Much of our design work centers on renovation, so decorating tips don't always make it into the conversation — but with several full-service installations on the horizon, it felt like the perfect moment to share one of my favorites: decorating with plants.

Every room we style includes flowers and plants. They breathe life into a space and bring a layer of warmth that's hard to achieve any other way — and the health benefits are a genuine bonus.
Because we specialize in mountain vacation homes, we rely heavily on high-quality faux plants that convincingly mimic the real thing. Nobody wants to arrive at their Vermont ski house to a graveyard of wilted greenery.

Now, artificial plants won't filter your air — that's a job only real plants can do. But research shows that faux plants deliver many of the same well-being benefits as real ones: improved mood, better focus, even a lift in productivity. So if low-maintenance is your priority, you're not giving up as much as you'd think.

For primary residences where you want the full benefits — air purification included — here are five low-maintenance plants I love working with.

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)

This plant is favored for its large, violin-shaped leaves and is a staple in modern interior design. It requires bright, indirect light and needs to be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Faux fiddle leaf figs can be seen in a lot of our portfolio photos.  

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Snake plants are known for their hardiness and distinct upright, sword-like leaves. They’re excellent at improving indoor air quality and can tolerate low light and irregular watering, making them ideal for vacation homes.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

Spider plants are celebrated for their resilience and charming, arching leaves that resemble spider legs. Known for their ability to purify indoor air, they thrive in a variety of light conditions and can withstand sporadic watering. This makes them perfect for those with a busy schedule.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

This plant is known for its elegant white blooms and dark green leaves. Peace lilies are excellent at removing airborne toxins and thrive in medium to low-light conditions. They require regular watering and are a beautiful addition to any space.

Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)

With its large, glossy leaves, the rubber plant is a bold statement piece that’s also easy to care for. It prefers bright, indirect light and needs to be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Rubber plants are great for improving indoor air quality.

Plants are just one way to bring nature indoors. For a deeper look at designing with the natural world in mind, explore our post on biophilic design.

Have a well-designed day,

Whether you're a design enthusiast, homeowner, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of well-curated spaces, I welcome you to join us AT HOME.  Design a life you LOVE, just by opening your in-box.