Tag Archive for: solutions
Project: Sofitel (5-star, 183 room hotel)
Location: Waterloo, London
Brief:
- Replace existing planting but retain the planters
- Screen unsightly view of the machine room and piping from bedrooms
Products used:
- 5x Bespoke low-level box with mixed planting
- 3x Bespoke hedge with mixed planting
- 3x Bespoke green wall sizes 150cm and 180cm
At Floresy, we understand the importance of creating the right customer experience for hoteliers. Especially 5-star establishments in central London. The apparently effortless transition by your staff of guests from the lobby to bedrooms to function rooms is mirrored by the same high-standard of decor, cleanliness and amenities in every space in your hotel. However, the reality of running any 24-hour hospitality business is that, behind the scenes, it’s a lot less glamorous.
Sometimes this means substituting an unsightly view from a window with a far more attractive and pleasing alternative.
Our solutions
The brief for this project was two-fold with the first objective being replacing the existing – but tired – artificial planting whilst retaining the planters. As we both design and manufacture artificial plants we are able to create planting solutions for any problem area in a client’s brief. So using planters and containers of the client’s preference was easy. This area is outside one of the hotel’s many function rooms. Restricted access to this awkward space means maintenance would be an issue for real plants.
Our bespoke artificial tree and plant arrangements in the clients existing containers. These displays are uplit for added nighttime atmosphere.
Can you tell the difference? Floresy’s artificial plants are of the highest standard.
Next, objective number two was a larger roof area overlooked by several bedrooms. One of the benefits of using plants as room dividers or screens is they do not completely block the light. And this is an important consideration for any screen solution for a window when detracting from an unsightly view.
Our green walls make great screens and because they are freestanding, they are a perfect solution for this situation. They are easy to install in addition to not blocking all of the natural light coming into a room.
What lies behind: solving the unsightly view.
The result is much better
For other bedrooms overlooking the roof, the use of low-level window boxes as an attractive feature was sufficient in order to maintain the illusion of a swan.
Our bespoke wooden box hedges in situ
Our conclusion
The project is a success with both satisfied customer and supplier. We are looking forward to working with Sofitel again soon.
If you have a similar unsightly sight at your premises, you can read more about how Floresy can help. Alternatively, give us a call on 0208 0770891 to speak to one of our helpful customer managers.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 fishhook or banana vine by Floresy