Posts tagged RPRP
At Home With Angela Tafoya: Taking Style To The Max In A Stunning San Francisco Craftsman
Angela Tafoya, Editorial Director of Lonny Mag and self-professed maximalist in her gorgeous San Francisco Craftsman home.

Angela Tafoya, Editorial Director of Lonny Mag and self-professed maximalist in her gorgeous San Francisco Craftsman home.

On a bustling block in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset District, a row of enchanting Craftsman homes quietly sit and observe the neighborhood’s daily activity: a Muni bus rumbles past, pedestrians wait at a crosswalk, and the Catholic school down the street just sounded its recess bells.

These Craftsman homes have been here for over a century, built just after the 1906 fires and seemingly unchanged since. But what lies behind their impressive facades tells another story, and we were lucky enough to take a peek for ourselves inside the beautiful family home of Angela Tafoya, Editorial Director of Lonny Mag, the go-to online publication for inspiration on accessible home design.

Join us as we tour a home which proves that the luxury of maximalism and the nuanced impact of minimalist style can more than coexist: these decor trends are actually the perfect pairing!

A glossy Rubber Tree is the perfect greeting on this bright landing.

Originally hailing from New Mexico, Angela has called the Bay Area home for over 15 years. And not long ago, she and her husband took on the opportunity of a lifetime: the exciting (albeit daunting) task of renovating their family’s 7th Avenue craftsman, with the goal of creating a space that honors original details while also feeling modern and fresh. The result is a unique blend of classic yet contemporary, luxe yet minimal: the ideal canvas for exploring the latest trends.

After all, somebody has to do it, right?

A lush Pink Rubber Plant is the perfect addition to highlight the texture and creamy tonality of whitewashed brick.

Angela has always found herself inherently drawn to lifestyle inspiration and considered interiors, and for her, the fast pace of digital media couldn’t be a better fit. Like a snapshot taken directly out of the latest issue of Lonny Mag, her living space is truly a dream. Unique details abound, with varying textiles and cushions juxtaposed by glossy coffee table literature and standout pieces of original art.


Thriving plants, of course, are a trend that Angela is more than happy to welcome into her home. With over 30 different varieties adorning the built-in bay window typical in San Francisco homes, she credits her plant-friendly husband for the lushness that completes their spacious layout.

“My husband is the green thumb around here. He’s also a minimalist, but not necessarily when it comes to plants!”

Following the latest trends can have its drawbacks, though, and Angela prizes individuality. She tells us that she’s become more intentional about what she brings into her home, choosing pieces that, while on-trend, will also stand the test of time. And when restlessness hits, switching up the paint colors is always a good solution. As she says, “We’ve been in this home for three years, and I’ve painted the reading nook three times.”

Suffice it to say, we’re confident that following her whims will always serve Angela well: by intuiting her passions and cultivating a sense of play, she’s sure to maintain a luscious space with lively, original style wherever she goes.

Angela’s Plant Picks: The Desert Cactus, Rubber Tree, and Pink Rubber Plant are living, glowing standouts. Beautifully variegated, they pack a punch with height, rich color and sculptural silhouettes.

Real Plants, Real People: Christine & Nick
Real Plants, Real People: Christine and Nick

Two design-savvy Angelenos, Christine and Nick, give us a peek into their bright and beautiful home on LA’s breezy westside.

Teachers, partners, and plant parents: angelenos Christine and Nick share about what they and their plants did this summer, and the best part about starting a new school year.

Summer’s coming to a close and school’s back in session: there’s no better time than the present to find our rhythm, settle into routine and set new goals.

For inspiration, we talked to Christine and Nick, two Los Angeles based educators, about how they kick off the new school year and how their plants serve a valuable role in settling back into routine.

From Roger the Rubber Tree to an enormous Zanzibar Gem named Nigel (“He just does what he wants, when he wants to!”) the thriving plants at Christine and Nick’s were truly a treat to meet, and an intrinsic part of this fun and energetic modern family.

HOW DID YOU SPEND YOUR SUMMER BREAK?

This summer we had a chance to do some planning for our wedding - we picked a venue and I found my wedding dress with the help of some friends! We also spent time with family, read a lot of great books, played soccer, and watched Roger (our Rubber Tree) grow a ton of new leaves.

Extra Large Rubber Tree

Roger the Rubber Tree

WHEN YOU WENT ON TRIPS, DID YOUR PLANTS MISS YOU?

We didn’t leave the plants alone too much this summer, but when we did, Nick made sure they were fully watered before we left. We also moved a few plants around so they could get the appropriate light while we were away.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT GOING BACK TO SCHOOL AND THE START OF A NEW YEAR?

Seeing and catching up with all the students from previous years and meeting our new students!

HOW DO PLANTS CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR HOME?

Our plants bring us a lot of joy. We talk about them a lot and celebrate their growth! This whole experience has brought us a lot of joy. And the ritual of pruning the Dracaena and watering, and just paying attention to the things around us in our space. It’s been a nice routine and has brought life to our home, especially during this past year as we spent more time indoors.

Real Plants, Real People: Christine and Nick

CAN YOU SHARE A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR PLANT CARE ROUTINE?

Nick really handles most of the plant care (thank you, Nick! :) ). We have water meters from Leon and George in most of our plants, so Nick waters our indoor plants whenever the water meter is white and he waters our outside Leon and George trees 1-2 times per week. We also try to fertilize the outdoor trees once a month. Every once in awhile I wipe the leaves on Roger the Rubber Tree and Nigel, our Zanzibar, with warm water and dish soap. After talking with the Plant Doctors at Leon and George we're considering repotting a few of our plants to give them some more room to grow!

What are your plant care secrets?

We talk to them a lot! We use our hands to feel how they’re doing, we feel their soil, rotate regularly and make adjustments to make sure they’re getting what they need. 

*And two key hot pro tips*: we read the weekly Leon and George newsletter every Sunday morning. As soon as it comes in, we immediately go do the thing it says to do! It’s been a helpful reminder to check on them and expand our care techniques.

Secondly, any time we’re panicked, or are trying to figure something out, we either Google it, or check in with the Plant Doctors at Leon and George. These methods keep our anxiety down and overtime we’ve learned just how resilient plants are!

Floor to ceiling sliding doors gives their home a spacious indoor/outdoor opening, a must for enjoying Southern California’s beautiful weather! Their plant collection includes a Rubber Plant, Dracaena Compacta, Meyer Lemon Tree and Olive Tree.

Floor to ceiling sliding doors gives their home a spacious indoor/outdoor opening, a must for enjoying Southern California’s beautiful weather! Their plant collection includes a Rubber Plant, Dracaena Compacta, Meyer Lemon Tree and Olive Tree.

Photos by Jess Issac


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A Storied Aesthetic: A Peek Inside Writer Oscar Raymundo’s Plant-Filled Home

Oscar, his partner Denys, and a beautiful Ficus Audrey in their colorful Mission district apartment.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, writer Oscar Raymundo took advantage of a rare dip in San Francisco’s real estate market to upgrade to a bigger, brighter pad. The result? A budding green thumb, of course.

Living in a house full of plants wasn’t always Oscar’s story. Like many San Francisco residents, he and his partner Denys had been hustling to make the most of an increasingly impossible city for over 10 years. Factors like small spaces and limited light left little to be imagined in terms of living greenery.

But also like many San Francisco residents, they took advantage of a truly unprecedented lull in the city’s real estate market during the pandemic to upgrade to a bigger, brighter spot to call home. 

And with both working from home, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

From left to right: a Kentia Palm, Silver Evergreen, and Dracena Lisa + Kentia Palm.

A writer and producer at Instagram, Oscar’s day to day involves everything from crafting content about internet cat personalities to finding creative ways to showcase movers and shakers across different communities.

He and Denys had never expected to be spending so much time at home, reveling in the company of their mischievous cat, Tokyo. After a few months of making their one bedroom apartment work, they realized there was no better time than the present to consider a move. With so many San Francisco residents leaving the city to work remotely elsewhere, the opportunity for an upgrade was ripe.

A sprightly Dragon Tree enjoys Oscar’s attention.

My plant care secret? Have conversations with them.
— Oscar raymundo

Cue in an adorably charming Edwardian walk-up, flooded with light and spacious enough to house not only a home office for each but a guest-room-meets-gym, a dining-meets-meeting room, and a chef’s kitchen that would leave any urbanite envious.

Though Oscar has called the Mission home for over a decade, it wasn’t until moving to this apartment that he really began to nest— and collect houseplants. With all that space and light, how could he not? His collection includes everything from an impressive Ficus Audrey and lush Kentia Palm to small cacti that, as he believes, should keep the curious Tokyo at bay.

He credits his green thumb to his grandmother, who believes the ultimate secret to keeping plants happy is speaking to them. He says, “It’s hard to find things in common with a 90 year old. But the plant thing– we can talk about that. Her secret is to have conversations with them.” And he blames his cat Tokyo for the occasional casualty.

His plants look fabulous, so maybe there’s something to it. As far as the cat is concerned, he hasn’t found a solution yet.

Photos by Margaret Austin

Oscar’s Picks

A World of Style: Growing Greenery and Global Influences Adorn Fiber Artist Britt-Marie Alm’s SF Nest
Real Plants, Real People: Fiber Artist Britt-Marie Alm

Love Fest Fiber’s Britt-Marie Alm and her family in their charming home in the Sunset District.

San Francisco is a kaleidoscope of inspiration, renowned for its rich culture and the global influences that enliven every aspect of the city. So when we had the opportunity to tour the gorgeous, bohemian home of fiber artist and owner of Love Fest Fibers, Britt-Marie Alm, you know we were thrilled. Located in the Sunset District (itself an icon of multiculturalism, and San Francisco’s largest neighborhood), Britt-Marie’s nest is a dream: lovingly decorated with treasures from her far-flung travels and ample living greenery, we think you’ll agree that this home is truly a jewel in the crown of SF’s Sunset District.

A World Traveler Finds Her Home Base

Since her first, fateful visit as a teenager on a community service mission, Britt-Marie has been driven by her love for the culture and the people of Tibet, and she has found ways to return to the country ever since that initial trip. Over the years, Britt-Marie visited again and again, exploring the country’s culture, learning Tibetan, researching Tibetan spiritual traditions, and finally falling irrevocably in love with regional Tibetan fiber traditions. A life’s passion was born. 

From left to right: a feathery Zanzibar Gem, glossy Rubber Plant, and stunning Red Congo.

Much has come to pass since those early years, from a decade-long career in philanthropy to the ultimate adventure, motherhood! But Britt-Marie’s love of Tibet, and of sustainable fiber practices, has been a constant and her San Francisco based, globally-minded company, Love Fest Fibers, carries her passion worldwide, offering small-batch, sustainably harvested yarn and fiber goods from Nepal, Tibet and the West Coast of the US. 

From The Mission To The Sunset

Prior to the pandemic, Britt-Marie tells us, she and her family were living in a studio in the Mission District. Space was a challenge, and with the new normal of spending most time at home, they quickly learned that their little brood was outgrowing that space. So they did what so many of us have done during the past couple years: they moved! From the admittedly cramped bustle of the Mission to a charming new home in the Sunset District, Britt-Marie suddenly had the space to go wild, and room for her eclectic decor and textile art to breathe. 

Love Is In The Details

Colorful texture and playful decor make the perfect kids’ room!

Is there anything more inspiring than feasting your eyes on the decor of a world traveler? We think not and Britt-Marie’s home proves us right! Every object has a story, from a lovingly hand-hewn wooden bench from Tibet (estimated to be over three hundred years old!) to the canopy in her daughter’s room, repurposed from the altar crafted for Britt-Marie’s wedding by Oakland-based fiber artist Meghan Shimek.  

Sky-High Foliage And A Fab Fiddle

From feathery Zanzibar Gems to a gorgeous Red Congo Philodendron, greenery reigns supreme in this house and it’s the perfect complement to a collection of furniture and decor that’s both precious and functional. The piece de resistance, though, is unquestionably Britt-Marie’s towering Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, standing at well over eight feet tall (and brushing the ceiling)! The living greenery is itself an ongoing project: “Most of our plants have been with us for years. There's one in particular that I've had since I was in college—that means it's been with me for well over two decades!”

Shop the Extra Large Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree From Leon and George

A sky-high Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree leans into the light.

A Dose Of Green Goodness

Beautiful plants are like great artwork to me, I love what they add to a space.
— Britt-Marie Alm

Attuned to the natural world, Britt-Marie’s home incorporates the palette and poetry of nature with a stunning array of living plants. “Plants feel like part of the family to me,” Britt-Marie says, “and they help create that sense of home in a space. I love returning back to them at the end of a long day, seeing how they grow and change over time, and watching them thrive when they find just the right corner in our house.”

The overall feeling of this eclectic, lively home is one of peace, invigoration and creativity. And we think there’s a lesson here for all of us: if you follow your inclinations, your passions and your heart, you can’t go wrong.

Real Plants, Real People: R'el & Marcus
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Two Texans turned New Yorkers, R’el & Marcus (@theplaceiwastellingyouabout) share the warm space they come home to after adventures discovering everything their city —and beyond—has to offer.

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How did you know this home was for you?

Honestly we were on the fence about this apartment. But we fell In love with neighborhood and our bedroom light. It faces south west without any buildings blocking the sun throughout the day, which is a pretty lucky thing when you live in NYC. After adding our own personal touches like light fixtures and art the place really started coming together.

An adorable Fig, and an adorable pup.

An adorable Fig, and an adorable pup.

What inspires you when you decorate?

We really get inspired from the places we see along our travels. When we see so many unique ways to style and decorate, it makes us want go home and change some things.

A Fiddle Leaf Fig and Monstera Deliciosa bask in the afternoon sunlight.

A Fiddle Leaf Fig and Monstera Deliciosa bask in the afternoon sunlight.

What are your plant care secrets?

We are constantly learning all the time about plants, which is one thing we really like about owning plants. But, we would say one of our plant care secrets would be, don’t be afraid to give your plant a real shower in the tub. We saw a huge difference in our plants when we started giving them showers especially before travel. Also, one of our good friends Jeremy recently gave us a water metering tool and it’s been a game changer.

All photos by R’el Dade and Marcus Lloyd. Find them on Instagram or their blog to follow along their adventures!


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Real Plants, Real People: Finding New Perspectives At Home
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Met with the many challenges of 2020, Benedicte and her family have adapted to a new pace of life and, in the meantime, found a new perspective on home.

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How has life changed for you this year?

At the beginning of the year, our house became not only a home but also an office, a school, a gym, and of course a place of leisure. This year was all about trying to make that work for us. It was a real exercise in patience and homemaking, but there were some really magical moments that came out of it as well.

The Dragon Tree accentuates a changing fall light.

The Dragon Tree accentuates a changing fall light.

What home projects did you take on?

As a start, we moved a lot of furniture around to accommodate so much life at home, and refreshed some areas that needed refreshing. And of course, we baked. Breads, cakes, jams…culinary projects that we normally would not have taken on. Our creations filled the house with aromas that smelled like coziness and home.

A Bird’s Nest Fern sits atop one of the new vignettes created for more time at home.

A Bird’s Nest Fern sits atop one of the new vignettes created for more time at home.

In what ways has nature played a role in your lives and well-being this year?

We craved nature more than ever this year. When we could, we’d sneak to the beach or on a hike and it felt so glorious. We were finally able to go on our first camping trip of the year in the late summer, and being under the redwoods was absolutely incredible. We also brought nature inside when we could. We planted seeds and tracked their growth, and watched our houseplants unfurl new leaves. They helped us mark the passing of time and reminded us that life does go on, even during difficult and uncertain periods of our lives.

All photos by Margaret Austin for Léon & George.


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Real Plants, Real People: Clémentine Desseaux
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Born and raised in the South of France, model and activist Clémentine Desseaux (@bonjourclem) found a feeling of freedom and a lifestyle to love in the lush surroundings of Miami.

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How did you know this home was for you?

As soon as I stepped in it the first day I knew it was it. The original floors, the original fireplace details with gorgeous birds and plants on it. I loved how it was clean and redone but with the original touches that give it all its charm. The light was sooo important for me. I like to wake up and live with a lot of natural light, this place is drenched in light and beautiful palm trees views all around. Perfect for growing healthy plants! I also had a crush on those French windows! How cute!

A bright space that overlooks palm trees, the perfect setting for growing indoor tropical plants like the Bird of Paradise and Red Congo.

What inspires you when you decorate?

I am inspired by nature. I love everything tropical; animals, plants, decor. I have a great flying toucan planter, a jungle leaves wallpaper, a flamingo sculpture, art and images of tropical locations and scenes. Florida is my home and I love its nature, how I can hear the birds in the surrounding palm trees every morning, how I sometimes have a big lizard climbing on my window, or how I can pick up a giant avocado or a beautiful papaya in my friends’ trees. I love the lifestyle.

A Monstera Deliciosa grows in the bedroom with other tropical accents.

What are your plant care secrets?

I give them names. Each and every plant has a name. They used to be all girls, now we have a couple of boys. I talk to them every time i water them, cuddle their leaves and use spray on them in addition to just watering the soil. It’s like a morning dew everyday or so. They love it, I think! I also turn them once a week, so every side of them get some light. That’s about it. I have managed to keep them all alive so far, I went from killing every single one to mastering their growth. I am not sure what happened, I think it’s called quarantine. I needed company, they needed love. We found each other.


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Real Plants, Real People: Rheanna Martinez
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Rheanna and her daughter found home in a historic 19th century farmhouse, tucked away in San Francisco’s Mission District. A sanctuary of sorts, their space is filled with small treasures and moments of inspiration that make it their own.

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How did you know this home was for you?

I was living down the coast, in San Luis Obispo, but wanting to come back to San Francisco. My daughter's former nanny knew I was looking and gave us a call when the house across the street had a sign in the window. The block already felt like family, my daughter knew the neighbors, and while the place needed some major work, I saw potential. But what really sold it was the idyllic backyard full of beautiful plants and flowers; it felt like a mini escape in the Mission and reminded me of what I had loved at my house on the coast. I later learned that it's also an old historic pioneer-era farmhouse built sometime around 1860, so while it's old, it has a special history too.

A slice of heaven in the city, Rheanna’s backyard is filled with gorgeous greenery.

A slice of heaven in the city, Rheanna’s backyard is filled with gorgeous greenery.

What inspires you when you decorate?

I like to feel a sense of calm and lightness at home. For me, that comes from a type of minimalist meets bohemian style. I have a lot of textiles from Mexico, art from local creators, and hand-crafted furniture from my brother who's a designer and builder. I also love having little moments of inspiration around the house like well-designed housewares, fragrant candles, beautiful magazines, paintings and art by my daughter, and those classic old family photos that can only be found in your home.

A Fiddle Leaf Fig Bush adorns a bright minimalist-meets-boho living room.

A Fiddle Leaf Fig Bush adorns a bright minimalist-meets-boho living room.

What are your plant care secrets?

Honestly, I don't have many secrets. I get so nervous that I'm not doing it right, but the plants from Leon and George have been some of the most beautiful and healthy plants I've had. My daughter and I have given them names, we wipe them down regularly, stroke the leaves, and I actually think the poor insulation in this home benefits the plants with extra moisture in the air. Sometimes I think that my daughter's constant singing makes them happier.

Photos by Aubrie Pick for Mother Mag & Rheanna Martinez.


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Real Plants, Real People: The Weekend Mixologist
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Barlow Gilmore a.k.a. @theweekendmixologist knows how to make a mean cocktail, and likes to shake things up in his home with a heavy dose of natural, lush greenery.

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How did you know this home was for you?

We'd been looking for a few years and had seen so many places, and finally this home felt just right. The light here is amazing, as photographers we knew it would be perfect for us (and our plants). 

The Parlor Palm adds an organic softness to geometric shapes.

The Parlor Palm adds an organic softness to geometric shapes.

What inspires you when you decorate?

To be honest, we are inspired by plants! Our style tends to be more modern, and it’s a nice balance to add lush, organic shapes and colors to break up the straight lines. 

Large statement plants like the Kentia Palm can tie all the elements of a room together.

Large statement plants like the Kentia Palm can tie all the elements of a room together.

What are your plant care secrets?

Name them! Spend the time to nurture them, and delight in their new growth.


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Real Plants, Real People: Shane's Industrial Loft
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Shane loves a clean, modern look, but keeps things warm and cozy with thoughtful and timeless pieces, big west-facing windows, and of course, plenty of indoor greenery.

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How did you know this home was for you?

We were in the market for a bigger spot and had a few must-haves for our new space. Besides in-unit laundry and a parking spot (#citylife), we knew we wanted lots of light and an open floor plan. We found a random listing online for a loft-style apartment and decided to check it out. When we first walked in and saw the huge west-facing windows, cement floors, and high ceilings, we were sold. No questions, we had to move in! 

Shane has had his Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree for over six years.

Shane has had his Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree for over six years.

What inspires you when you decorate?

My two favorite colors are white and gray, and I tend to gravitate towards more minimal looks. Luckily, my partner Ben and I have really similar tastes and styles, but I'd say he pulls us back towards a homey vibe when I get too carried away.  We're both super into clean, functional, and modern looks. More than anything, we don't like junk. We try to be super thoughtful about the pieces we buy and usually plan on keeping them for the long haul. The only downside is that sometimes we're slow to make decisions. It took us 9 months to decide on a couch for our downstairs living area, but hey, we love it! 

Books and plants add color and character to an otherwise minimal space. Pictured: Jade Pothos

Books and plants add color and character to an otherwise minimal space. Pictured: Jade Pothos

What are your plant care secrets?

I try to be intuitive with plants and not overthink it. Typically I'll select a plant based on looks, and then research what conditions it prefers when I get it home. After that, I'll place it somewhere I think it will do well and try and check in with it regularly. If I notice any changes I try not to overreact (easier said than done sometimes) and make small changes in watering or lighting and see what happens. Other than that, I mist, clean, love on, and talk to them daily (more for me than the plants, but I think it helps)! 


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Real Plants, Real People: Ashley, Danny, & Baby Ana
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Ashley and Danny have lived in their San Francisco home for almost ten years. In a way, taking care of plants together has been a crash course for the real parenting adventure they have only just begun.

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How did you know this home was for you?

It actually took us leaving this apartment to realize how special it is. We had to patiently wait for the new tenant to move out so we could move back in! There is something about having an expansive view of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge ... seeing that beauty everyday must calm the nervous system or something. It has an ineffable quality. 

What inspires you when you decorate?

We wanted to honor the older details of this building by adding a more antique, vintage touch. Comfort is also a key decorating theme so we sought beautiful, cozy pieces that jived with the historical elements. 

What are your plant care secrets?

Top secret: pick easy to care for, healthy-already plants! We also had a bit of negotiating to do as it relates to their care-taking. One of us (we won’t name names!) is a bit more enthusiastic about owning plants than the other, and that person also happens to be the one who travels more often and needs more help keeping up with them. But even though we aren’t equally passionate about the hobby, we both benefit so much from having plants, and in the end we found a care routine that works for both of us. Splitting the responsibilities means every plant gets what it needs and we maintain our marital bliss. Kind of like regular parenting, but maybe a little easier!


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Real Plants, Real People: Barbie and Nico
Also the home of George of Léon & George.

Also the home of George of Léon & George.

Barbie and Nico are team members at Léon & George, and partners in real life. Here they share with us some of the behind the scenes of getting this startup started in their very own home.

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How did you know this home was for you?

A very finicky Fiddle Leaf Fig we named Fifi #2.

A very finicky Fiddle Leaf Fig we named Fifi #2.

The morning we saw our apartment listed, there were no photos and we were feeling hopeless after visiting 30+ places in the span of 2 weeks. But this one was just around the corner from where we were staying so we had to give it a try. As soon as the door opened, we were welcomed into a long hallway and bright living room with the charming details of a San Francisco home. We looked at each other and knew this was it.

What inspires you when you decorate?

A blank canvas is always nice, but chaos also works. We see the opportunity of creating order, space and beauty. We're pretty minimal when it comes to decor, mostly only buying pieces out of necessity, but we take a long time to decide on each piece. We do our best to buy pieces we really love, that spark inspiration or have personal meaning, items we want to invest in and keep for a long time.

What are your plant care secrets?

Let them do their thing. We try to cover their basics of having the right amount of light and we err on the side of underwatering. But mostly we leave them alone. Barbie likes to talk to them. She greets them in the morning or at night. When we leave on trips she reassures them that we'll be back.

Bootstrapping a startup means your home becomes your office, distribution center, photo studio, and lastly the place you sleep. It was also a great way for us to learn about plants and how they react in a real home environment over time.