If I were really honest with myself, I could admit that what I really want is for my home to look like something you’d see in the pages of a magazine. Of course, real people live here, so its unlikely that will ever happen. One of the tips I’ve picked up from years of browsing through magazines is simple: Fresh flowers and plants are a simple, inexpensive way to brighten up a room. Colorful fruit can do the trick too.
Want to see what I mean? Check out all these magazine-featured rooms featuring greenery and fruits:
Photos from the portfolio of Eddie Ross
Photos from Young House Love
Photo from the portfolio of Kelly LaPlante
The last example is a bit extreme, since most of us would never consider adding a whole tree, but you get the idea. If you’re bored with a room and don’t have a whole lot of money to spend, pick up a cheap bouquet of fresh flowers from the supermarket or florist. You can do this for free if you happen to have a garden or a lot of wildflowers nearby. And a bunch of like-colored fruit in a bowl can always make a great centerpiece.
And don’t go thinking you need a fancy vase or pot to contain your greenery. An empty glass jar or bottle makes an excellent container, and you can even use a pretty mug or cup from your kitchen.
There is little else I can think of that will make a room feel more alive more quickly, easily or inexpensively.
Written by Jennae Petersen. Jennae is Skimbaco’s Green Living & Decor Expert. She is a mother, a graphic artist, a connoisseur of beautiful interiors and a purveyor of all things design. She also believes it is her duty to strive toward sustainable living. This means being more conscious about every aspect of life. She is the founder and author of Green Your Decor and Green & Gorgeous blogs. She also runs Hibiscus Creative, a successful, full-service graphic design firm specializing in branding and Thesis theme customizations. She designed the Skimbaco logos and blogs.
