Decorating
Extreme Green: Take Decorating With Leaves to the Next Level
Why stop at two fronds in a vase? Turn over a new leaf with these adventurous ideas
There has been a move away from fiddly floral arrangements recently and it’s easy to see why when you can pop a couple of Monstera deliciosa leaves in an oversized vase and be done with it. But why not put in a little more effort and set a green scene that’s truly memorable?
In the frame
A large framed leaf or two such as the ones seen here can produce incredible wow factor for minimum effort. Scale is what matters here – pick one or two large and lovely leaves that will properly fill your frame.
A large framed leaf or two such as the ones seen here can produce incredible wow factor for minimum effort. Scale is what matters here – pick one or two large and lovely leaves that will properly fill your frame.
Wall of life
Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum) has been allowed to grow down from a shelf to create a partial living wall in this creative Czech home office. While certainly more effort than greenery in a vase, creating this effect is not as hard to achieve as you might imagine.
Devil’s ivy is easy care and a prolific grower. It can be coaxed to climb or to hang from its resting place and copes well with low-light conditions.
Devil’s ivy, a winner for black thumbs
Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum) has been allowed to grow down from a shelf to create a partial living wall in this creative Czech home office. While certainly more effort than greenery in a vase, creating this effect is not as hard to achieve as you might imagine.
Devil’s ivy is easy care and a prolific grower. It can be coaxed to climb or to hang from its resting place and copes well with low-light conditions.
Devil’s ivy, a winner for black thumbs
Go downstairs
Weaving greenery down the staircase isn’t just for Christmas.
This idea would also be effective over a window or above a doorway.
Weaving greenery down the staircase isn’t just for Christmas.
This idea would also be effective over a window or above a doorway.
High and mighty
A variation on the frond-in-a-vase theme can be seen in interior designer Kelly Hoppen’s London townhouse. Here, two large glass vessels have been placed side by side and loaded with oversized single stems. The trick here is in the scale – cut the stems to approximately twice the height of the vase. Clear rubber bands can be used for added support. You may wish to secure your vessel with adhesive clay or putty.
See more of Kelly’s home here
A variation on the frond-in-a-vase theme can be seen in interior designer Kelly Hoppen’s London townhouse. Here, two large glass vessels have been placed side by side and loaded with oversized single stems. The trick here is in the scale – cut the stems to approximately twice the height of the vase. Clear rubber bands can be used for added support. You may wish to secure your vessel with adhesive clay or putty.
See more of Kelly’s home here
Work of art
While it’s not quite green, this beautiful leaf artwork is certainly worthy of inclusion here. To make your own, take time to find the perfect specimen, allow the branch to dry fully then attach to the wall with transparent removable hooks (these are nearly invisible from a distance and you can add as many as you require to achieve the shape you desire).
While it’s not quite green, this beautiful leaf artwork is certainly worthy of inclusion here. To make your own, take time to find the perfect specimen, allow the branch to dry fully then attach to the wall with transparent removable hooks (these are nearly invisible from a distance and you can add as many as you require to achieve the shape you desire).
Look twice
Think this is another living wall? Think again. The stunning botanical feature in this Chicago living room is simply a large collage of leaf photography. So clever, so effective and there’s no need to replace the water!
Think this is another living wall? Think again. The stunning botanical feature in this Chicago living room is simply a large collage of leaf photography. So clever, so effective and there’s no need to replace the water!
Good enough to eat
Decorating with leaves need not be contained to the inedible variety. Add some greenery to your kitchen and have your salad greens on hand with this gorgeous palette-like idea; a perfect foil for a sleek but clinical kitchen such as the one seen here.
Decorating with leaves need not be contained to the inedible variety. Add some greenery to your kitchen and have your salad greens on hand with this gorgeous palette-like idea; a perfect foil for a sleek but clinical kitchen such as the one seen here.
Turn it upside down
Mix things up and turn things upside down, literally, with an upside-down planter such as the one seen in this New Zealand ensuite.
Upside-down planters flip the traditional plant pot on its head and will no doubt be a unique talking point for your house guests.
See more spaces designed for plant lovers
Mix things up and turn things upside down, literally, with an upside-down planter such as the one seen in this New Zealand ensuite.
Upside-down planters flip the traditional plant pot on its head and will no doubt be a unique talking point for your house guests.
See more spaces designed for plant lovers
Boxing clever
Bring the outdoors in (and keep it there) with an indoor planter box. The timber-clad planter box in this Sydney apartment serves as both a backrest for this dining booth and a glorious living feature.
Bring the outdoors in (and keep it there) with an indoor planter box. The timber-clad planter box in this Sydney apartment serves as both a backrest for this dining booth and a glorious living feature.
In case of emergency…
So you’re not having a great day? Creative juices at bay? Never fear. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Monstera deliciosa fronds and big vases. In fact, a little simplicity sometimes goes a long way.
Tell us
Have you taken your home to the next level with greenery? Tell us how in the Comments below.
More
Browse more homes with climbing plants
So you’re not having a great day? Creative juices at bay? Never fear. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Monstera deliciosa fronds and big vases. In fact, a little simplicity sometimes goes a long way.
Tell us
Have you taken your home to the next level with greenery? Tell us how in the Comments below.
More
Browse more homes with climbing plants
Turn your home into a treehouse with the easy but effective idea seen here. Instead of fronds, cut whole branches from trees and place in over-sized, heavyweight bottles throughout your room. Mimic with a smaller cutting in a vase on the coffee table.
Note: Light branches work best for decorating purposes. Saw off at least 2 centimetres from the bottom of the branch before placing in your vessel to enable the branch to soak up water immediately. Keep away from sunlit windows and replenish water every few days to keep the branch fresh. Tree branches can typically survive in water for up to 4-6 weeks.