Designing with Artificial Plants: Tips from Interior Designers

Incorporating greenery into your home or office can create a refreshing, natural ambiance. But maintaining real plants can be challenging, especially in spaces with low natural light, extreme temperatures, or limited time for upkeep. That’s where artificial plants come to the rescue. Modern artificial greenery is often so realistic that it provides the beauty of nature without the maintenance. Interior designers have been embracing this trend, creating lush, vibrant interiors that elevate any space. Here’s a guide to help you design with artificial plants, with insights from professional designers.

Choose High-Quality, Realistic Plants

Artificial plants have come a long way in recent years, with modern varieties closely mimicking real plants in texture, color, and structure. Interior designers recommend investing in high-quality artificial plants that look authentic. Silk or plastic materials with a realistic finish will blend seamlessly with your decor. Look for plants with lifelike stems and leaves, avoiding overly glossy finishes.

Renowned interior designer Bobby Berk, from Queer Eye, says, “A good artificial plant should fool even the keenest eye. Choose pieces with slight imperfections, just like real plants have.”

Create Balance with Varied Sizes

A well-designed space incorporates a variety of sizes, from small potted plants to tall floor-standing ones. Interior designers suggest layering artificial plants to create depth and interest. Place a large artificial tree, such as a fiddle leaf fig, in a corner to draw the eye upward, while small potted succulents or ferns can adorn shelves or coffee tables for a cohesive look.

Designer Nate Berkus emphasizes, “Just like in nature, variety is key. The mix of plant sizes and textures helps create a more organic, layered look in your home.”

Use Planters to Elevate the Look

The planter you choose can make a significant difference in the overall presentation of artificial plants. Designers recommend selecting stylish, high-quality planters that complement your room’s decor. Natural materials like stone, ceramic, or wood help enhance the illusion of real plants. If your design style is modern, opt for minimalist planters with clean lines, while more bohemian or rustic interiors might benefit from woven baskets or textured pots.

Joanna Gaines, co-host of Fixer Upper, shares, “The right planter can be a game-changer. Even the most affordable artificial plant can look high-end when paired with a well-crafted pot.”

Mix Artificial with Real Elements

One trick designers use to make artificial plants appear more authentic is by mixing them with real elements. Adding real soil, moss, or pebbles to the top of your artificial plant’s base can heighten the realism. This blend of real and faux elements helps create a natural, organic look that’s hard to distinguish from the real thing.

Kelly Wearstler, a famed interior designer, advises, “It’s all about the details. Adding natural textures like moss or pebbles around an artificial plant elevates the realism tenfold.”

Place Plants Strategically

When placing artificial plants in your home, think about where real plants would thrive naturally. Artificial plants can go where real plants might struggle, but keeping them in places that receive some natural light enhances their believability. Interior designers often place faux plants near windows, on coffee tables, in the bathroom, or next to furniture pieces where the green can add a pop of life to the room.

“Positioning is key,” says Emily Henderson, interior stylist and blogger. “If it makes sense for a real plant to be in that spot, your faux plant will feel just as natural.”

Consider Maintenance and Durability

Although artificial plants don’t need watering or sunlight, they still require occasional maintenance. Dust and grime can accumulate over time, diminishing their realistic appearance. Interior designers suggest dusting or wiping down artificial plants regularly to keep them looking fresh. For outdoor spaces, ensure that the materials are UV-resistant to avoid fading over time.

Jonathan Adler recommends, “Faux plants should be treated as a design element. Care for them, and they’ll continue to enhance your space for years.”

Incorporate a Variety of Textures

Interior designers emphasize the importance of using different plant textures and types to make the space feel more dynamic. Mix leafy plants like Monstera or Pothos with spiky options such as agave or aloe. This variety adds visual interest and makes the arrangement feel more natural.

Martyn Lawrence Bullard, an A-list interior designer, says, “Texture is everything in design. The interplay of soft, spiky, and trailing plants can breathe life into even the most sterile spaces.”

Use Artificial Plants in High-Traffic Areas

One of the biggest benefits of artificial plants is that they’re perfect for high-traffic areas where real plants may get damaged. Use them in busy spaces like entryways, hallways, or offices where you want the beauty of greenery without the risk of spills, trampled leaves, or constant maintenance.

Go Beyond Greenery: Add Flowers

Artificial plants aren’t limited to greenery. Many designers incorporate artificial flowers to bring color and personality into a room. Whether you choose timeless orchids, vibrant roses, or delicate peonies, these faux florals can brighten a space without the worry of wilting or browning petals.

Rachel Ashwell, founder of Shabby Chic, shares, “Artificial florals allow you to have that pop of color all year round. They bring instant cheer to a space, no matter the season.”