If you’re looking to infuse fresh, natural vibes into your living space, desert plants and succulents are an easy and gorgeous way to boost your interior design.
“If you like growing plants, but don’t really have a lot of time to care for them, I encourage you to consider growing succulents,” Martha Stewart wrote in a 2020 blog post. “With their fleshy leaves and interesting shapes, succulents are easy to maintain and make excellent container specimens — I have a large number of succulents in my collection.”
Stewart’s blog showcases numerous ways to plant succulents outdoors, but these low-maintenance beauties are gems inside the home, too — even if a little trickier. There’s an art to balancing accents and interior design. While a minimalist design aesthetic can deliver peace of mind, too bare can feel sterile. Too cluttered and your home can feel overwhelming. Enter: houseplants — the decor that cleans the air and brings style to any space in a way that feels, well, natural.
But for the green-thumb-averse, keeping houseplants alive can be a challenge — to say the least. Since they’re easier to keep alive than many other houseplants, succulents and desert plants can uplift your space and make you feel accomplished, too. So go ahead and embrace the beauty of nature without the risk.
A sleek interior design paired with these resilient plants creates a harmonious environment that requires minimal effort to maintain. Water sparingly, provide ample sunlight, and you’re good to go — it’s a foolproof recipe for a thriving oasis in your home.
How to bring desert plants and succulents indoors
There’s a magic that happens when an elegant interior meets the rugged charm of succulents. These exceptional plants elevate your space’s aesthetics and create a seamless fusion between the modern and the organic. The best part? It’s easier than you think.
- Pick The Right Plants: First things first, choose plants that thrive in arid environments. Aloe vera, cacti, and echeverias are excellent choices for indoor plants. Not only are they low-maintenance, but they also add a touch of the desert’s mystique to your space. Architectural Digest says succulents don’t need much fertilizer, but if you want to give them a boost, go ahead and do that in spring and summer growing season. “Be careful not to overfertilize — this can cause your succulent to grow too quickly and become weak,” AD explains. “As a general rule of thumb, check the recommended amount on your fertilizer’s packaging, and use half that amount for succulents.”
- Play With Planters: Elevate your green companions with stylish planters that complement your decor. Think terracotta pots, metallic containers, or even geometric shapes that echo the modern vibe of your interiors.
- Create A Focal Point: Designate a specific area in your room for your desert oasis. Whether it’s a corner table or a statement shelf, make it a focal point with a carefully curated collection of accents and desert plants.
- Mix And Match Textures: Blend the smooth finishes of furniture with the textured surfaces of succulents. This dynamic interplay adds depth and visual interest to your space. Imagine running your fingers over a polished console table adorned with prickly cacti – it’s a sensory delight.
- Go Vertical: Don’t limit your greenery to ground level. Hang succulents in stylish planters or place them on floating shelves. This maximizes space and draws the eye upward, creating a captivating visual dynamic.
Desert chic home decor
You now know how to bring the desert vibes into your home; let’s talk about the art of desert chic. It is all about balancing the desert’s stark beauty and the interiors’ elegance.
- Neutral Palettes: Embrace the muted tones of the desert by incorporating neutral hues into your decor. Creams, beiges, and sandy tones create a soothing backdrop that allows your succulents and artisan pieces to shine.
- Natural Light: Let the sunshine in! Desert plants thrive in sunlight, and so does the aesthetic of your space. Position your adorned oasis near windows to bask in the natural glow and enhance the overall warmth of your room.
- Accessorize Mindfully: Less is more when it comes to desert chic. Choose accessories that echo the simplicity of the desert landscape. Think earthy ceramics, woven textiles, and minimalistic artwork that complement the organic vibe of your green companions.
- Indoor-Outdoor Harmony: Blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living by extending your desert chic aesthetic to your patio or balcony. Go with accents that seamlessly transition from your living room to your outdoor space, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
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