I have a bay window in my library where I usually keep a few orchids. Perhaps it’s my desire to get in the mood for spring, but I want to replace them with some leafy green plants. And not a few, spare, minimalist succulents which are so in I’m (sadly) almost over them (at least for now), but rather a riot of lush tropical green–ferns, maybe a ficus, palms. Lots of sizes, shapes and shades of green–from deep emerald to brilliant peridot. I’ve been searching around for inspiration pictures and I haven’t come up with anything perfect, but some good starting points.
The last time plants seem to have been really popular was in the 70s (same with succulents)–Saint Laurent had a plant-filled garden room at his Château Gabriel in Benerville-sur-Mer, and Bunny Mellon liked her baskets and plants, sometimes putting them together (like the bottom right image, top collage). Modern plant lovers include artist Maggi Hambling, whose studio was recently featured in T Magazine blog (bottom collage, left top & bottom photos). Furniture/interior designer Billy Cotton mixes it up in his dining room, (bottom collage, top right image) that was featured in Architectural Digest. And if I decide I’d rather go faux, Food52 now features self-adhesive and removable wallpaper in different leafy patterns. (Would kind of be fun and unexpected in the coat closet.) This is going to require a couple of trips to the Flower District, a few nice pots, maybe an interesting plant stand (I like the idea of different sizes and heights). And some hardy plants my not-so-green thumb can handle.
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