Creative Ways to Incorporate Plants into Your Everyday Life

Studies have shown that plants can have an enormous impact on your wellbeing. The presence of nature’s beauty at its finest is undeniable. They’re instantly uplifting, perfect for decorating homes and workplaces, and can even serve as natural air purifiers. There are plants available for all skill levels, so whether you’re a complete novice or love to show off that green thumb of yours, you have plenty of options — and that means plenty of ways to incorporate some green goodness into your everyday life. Here are a few ideas to make plants an integral part of your world.

1. Add One to an Open Shelf

Those open shelves in the kitchen won’t decorate themselves! Sure, they’re great for lining with your old-school cookbooks and little culinary accents, but a plant makes an especially wonderful piece of décor for a room where you spend the bulk of your time at home. Plants break up the monotony and add a focal point to the space.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with size—you don’t need to stick with dainty plants unless you just want a small accent that doesn’t soak up too much attention. Otherwise, have fun! A lush palm adds a touch of the tropics to your environment. A sharp snake plant introduces drama to the space. A row of succulents keeps things simpler, yet still captures attention.

2. Put Some Green in the Bathroom

The bathroom might not be the first spot you think of when you’re masterminding ways to incorporate more plants in your life. But it’s the ultimate spot for it—largely because the bathroom is where a whole lot of self-care happens. Think about the best spas you’ve visited. They’re grounding, relaxing, and serene. A plant has the same effect on your space, transforming your otherwise basic bathroom into something considerably more appealing and tranquil.

It doesn’t have to be lavish or oversized to have this impact. Even the addition of a simple plant on the countertop or a hanging plant in the corner can change the tone of the room in an instant. Have a tub? Turn that space into a true getaway by placing a floor plant behind it or next to it. You’ll be wowed by how easily it sets the tone.

3. Hang Them on a Curtain Rod

You’ve heard of hanging plants—what about curtain plants? The concept is nearly the same, except you’ll suspend your plants of choice from the curtain rod instead of the ceiling. Hang one to add a little visual intrigue to your room, or create an entire cascade of them by hanging multiple plants of varying sizes on a single rod. Push your drapes to the sides and let the plants steal the show!

Just be sure to choose plants that love a little direct light. The advantage of this method is that it instantly infuses your home with natural beauty, it’s the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning, and it doesn’t require you to put holes in the wall. Winning all around!

4. Create a Thriving Indoor Garden

You hear about people cultivating indoor gardens all the time, but you’ve always sort of assumed that it’s for other people. Not you, right? Actually…why not you? The beauty of designing an indoor jungle is that you have complete freedom during the design process. Consider what’s most practical for your living space. Can you dedicate a room with adequate lighting to the garden? How much time do you have to devote to them?

Those types of factors matter, as they’ll affect the types of plants that you select. Start with three or four plants and watch as they thrive. You’ll be mesmerized by their beauty and the way they somehow change your home—and maybe even lift your mood.

The power of plants is undeniable. No matter how you choose to incorporate them into your everyday world, you can trust that you’ll gain a new appreciation for their beauty and versatility.