It is interesting, growing older has made me discover how I crave simplicity. That has translated into my design style. Don’t be surprised that as you mature, your style might evolve and change. As much as I used to love to fill my home with trinkets, items, and frilly, ornate flower arrangements, I realized that the style wasn’t quite me. One of the best things I have done in my home these past few years is to simplify and embrace what surrounds me in nature. Design inspiration comes from what is in the yard, neighborhood, community. Today we are going to talk about long lasting, easy decorating with greenery that will give your home that extra special designer look and will last weeks longer than flowers. The best part is that is that decorating with greenery is usually free or cost less!
Decorating with Palm Fronds
Decorating with palm fronds and/or tropical fronds is one my favorite and easiest ways to bring a bit of the tropics and coastal flair into your home. There are so many tropical house plants that can be used for year round decorating. If you live in southern or tropical climates than many of these plants will be readily available outside. Let’s take a peek at a few of my favs.
How gorgeous is this elegant entryway? Two frilly philodendron fronds command attention set against a soft, creamy white color palette.
Beautiful and bold palmetto branches make such a graphic statement. One singular, simple frond in a beautiful vase is all you need to instantly add fabuous texture, pattern and color to a corner.
Snip a few bird of paradise leaves from your house plants and arrange them in a jug or vase. Decorating with greenery is so easy because these leaves will last 6 weeks at least! They suck up water faster than you’d think, so don’t forget to check on the water level! The beauty of decorating with house plants is that they thrive to produce! New shoots will come up quickly (don’t feel guilty clipping them).
If you live in the south, gulf, or west coast, then palm fronds should be plentiful. I love how one singular branch in a slender white ceramic vase along the threshold instantly brings life and says “welcome to our home”. You instantly know that this home has a relaxed yet chic coastal vibe.
One glance at this space and I couldn’t stop staring at the seaglass and glass float tray to the 2 fronds in a glass bottle with a glass of rose …. sigh….. Santa Barbara coastal perfection. Can you just imagine the misty, salty sea air blowing in as it climbs up the hillside, hair wisping around your face? I have a sweet spot in in my heart for SB. It is where I went to college and met my hubby. 😉
Banana leaves grow as far north as Virginia! Did you know that? I have had over 35 banana trees growing in my backyard over the years. They are FABULOUS for decorating or for cooking and grilling with. This little baby branch was wintering over in our garage but he brought a bit of summer warmth to our dining room in February.
More than likely you might have a magestic palm in you home. Start clipping! These palms are easily found inexpensivly at HD or Lowes and even most grocery stores during the months of April-June. They make the most lovely arrangements and last for weeks! Decorating with greenery doesn’t get much easier than this!
Beautiful coastal home via ~House full of Summer
Decorating with Greenery from the Yard
Decorating with greenery from the yard is the most economical way to decorate. My yard is filled with a variety of trees (crepe myrtles, birch, oak, maple, holly). That isn’t too many varieties, but whatever you have, you need to look at and see what you can use. Think… does this tree/bush need trimming? If it does than when you trim it use it! My favorite fall decorating idea is using crepe myrtle branches. Their flowers and seed pods are always so interesting and add an abundance of texture and softness to any vignette. Be aware that crepe myrtles will drop their delicate blossoms within 48 hours of clipping, but their lovely, vibrant green seed pods will last for weeks.
Another easy and widely available option for decorating with greenery is taking clippings from willow trees, birch, maple, oak, magnolia trees or whatever you have readily available.
Don’t forget that some of the best ways to decorate with greenery are with clippings from evergreen shubs like boxwoods, holly and gardenia.
And an unexpected way to decorate with greenery is to create kokedamas (Japanese Moss Ball Planters). Click HERE to follow the easy tutorial on how to make these whimsical and decorative living additions to your home!
Decorating with greenery is not only economical, long lasting, and beautiful, but also implements natural elements that can express you and your personal style.
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Happy Decorating!
KIM
Now if we still lived in KY I had more than enuf variety to clip and use in our house, which I did. Every Spring had Forsythia bushes blooming in front yard, among many other flowers and bushes, leaves. Everything grows there without any or much help at all.
One year at Christmas decided I would do the tree with birds/nests. Went out in front yard to see if I could find some dry vines and did. Brought vines in to wrap around tree, was quite pretty and very different.
But we live in very dry climate now and where we live has great deal of alkali in ground. We love few miles west of Grand Junction, CO out in rural area. The CO river runs along side I-70 about 2 miles due south of our house. Since we’re up on a small hill we can see I-70 from our back yard. There are mountains all around us, some look almost close enuf to touch. This area reminds me very much of Tucson, AZ where I lived for 20 yrs. long time ago.
Since Tucson have lived in CO Springs then back to Tucson, then San Diego areas for 21 yrs., then Helena, MT area for 7 yrs. then western KY for 5 yrs. and have been here for 13 yrs.
If I had my way would go back to MT but Mr. Furry says we’re too old to move anymore.
But goodness got off subject of greens to decorate with, so sorry..
Was in City Mkt. other day and looked at some fern leaves and eucalyptus. When we get paid again will buy myself a few greens to put around house, think they’ll look so pretty in my milk glass vases. Have wonderful week.
Hi Jane Ellen! How wonderful to have lived in a variety of so many places and experience the country! I would love to get my hands on some eucalyptus this fall. Somehow, it isn’t readily available here as in other places but the ferns I can easily get from the grocery store florist. I just ask her for a bundle and it costs about $2. They last forever which is so nice! Have a beautiful day! ~ KIM
Like you,my decorating style has changed over the years- for two reasons. One is how I want my home to look and feel. The other reason is that my boys have grown up -for many years my decorating style was “what would survive the boys”. I love the simple and beautiful use of greenery. lee
Hi Lee! I’m laughing because I can sooooo relate! My sons are 16 & 10 and everyday is a battle trying to protect lamps, tv’s, anything breakable from the constant flying soccer balls, hacky sacks, ping pongs… pillows… #anythingboyscanthrow! My style has simplified also because when life became stressful, then the house had to become simplistic for sanity’s sake. I’m sure you understand. 😉 Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a lovely week! ~ KIM
Kim – I LOVE to shop my yard and these pictures are why…they are all gorgeous and so easy, not to mention budget friendly! Thanks for including my boxwood arrangements, love all the great ideas here! thanks friend!
hai!!
I like your decorating things looking pretty and i like to do design my homes with your tips.very nice collection.
Everything looks really awesome! Love the green and blue combos in some of the rooms!