Are You Fond of Fronds?
Introduce vibrant greenery into your home, one frond at a time. Here's how to make lush leaves work in any style
Melissa Cowan
21 January 2017
Lover of boho, Scandi and mid-century style. Got a project you think I might like? Get in touch!
Lover of boho, Scandi and mid-century style. Got a project you think I might like?... More
There’s something striking and refreshing about having fresh greenery and foliage in your home. Adding fronds to your home acts as an instant refresh for any room, adding unexpected colour, texture and connection to the outdoors. Buying fresh flowers is a lovely ritual, but if you’re doing it weekly the cost can add up. Fronds are usually free, from either your own backyard or that of friends or neighbours. They also last much longer than most flowers. Or, if you don’t have easy access to them, you can likely find tropical fronds at your local florist.
The two types of fronds most frequently used are palm and fern fronds, which each give a very different effect to the room they live in. But tropical leaves of any kind can create an equally fresh feel if you don’t have access to fronds, and will mostly last just as long. Place your fronds in a suitably sized vase with fresh water, and let them liven up the room for up to two to four weeks.
The two types of fronds most frequently used are palm and fern fronds, which each give a very different effect to the room they live in. But tropical leaves of any kind can create an equally fresh feel if you don’t have access to fronds, and will mostly last just as long. Place your fronds in a suitably sized vase with fresh water, and let them liven up the room for up to two to four weeks.
Contemporary
The clean, sleek lines typical of contemporary design are a contrast with the irregular shape of the pictured frond. The green of the leaf complements the candy colours in the rug, and the height of the frond helps to balance the size of the lamp. Using a single stem is in keeping with the use of limited accent pieces in contemporary style.
The clean, sleek lines typical of contemporary design are a contrast with the irregular shape of the pictured frond. The green of the leaf complements the candy colours in the rug, and the height of the frond helps to balance the size of the lamp. Using a single stem is in keeping with the use of limited accent pieces in contemporary style.
A bold frond can make a great focal point for any room. White bar stools with blue striped cushions keep the look contemporary, and the palm adds an undeniable energy to the space. Big fronds being used in a dining area invite a sense of community. Your choice of large versus small fronds means you can choose if you want the frond to steal the show, or sit quietly in the background.
The contrast of living green foliage against the dark neutral palette is surprising here, but it works. Placing the fronds in low vases prevents them from dominating the space. A frond adds a relaxed natural element if you’re worried about the room appearing over-styled.
Why limit yourself to just one type of frond? The use of gentle fern and bold palms adds an unexpected characteristic to this room, which complements the striking artwork, bronze sculpture and hide rug.
Palm Springs style
The glamour and liveliness that exists within Palm Springs design is the perfect backdrop for a tropical frond. The three leafy artworks are made even better by being combined with real palm fronds.
See more of this Palm Springs-style home
The glamour and liveliness that exists within Palm Springs design is the perfect backdrop for a tropical frond. The three leafy artworks are made even better by being combined with real palm fronds.
See more of this Palm Springs-style home
Add some drama to a space by using a large frond as the main focus of a room. The bold Monstera deliciosa leaves used here stand out against white walls, but tie in with the greens present in the artworks. An otherwise minimalist room is made playful by the fronds and intriguing artwork.
Beach style
The soothing and serene feelings that beach style evokes are increased in this bedroom by the pairing of a small tropical leaf with a spray of little white flowers. Along with a driftwood lamp, the greenery accents the laid-back, casual beach style.
The soothing and serene feelings that beach style evokes are increased in this bedroom by the pairing of a small tropical leaf with a spray of little white flowers. Along with a driftwood lamp, the greenery accents the laid-back, casual beach style.
This bedroom is an interesting melting pot of beach style, minimalism, contemporary and cottage-chic. The gentle fern fronds add to the subtle autumnal feel of the room and help it feel cosy and inviting.
Eclectic
The feathery texture of the philodendron leaf here juxtaposes with the straight lines of the cabinet and the mid-century media items. The frond adds a dreamy, nature-inspired element to the room. The careful consideration of composition and texture and the display of vintage pieces are both typical of eclectic style.
The feathery texture of the philodendron leaf here juxtaposes with the straight lines of the cabinet and the mid-century media items. The frond adds a dreamy, nature-inspired element to the room. The careful consideration of composition and texture and the display of vintage pieces are both typical of eclectic style.
Mid-century
The modern mid-century style seen here puts a strong focus on simplicity and function. The geometric copper bar stools pop against the dark wood. Adding a frond to this space brings some fluidity into a room that could potentially appear rigid.
Palm Springs mid-century modernism
The modern mid-century style seen here puts a strong focus on simplicity and function. The geometric copper bar stools pop against the dark wood. Adding a frond to this space brings some fluidity into a room that could potentially appear rigid.
Palm Springs mid-century modernism
Modern
This loft is defined by an understated elegance, and enhanced by the monstera leaves next to the black leather chair. The use of the round glass vase loosens the streamlining of other elements.
This loft is defined by an understated elegance, and enhanced by the monstera leaves next to the black leather chair. The use of the round glass vase loosens the streamlining of other elements.
The bright pops of colour in this sunroom add to its overall happy feel, heightened by the tall banana leaf and the fronds scattered throughout. Choosing ceramic over glass vases makes them fit in well with the artfulness of the rest of the room.
Tropical
Fronds are a natural match for rooms decorated in tropical style. The fern carvings in the wooden hall cabinet work beautifully with the fronds in an unusual vase. The result is a luxe and intriguing tropical style with a comforting homeyness.
Bring tropical style home
Fronds are a natural match for rooms decorated in tropical style. The fern carvings in the wooden hall cabinet work beautifully with the fronds in an unusual vase. The result is a luxe and intriguing tropical style with a comforting homeyness.
Bring tropical style home
Traditional
The ferns and palms here are hardly noticeable when set in front of the palm-print wallpaper, but the combination is a lovely mix of natural and man-made elements. Rich colours, dark woods and curved lines are typical of traditional-style rooms.
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Do you like using fronds around your home? Tell us why in the Comments.
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The ferns and palms here are hardly noticeable when set in front of the palm-print wallpaper, but the combination is a lovely mix of natural and man-made elements. Rich colours, dark woods and curved lines are typical of traditional-style rooms.
TELL US
Do you like using fronds around your home? Tell us why in the Comments.
MORE
Read more decorating stories
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I love decorating with leaves plucked from my garden or a client's garden, for those who are not keen on indoor plants, they are the next best thing!