There is no denying that indoor plants can really brighten up a space. If you’re looking to improve your work-from-home set up, think about adding a bit of greenery to the areas you most frequent. Our stylists this week are chiming in with a few tips on how to get creative with your new leafy office mates!

1. Create a plant grouping corner

   One of the best ways to make an impactful addition to your space with plants is by grouping them together. Whether it’s on the floor or atop a desk, try grouping three plants of differing heights and textures together to create a lush corner that looks and feels calming.

2. Invest in a statement plant

   When it comes to indoor greenery, there’s nothing like a big statement plant to really pull a space together. Especially if your home office shares a space with a living room or bedroom, create a space in a corner or next to another piece of furniture to add something with at least three feet of height.

3. Use plant cuttings for smaller spaces

   No room for an actual plant on your desk? Snip off a leaf or vine from one of your other plants and place it in a glass bottle for the perfect green accent on your desktop!

4. Choose the perfect desk plant

   Adding a plant to your desk seems like a no brainer, even if your desk is a kitchen table! It’s incredible how much happiness one small plant can inspire, and having a plant within your direct vicinity while working can truly act as a mood booster. In terms of size, stick to small plants—unless you have a very large desk, usually something between 6-8 inches in diameter is a good size. On the other hand, something in the medium range (8-10” in diameter") is good for a kitchen or dining room table— at the end of the work day, it can double as a centerpiece!

5. Use vertical space with hanging plants

   Hanging plants are a great way to add visual interest, particularly when square footage comes at a premium! Trailing plants like the Cascading Pothos or ivies work well for this, and it’s usually best to anchor the hanging planter to a corner or other point of interest in a room.

Still looking for the perfect greenery? Check out the plants we recommend for every type of work-from-home space!

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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.

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.

What are your plant care secrets?

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

All photos by Hailie & Barlow Gilmore//The Weekend Mixologist.

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Kentia Palm

Parlor Palm

Pink Rubber Tree

Bird of Paradise

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The Kentia Palm pairs well with ultra lush botanical wallpaper. Photo by @theweekendmixologist, wallpaper from Etsy.

Wallpaper is truly having a moment. More and more makers and brands are out there creating unique designs, patterns, and essentially beautiful works of art to hang on our walls! And there are so many perks to wallpaper, too, but above all we love how easy it is to create a customized look in your home, whether it be a jewel box bathroom, an accent wall, a baby’s nursery, or beyond. Wallpaper is also now within reach for renters or indecisive home improvers, with trendy removable designs that offer the freedom and flexibility to go to town with bold choices.

We obviously have a soft spot for all things green, and that’s why our plant stylists have made a round up of some of our favorite botanical wallpapers to bring the great outdoors in.

Our favorite botanical wallpapers

A bold statement

The iconic split-leaves of the Monstera Deliciosa are the perfect statement maker for big and small spaces alike, and we love this bright design by Kate Zaremba.

Spring inspired

A hand watercolored print, the bright Spring Leaves design by Chasing Paper is the perfect botanical wallpaper for Pilea lovers and anyone who can appreciate bright spring vibes.

soft & whimsical

Floral wallpaper is an obvious classic, but give it a whimsical twist with “Secret Garden” wallpaper by Abnormals Anonymous.

Palm deco

Samantha Santana has a handful of fun and quirky botanical wallpapers, including her Palm Deco design inspired by art deco patterns and the magical palm trees of Southern California.

Dark & moody

Dark-toned wallpaper can have an incredibly dramatic effect. We love subtle tropical vibes of this botanical-inspired wallpaper by Milton & King, reminiscent of a Bird of Paradise or Red Congo’s stunning foliage.

a Hollywood classic

A bit of Hollywood glamour, anyone? Designer Don Loper's famous Bird of Paradise wallpaper has graced the Beverly Hills Hotel since the 1940's, an is also available for your home.

Flora & fauna

Looking for something truly unique? Try something by small French design studio Bien Fait, like this exotically captivating jungle-themed wallpaper. Photo by Julie Ansiau.

serene & peaceful

Inspired by the “eternal calm and serenity of an open field”, the Wildflower design by Calico Wallpaper is a gorgeous take on some of nature’s most simple yet beautiful creations.

plants on pink

Green and pink makes for the perfect combination with this Plants on Pink wallpaper also by talented designer Kate Zaremba.

Caribbean vibes

Slow things down with a wallpaper that is as beautiful as it is subtle, using Kentia Palm leaves make for a subtly lush backdrop like this one by Graham & Brown.

Looking for the ultimate jungle vibes? Try pairing botanical wallpaper with your favorite indoor plant!

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Photo: Caren Alpert for Dwell.

A monthly round-up of what we’re reading in the world of plant styling, interior design, and more.

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Deep cleaning, fresh air, and color. Spring is nature’s form of inspiration, and we’re going to let it inspire! This March we’re spending our time discovering impressive women in the design world, pondering new accent hues for spring, and talking about the style that will never go out of style—mid-century modern. Spring has us inspired, and we hope you feel inspired, too.

1. Women make the (art) world go round

   In light of International Women’s Day, we loved learning about these inspiring female designers from Wescover. From furniture designers to muralists to fiber artists, there is so much female talent to discover (and support!).

2. Pausing with plants for better health

   New Yorker Brittany Gowan knows a thing or two about mindfulness and the impact nature can have on our wellbeing. Combining her love of plants with a background in executive coaching and psychology, she created Pause With Plants in an effort to help other city-dwellers like herself connect to the natural world. Read about her project in an exclusive interview here.

3. What do indigo, lavender, and cornflower blue have in common?

   There’s no time like spring to make some decor updates. Start to get inspired with this round-up of super specific spring color trends in Domino Mag, fielded from 21 different designers surfacing surprising colors like dusty purple and mint.

4. Mid-Century Paint Colors

   While we’re on the topic of colors, we’ve been talking all things mid-century this month and found much delight in these colors that really do nail the MCM look. So if dusty purple and mint are not for you, try golden yellow or tangerine.

5. Minimalist collaborations

   Any home renovation junkies out there? Whether or not you’re a big fan of this line of entertainment, one thing is for sure: the new collaboration between Crate & Barrel and Leanne Ford (Restored by the Fords) is total eye candy, especially for those of us who lean towards a minimalist aesthetic.

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Houseplants have a long history, but it wasn’t until the 20th century did owning them really become mainstream. And given both the beauty they bring to any space and the functionality with their many benefits, it is no surprise that they were and continue to be popular additions to mid-century modern decor.

The Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Plants

Wondering what some of the most popular plants during mid-century modern times were? Whether you’re looking for inspiration or to truly mimic the look, read on to find out some of the most typical mid-century modern plants to add to your home!

The dracaena compacta

The architectural shape of Dragon Trees works well with the mix of natural and geometric shapes we often see in mid-century decor. The Dracaena Compacta is a perfect leafy addition for modern versions of this look.

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The zanzibar gem

Plants with deep green hues were popular in mid-century modern homes, and the Zanzibar Gem is no exception! It’s also great for low-light areas and as an accent plant in different sizes.

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The monstera deliciosa

With its iconic split leaves, the Monstera Deliciosa is easily one of the most recognizable retro plants around. This plant is the perfect choice for creating more of a jungle vibe and are often “trained” to grow upright with the help of a stake.

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The fiddle leaf fig

Should we be surprised that the most popular plant today was also quite popular during the height of mid-century modern? With its soft yet sculptural shape, this plant nicely accentuates this type of decor.

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Bird of Paradise

Let’s be real: the Bird of Paradise flatters any decor. While mid-century tends to be on the more minimal side, the love of lush makes the Bird of Paradise a perfect fit!

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Photo credit: Christian Dean, A&B Curated, LA Times, & Houzz.

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The Zanzibar Gem in our white mid -century ceramic with an optional wood stand.

Getting to Know Our Mid-Century Ceramics

When we started Léon & George, we knew we wanted to offer not just beautiful plants, but also beautifully designed vessels as well. But finding the perfect ceramic pot was not easy. We didn’t want something that just looked good. We wanted something that would last, too— high quality, durable, and stylish enough to stand the test of time. We believe that truly great design encompasses form and function, and what we found was that many ceramic planters fail to meet both.

That’s why we decided to take things into our own hands, partnering with LBE Design to create something that met each and every one of our standards, and with that our mid-century ceramics were born. Crafted with high-fired stoneware that is both durable and 100% waterproof, our handmade mid-century ceramics are modeled after vintage designs and made to stand the test of time. We use sustainably sourced wood for our stands and reduce their environmental impact with a non-VOC natural oil finish.

Our mid-century ceramics are 100% handmade, using high-fired stoneware and sustainably sourced reclaimed wood.

A perfectly-designed pot = a happy and healthy plant.

We strive to set our plants (and customers!) up for success. We don’t want our plants to just look good— they need to feel good, too. That means our 100% waterproof ceramics are designed to fit most grow pots, allowing us to “stage” plants inside them and thus set them up for optimal health. The plant not only has sufficient room to breathe in its grow pot, but it’s also raised up inside, reducing the risk of overwatering.

Inside their decorative mid-century ceramics, our plants live in their nursery pots, allowing for better control over moisture levels, optimal root health, and easy repotting (when the time comes!). Illustration by Kailie Barnes

A partnership with a purpose.

Building a socially and environmentally sustainable business is core to our values. It drives our choice to work with makers who care deeply about the materials they use and the people they employ. With LBE Design, we traveled the world to find the best partners in ceramics and wood working. We visited multiple factories, met with artisans and managers, and ultimately built relationships with the partners that aligned most with our desire for quality and opportunity for each and every employee. From the nurseries where our plants grow to the natural wood finish of each stand, our plant sets are truly made with love by mother nature and humankind. 

Our mid-century ceramics and plant stands are available for purchase here, and can be shipped nationwide!

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Photo: Architectural Digest

A monthly round-up of what we’re reading in the world of plant styling, interior design, and more.

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Is there any better time than now to stay indoors? The holidays are long gone, our new year’s resolutions are under way, and we’re catching up on that much-needed rest time after an ambitious start to the year. It’s the season of nesting, and allowing ourselves a bit of hibernation and relaxation is necessary! So curl up in your favorite corner with a cozy blanket and a warm beverage of choice and indulge in the great indoors. Here, a bit of reading material (and eye candy) while you do:

1. Inspiration from the silver screen

   With news of the Oscars buzzing, we couldn’t help but get inspired by happenings on the silver screen, like the gorgeous mid-century gem in Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite (which we’ve since learned was an entirely newly built set). But equally intriguing real homes there are a-plenty, like those that appeared in movies like The Big Lewbowski, A Clockwork Orange, and more.

2. Why Valentine’s Day flowers will become a thing of the past

   Flowers are gorgeous, but what are the implications when American shoppers spend almost $2 billion on them at once? That’s what happens every Valentine’s Day and as you can imagine, it’s not good for our planet. Read about where all these roses come from, and what it takes to get them to consumers’ hands.

3. The timelessness of houseplants

   Some things never change, including plant care. We love digging through the NYT archives for old houseplant musings, like this simple and delightful guide on how to take care of houseplants from 1976. Yes, all of this information is still accurate, and yes, that little Monstera was just as popular back then as it is now!

4. Guilty pleasure

   We can’t vouch for the inhabitants, but we’ll swoon over an ultra lush space anytime, especially one as unique as this. Take a peek into the Kardashian/West LA residence and get a glimpse of “the metamorphosis of the house from suburban McMansion to futuristic Belgian monastery.” And if you’re wondering, those are Birds of Paradise, Little Hopes, and various different ferns adorning their master bath garden. Creating a similar feel (even without a garden) in your own bathroom is not difficult with a few large-leafed beauties.

5. Transforming your home into a winter sanctuary

   Sure, staying in can be wonderful. But for a big part of the US, the end of winter is nowhere in sight and that may be a troublesome realization for some. If you’re feeling over it, take these light-hearted tips to embrace the winter blues and create a cozy feel inside your home. Because, as it turns out, hygge is actually a real thing.

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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.

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

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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Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Desert Cactus

Cascading Pothos

Magenta Triostar

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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Rubber Tree

Bird's Nest Fern

Cascading Pothos

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.

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.

Fall interior design trends in 2019: it’s all about the black! Pictured here the gorgeous Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree in a matte white cylinder ceramic.

There is so much to love about fall: warm days but chilly evenings, long shadows and softer light, cozy blankets making their way back into our lives. And like with any new season, there is a feeling of change in the air. Now is the perfect time to make a few minor refreshes around your home and gear up for the colder months ahead, so take some of this year’s fall interior design trends and put them to practice in refreshing your home for the new season!

Black is back

Black is making a comeback and in a big way. We’re seeing black being used less as an accent and more as a statement — think sofas, statement chairs, and kitchen cabinetry— giving interior spaces a sleek and elegant feel. Don’t be afraid to bring in the darkness with a striking black piece of furniture — the transformation will surprise you!

This fall is all about dark and moody statements, this gorgeous black sofa included! Photo by @tamaraflanagan_photo

Neutral rules

Have neutral interiors ever gone out of style? Probably not, but we’re seeing them more than ever this fall. Simple, sophisticated, and elegant, this look combines and layers muted tones to create a clean, calming feel, particularly in bright spaces with plenty of natural light.

Layering various shades of whites and grays creates a serene, calming look. Photo by @thejennaogle

Wallpaper accenting

Remember the bold and often unsightly wallpaper designs of the 60s and 70s? Lucky for us, wallpaper is making a comeback not only with unique designs but also unique ways of displaying them, from decorating ceilings with wallpaper to using it as framed art.

Get creative with wallpaper, like creating a unique wallpapered ceiling. Photo by @kfddesigns

Texture galore

Fall is all about making your indoor living spaces as welcoming and cozy as possible, and mixing up textures — from textiles to accessories — can help to this effect. Adorn your living room sofa with throws and cushions of different textures (chunky wool, smooth velvet…), or layer two or three rugs in the living room to create an ultra cozy feel.

Layered rugs make for cozy fall interiors. Photo by @kismet_house.

Natural materials

Inspired by Scandinavian design, this season we’re seeing many nods to Mother Nature with the use of natural materials like wood, wool, and stone. These elements are particularly popular in urban settings, where our contact with nature sometimes feels a world away.

Decorating with natural materials like leather, wool, and plants (including the Monstera Deliciosa pictured!) is always in style. Photo by @friloconcept

With shorter days and chillier temps, fall is also a great time to bring nature inside. Prepare yourself for the winter blues with indoor plants which have been proven to lift our mood and clean our air. Find the perfect plant and pot set and get it delivered straight to your door, ready to love!

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Julia lived in her perch above Valencia Street for seven years before taking off to London for a new adventure. Just before the big move, she remembers what inspired her to make this place her home.

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How did you know this home was for you?

I remember I had to dash out of a mid-afternoon meeting to view the apartment. The main building was still under construction, so I had to duck under a tarp to get in. Needless to say it wasn’t a perfect start! But when I entered the apartment and took one look at the huge windows and the view of Sutro Tower overlooking Valencia Street, I knew it needed to be my new home. Having just ended a 9-year relationship, this was my first-ever “big girl” apartment - living on my own, completely free to do things exactly as I wanted. It was luxuriously freeing.

Julia’s plant care motto: leave them alone.

What inspires you when you decorate?

So many things inspire my taste! The record that’s on at my local coffee shop, Four Barrell, in the morning. A stack of old books at the barber shop I pass on my way to work. In the case of my living room interior, I was very inspired by a version of the Life Aquatic movie poster and mimicked the colors and tone when painting and decorating. Plus I’m a bit of a globe freak and have a small collection of antique ones in various shades and versions of the USSR.

Julia looks for low-maintenance when it comes to houseplants, like the ultra-hardy Pothos.

What are your plant care secrets?

Leave them alone (some) and sing to them (all).

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Dragon Tree

Jade Pothos