BECOMING A
PLANT AFICIONADO
A plant isn’t just aesthetically beautiful, but each one has its own personality that can breathe life into a room. Chapman fi nds the
best way to style a plant is to “take some time to really look it over and get to know it.” When selecting a plant, observe the following:
- SIZE. Houseplants come in a range
of diff ering sizes, but two general
categories are fl oor plants (plants that
make a statement) and tabletop plants
(plants that accent a room). - FORM. Each layer of a plant can
communicate a particular mood. Try
choosing a plant shape that best fi ts
your home, as well as one that puts a
smile on your face.
3. COLOR. Plants are predominantly
green, but there are so many unique
variations and hues that give you the
freedom to experiment with diverse
color combinations. Especially inside,
you can choose plants with variant-
colored leaves, such as the purple
leaf of the purple shamrock or the
multicolored leaf of the African violet.
4. TEXTURE & PATTERN. Balanced
imprints and rhythmic shapes
distinguish plants from one another.
According to Chapman, position your
photosynthesizing friends to best
“show off your plant’s full outfi t.” You
can also complement the texture and
pattern of your room with your plants,
and vice versa.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 119To protect plants on the way home,
wrap them in paper and bubble wrap.
These materials insulate them from
the outside environment, keeping their
leaves happy and healthy for travel.Placing a palette of plant styles next to a sunny alcove is the
perfect way to balance a room. This leafy family moves your
eyes upward to complement the freestanding bathtub.