Why you should have houseplants at home

With the current heatwave in Malaysia, having trees or plants at home is a way to help create a cooling and pleasant environment. Photo: 123rf.com

Green is a timeless shade in any home interior. With the current heatwave in Malaysia, having trees or plants at home is a way to help create a cooling and pleasant environment. In general, there are also various other benefits to having indoor plants at home.

Multiple advantages

Plants have become increasingly popular in interior design in recent years, and for good reasons. They provide numerous benefits for our mental and emotional well-being, and they are also an excellent way to beautify any living space.

Trees or plants add a sense of quietness and peace to any living environment, as well as natural beauty. Plants have the power to change the mood and ambience of a space.

There are also various psychological benefits to having plants in our homes as they have been shown to lower stress, increase productivity, and improve our general mood. Plants’ ability to relieve tension and anxiety is one of their most significant psychological advantages.

According to research, even being around plants can reduce our levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Plants have a relaxing effect on our neurological system, which can aid in the promotion of relaxation and tranquility. They can aid in the treatment of depression and anxiety, as well as promote a stronger sense of well-being.

Another significant advantage of plants is their potential to increase productivity. Plants in the office have been demonstrated in studies to enhance productivity by up to 15%. This is because plants aid in strengthening our concentration and focus, as well as reducing weariness and eye strain. We are more likely to feel energised and driven when we are surrounded by plants, and we are less likely to develop burnout or exhaustion.

Making it part of the plan

There are numerous ways to incorporate plants into your home decor and create a unique and inviting environment, whether you live in a small apartment or a large house.

It should not be something that you decide to add later at the end of your home renovation. Make plants an integral part of your home decor. Plants are an immensely versatile and dynamic design element that can be incorporated into any living area.

Plants come in a wide range of heights, forms, sizes and colours, making it simple to pick the ideal plant to match your unique style and decor. There are numerous strategies to incorporate plants into your interior design, whether you like a modern and minimalist style, or a more diverse and bohemian vibe.

You do not need to have green fingers to start investing in potted plants for your home interiors or plant more trees in your garden. Let me share three easy tricks or tips to utilise plants in your home decor.

Begin by finding the right location for your plants. Remember that indoor plants need sunlight, air and, of course, water. Some plants require direct sunlight, while others thrive in low-light environments. Choose plants that will grow in your home’s lighting circumstances and keep in mind how much sunlight each plant requires.

Secondly, plants can be used as focal points in your living environment. Position plants to create a centre of focus, which may assist in drawing attention and giving a dynamic aspect to the space. Be creative and express your personality in your home. You could go with a huge potted plant, a hanging display, a vertical green wall, or a cluster of smaller plants to spruce up your home.

The third tip is to be explorative. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Plants may be used in your home design in a variety of ways, and the options are virtually limitless. Experiment with different types of plants, display strategies, and pots to create a one-of-a-kind space.

When choosing indoor plants, consider factors such as the plant’s care requirements, size and toxicity level.

Care requirements

Different plants demand different types of care, so it’s critical to do your homework before bringing a new plant home. Some plants require frequent watering and bright light, whereas others prefer to be left alone. Choose plants that are appropriate for your lifestyle and the environment of your home.

Size matters

When choosing indoor plants, it is critical to consider the plant’s mature size. Because some plants can grow quite large over time, choose plants that will fit comfortably in your space.

Toxicity test

As some indoor plants can be poisonous to pets and small children, it’s critical to test for toxicity before introducing a new plant into the house. Make sure to research any plants you’re thinking about buying and take any necessary steps.

Tan Bee Eu is a professional architect registered with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia. She has two decades of working experience involving diverse local and international projects in architecture and design. Tan also teaches at Universiti Sains Malaysia, advocating passive design strategies, design principles and professional architectural practice.