plants clean

Whether you are using artificial or live, plants covered in dust will not aid in good energy dynamics. Wipe down your plant regularly – a clean artificial plant is way better than a dead or dirty natural plant. 

Wiping down plant

3. Know your limitations and work around them

If it’s a large workspace you’re having to consider, give yourself the opportunity to play around with the internal landscape. If you happen to be in a small office space that may be shared,  consider a potted plant to make it easier to move around. 

There are plenty of options for all kinds of spaces no matter the size, it just requires a little imagination.

That’s the fun part!Feng Shui living room design

If you’re a Feng Shui believer and you decide to go for artificial plants, you can expect to bring good health, wealth, harmonious relationships and career growth.

These amazing natural looking ideas can be achieved with our diverse selection of artificial greeneries for the home and commercial spaces.

ViBe Student Living Case Study: Adding a homely feel

ViBe Student Living is an “…ultra-modern, purpose-built and fully interior-designed” student accommodation in Kingston Upon Thames. Being only a short walk from both Kingston University and St Mary’s University, ViBe offers a flexible and vibrant modern accommodation option for students. It has everything: a gym, communal and social areas, a cinema room and private study areas.

ViBe Student Living reached out to Floresy. They wanted to add warmth to their new Kingston site using Floresy’s range of artificial plants. And rightly so. ViBe is a home from home for its residents and its little touches like greenery that add a homely feel. The brief was to work within the main communal areas.

With a property such as ViBe, however, it’s important to add to the existing fresh decor without detracting from the original, well, vibe. Floresy needed to work with the current interior design to come up with a solution that works for this unique accommodation offering and for the client’s budget.

The Process

The process always begins with a conversation. It’s important that we fully understand our client’s needs. Next are site visits where we can gather information on the layout, existing design and start to come up with ideas of how our artificial plants can enhance the space. Once all the information and requirements have been gathered, we produce a proposal:

ViBe Student Living proposal example

Existing ViBe Student Living floor plans plus on-site photos help the client visualise our proposal

Throughout the process, we keep a dialogue open with our client as this helps keep everybody on track. It’s also important for the client to feel involved and in control. We discuss each option and make any changes the client wishes. Once the decision is made, its time to produce and install the artificial plants and arrangements.

Residential Case Study for ViBe Student Living

A row of box hedging plays with the outside-inside to create a fun corridor past the notice board.

Residential Case Study for ViBe Student Living Window planting

The plant arrangements add interest to an awkward spot. The planting and grey containers reflect the planting outside on the street.

ViBe student living case study

This architectural feature creates a comfortable, semi-private seating area. Floresy’s trailing artificial plant arrangement helps to soften the pillar as it gives a more homely feel.

ViBe Student Living case study wall hanging artificial plant arrangement

Even the bin area is more glamorous when Florey’s awesome wall hanging flower arrangements are around.

Using our knowledge and expertise we helped our client realise their brief. The resulting communal areas have more warmth, vibrancy and homely feel without detracting from its modern style. 

You can read about how we helped one of Sofitel’s luxury hotels solve an unsightly view here.

If you would like Floresy’s help with an installation or design project, please contact us here and we can start the conversation today.