Home Decorating with Flowers Archives

How to Decorate With Plants: Plant Kween Shares Their Best Tips

decorating with plants plant kween holding a plant

Interior decorating: Fun for some, overwhelming for others. Once you have the basics down — Color palette? Check. Layered textures? Check. Patterns and prints? Check. A mix of high/low, and vintage/modern furniture pieces? Check. — then it’s time to invite your friends over and get the party started. Right? Not just yet. The missing element that can truly create a living space is actually, well, living. And we’re not talking about pets.

There’s an art, and plenty of science, to decorating with plants. It’s not just about filling a corner with a palm in a pot. We asked an expert, Brooklyn-based “plantfluencer” Christopher Griffin (they/them) — also known as Plant Kween, lover of plants, fashion, and wellness — to guide us through the process and share some very loose rules for how to enliven your space with these living, breathing, beautiful creatures.

Why decorate with plants?

“It’s important to see the process of bringing plants into a home as more than simply decorating,” Griffin says. “Yes, they’re good for our mental health,” they point out, but “plants also provide us the opportunity to reconnect with nature and ourselves, especially in urban environments, and especially if you don’t have access to green areas where you live.” Plus, research has shown that plants are natural air purifiers, so they literally can help clean the air around us.

‘Decorating’ is a limiting word. This is a bigger process than that. You’re bringing nature into your home. Be curious and willing to learn.

Christopher griffin, aka plant kween

Griffin’s first plant was a marble queen pothos, which they purchased from their local hardware store when they felt their new apartment was missing something. Some 230 specimens later, they have built a 400K following on Instagram based on the idea that plants really do bring life into your home — even if you live alone.

And just as we can express ourselves through decorating, we can also use plants to showcase our style and personalities. “Our gardens can be extensions of our ‘inner gardens,'” Griffin says. “They can be a pathway to self-care.”

How to choose the right plant, room by room

First, understand that you can’t just ask what the plants can do for your space but instead what your space can do for your plants. “Think of the plant first,” Griffin says. That means considering humidity level, temperature, the type of light a room gets (natural or artificial), among other factors. “Then research each plant and match their natural habitat to your environment as much as possible.”

For example, a ZZ plant is light flexible, so it can be placed in many different locations in your space. Orchids are epiphytic, meaning they grow not in the ground but on other plants, and, therefore, can be mounted or even planted outside on the branches of trees. An aloe vera plant is pretty hardy and resilient, so if you’ve got a bad track record with plants, this one might be for you. “You want the plant to stay alive instead of going to that little botanical garden in the sky,” Griffin says.

decorating with plants plant kween posing with plants

They also suggest looking at the function of a room. For example, a bathroom, where hot showers happen daily, tends to have lots of humidity. Which plants thrive in this environment? Air plants, bromeliads, and ferns. “I like to make a little jungle in there,” they say. Or try a mini kitchen garden of herbs that you can pluck from when you’re cooking. In a bedroom, “think of some of NASA’s top-ranking, air-purifying plants so you can breathe in the most delicious oxygen during the night, like snake plants.” In other words, “play matchmaker” with plants and the form and function of a space.

Plants in (unexpected) situ

When it comes to placing plants around your home, don’t be afraid to stray from the norm. Griffin has a utility cart to wheel their plants in front of a sunny window. A bar cart is another idea. “In big cities, where space is a commodity, you may want to go vertical.” To that end, Griffin installed shelves in their Brooklyn apartment, so a lot of plants are on the walls. “They’re my living, breathing pieces of artwork shining all their lushness,” they say. “Bromeliads, air plants, staghorn ferns…you can literally hang them from a wall.”

They also suggest hanging plants from the ceiling or growing a vine along a wall, such as a pothos, spider plant, or philodendron, or letting ivy grow inside from outdoors.

Once you’ve placed your plants, then adjust. “Take some time to see how the plant likes its new space and then decide if you need to make any changes, like getting a humidifier or a grow light, or changing the placement.”

Texture is an element of interior plant design

Another factor to consider is what you want the feel of a space to be. If you’re going for softness, then blooming plants ought to be high on your list. A more spare, arid vibe should lead you to desert euphorbia, cacti, and succulents, Griffin says.

Griffin also suggests playing with plants of varying textures to create a totally original setup. Rules, after all, are meant to be broken. “It’s fun to mix and match plants that don’t usually grow together,” they say. “I kind of mix them all together to create an eclectic bunch of my ‘green gurls.'”

decorating with plants plant kween holding a snake plant in each hand

Consider plants of varying heights

Part optical illusion, part practicality, height does matter when decorating with plants. “I’m really short, so a lot of plants seem really tall to me,” jokes Griffin, who says the tallest plant they have is about 5 feet 8 inches tall.

Taller plants make a space feel smaller, and smaller plants have the opposite effect. “To make my space feel bigger, I go with shorter plants. If I had a larger space with higher ceilings, I would have higher plants,” Griffin says.

If you’re in the latter camp, a baby rubber plant might be a good choice. If the former, and you have high ceilings, a fiddle leaf fig — which can reach 10 feet in height — might be the perfect complement to your space.

Coordinating plants and decorating styles

Does the plant style need to match your décor? “Honestly, that’s the beauty of plants: You can dress them up and place them to fit any kind of home décor or ambience you are going for,” Griffin says. He cites the show “Golden Girls” (though he insists every plant on the set was fake), saying the monstera plant in their residence “fit the Florida vibe.” But that same species looks amazing in Griffin’s friend’s Brooklyn apartment that is decked out in a classic vintage maximalist style. “Plants are very flexible when it comes to the ambience and décor in our homes.” Griffin says.

Placement is another example of plants’ versatility. Try a money tree in front of a wall painted in a solid bold color for one look, or camouflaged with a leafy green jungle wallpaper behind it for a different feeling. “Just like the Pokémon character Ditto, plants can be whatever you want them to be,” Griffin says.

“’Decorating’ is a limiting word,” Griffin says. “This is a bigger process than that. You’re bringing nature into your home. Be curious and willing to learn.”

Plant Kween’s decorating picks

There’s a whole world of plants to choose from when it comes to decorating your home or apartment. Here are a few of Griffin’s favorites.

decorating with plants Marble Queen Pothos Plant — Marble Queen Pothos Plant

decorating with plants zz plant — ZZ Plant

decorating with plants Baby Rubber Plant Peperomia — *Baby Rubber Plant*

6 Mardi Gras Decoration Ideas with Flowers

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is one of the largest festivals of the year, with history dating back to the 18th century. Although the biggest celebration takes place in New Orleans, you can bring Mardi Gras right to your own home.

Here are six helpful and easy Mardi Gras decoration ideas using flowers.

1. Use flowers for decoration

Flowers are the perfect way to bring some life to your Mardi Gras decorations, whether you’re looking for a decorative centerpiece or festive conversation starter. The official Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold were chosen by the Rex Organization in 1892 for symbolic reasons: Purple represents justice, green is synonymous with faith, and gold stands for power. Using these three colors in a festival floral arrangement to celebrate the occasion is a must.

2. Arrange a bouquet with purple, green, and gold flowers

Buying purple, green, and yellow (gold) flowers, and placing them in a decorative vase is a great way to spice up any space for Mardi Gras. If you can’t find green flowers, green leaves work well, too.

Take the three colors of flowers and place them in a vase for a Fat Tuesday mixed bouquet that will be the hit of any party! If you want to get creative, you can create DIY Mardi Gras picks, with fancy masks and plastic beads, to really take your bouquet to the next level. Use glue to attach ornate Mardi Gras masks and feathers to skewers to create a stunning effect.

If you don’t feel like putting together your own bouquet, just find an arrangement that is already arranged with flowers of the traditional Mardi Gras colors, such as the Good Day Bouquet.

mardi gras decorations with beaded vase craft

3. Make a vase with beads

Head to your local party store and grab a bundle of those festive purple, green, and gold Mardi Gras beads that adorn the displays this time of year. These inexpensive plastic necklaces are sure to dazzle!

Option one: Throw a few necklaces into the vases with the water to decorate the arrangement from the inside out.

Option two: Make your own Mardi Gras beaded vase by using a glue gun to wrap the beaded necklaces around the outside of the vase. For a funny and unexpected surprise, consider gluing a plastic baby to the bottom of the vase to mimic the king cake. Then, fill your Mardi Gras vase with some festive flowers!

4. Create wearable floral décor

Turn flowers into interactive décor by creating beautifully festive corsages, floral crowns, pins, and more! If you plan on handing out Mardi Gras beads at your soiree, attach flowers to them. Using a simple needle and thread, poke a hole through the bottom of the flower (closest to the stem) and create a loop around the necklace. Then, tie a knot to secure and — voila! — you have a beautiful Mardi Gras flower necklace. If you give out flowers to your guests, they can also add them themselves for a DIY party idea.

5. Add festive flower bundles throughout

Putting together a jaw-dropping centerpiece is one Mardi Gras floral option, but here’s another unique idea to keep the whole event space decorated with flower decorations. Pair appropriate colors together in bundles and create mini bouquets to spread around the room. Add these tiny arrangements to any areas that could use a little extra oomph: empty tables, mantle pieces, patios, even bathrooms. At the end of the night, let guests take the bouquets home as a party favor.

mardi gras decorations with roses and beads

6. Decorate food with flowers

The menu is one of the most important parts of any celebration…especially one called “Fat Tuesday!” Take some extra care when preparing your Cajun-inspired menu and decorate the dishes with some fragrant, freshly cut flowers — they’re sure to wow guests and make for some photo-friendly foods! If you can’t find a king cake, decorate cupcakes with purple, green, and gold flowers and fun toppers.

Bringing the Outside In: How to Decorate for Fall With Shabby Chic® Founder Rachel Ashwell

Rachel Ashwell is relieved summer is over and fall has arrived. “Fall followed by winter are my favorite seasons of the year,” Ashwell says. “I’m thrilled the day after Labor Day.” She loves the cooler weather, the crunch of leaves under her feet, and finds fall to be a time when the hustle and bustle of summer quiets down. The British-born Ashwell likes to live by the rhythm of natural light, and as the days get shorter, the opportunity to go inward and reflect suits her temperament just fine.

Fall home decor

It’s also a time for a fresh start, when structure reasserts itself and we resume our regular lives and routines, she says, and that can start with home décor. “The fall gives you the inspiration to add a layer of a warmer, kind of smokier palette.”

When you have an intimate setting, it inspires meaningful, authentic, and interesting conversation.

Rachel Ashwell

Her classic Shabby Chic® shades of pastel pinks, blues, and greens go from lighter hues to jewel tones like raspberry, plum, violet, teal, and sage. “So the palette stays in the same lane,” she says. At home, she adds a layer back to her windows, whether with velvet puddling curtains (very English) or muted floral window treatments. She pulls out the winter slipcovers and stacks her favorite cashmere and faux fur throws. “It’s both a functional and an aesthetic change,” she says.

That goes for bedding, too. Layering comforters and duvets is a practical and pleasing way to spruce and can help save a little on the heating bill as well. Lighting can be a cozy, too. “I’m big on having lamps around that give a beautiful romantic light. I buy bulbs in the 15 to 40 watt range for my lamps, unless they’re for reading. I’m very much about where practical meets aesthetic in a mood.”

Fall floral design at home

Decorating with flowers in the fall gets a little trickier, as the season is not exactly blooming season. “Obviously, in fall, we think of oranges and greens, but that’s not my palette,” Ashwell says. So, she brings in a lot of dried, smoky-colored hydrangea. Just be sure to toss dried flowers after a while, she says, adding, “There’s nothing worse going into someone’s home and seeing dusty, old dried flowers that have been in a vase for five years.”

Ashwell is also a huge fan of fake flowers. Yes, fake. She even designs a line of them. “I consider fake flowers to be forever flowers,” she says. “You can bring in the flowers you love all year round, which is especially helpful in these seasons where color and availability are more restrictive.”

A rose is a rose…

The supermarket doesn’t take the place of a garden, but it can fill in with roses. Of course, Ashwell loves garden roses way more than a hothouse variety, but if that’s all she can find, “I just cut the stems and remove all the leaves of six hothouse roses so that all you see is a jar or vase of blossoms. Sometimes, they do open quite beautifully. I don’t poo-poo them.”

The same goes for carnations; though she doesn’t go for the red varietals, she loves the white, minus the greenery. “It’s all about the vase filled with buds.”

Decorating the table for fall gatherings

Ashwell also sees the fall as an opportunity for gathering close family and friends, “to talk about what the summer was, what the fall opportunities are, what your fall intentions are.” She prefers gathering six or eight people, not 50, so guests can really talk and share. “When you have that intimate setting, it inspires meaningful, authentic, and interesting conversation.” She will often have a theme, game, or question for guests to inspire and act as an ice-breaker.

To create an intimate setting, Ashwell relies on her cherished items to evoke abundance. When she has a small dinner party, she places fabric runners in her fall palette of smoky jewel tones on the length and width of the table, sets places often with placemats she has designed, and stacks vintage plates on a side table along with a basket filled with extra napkins. “I let my extra vintage dinnerware be part of the décor without the table itself having to be more than what’s needed.” A practical tip? Ashwell suggests using vintage pieces as décor and chargers but serving food on plain white plates.

decorating for fall with fall tablescape

decorating for fall with fall place setting

Layering — whether vintage or new plates, or runners and placemats on a previously loved painted or pine table — is part of Ashwell’s mix-and-match philosophy. So, if you lose a couple of napkins or chip a plate, it’s OK — just create a varied collection. “It’s beautiful and practical,” she says, another pillar of her style.

Avoiding holiday clichés

Palette is important to Ashwell, and a way to avoid holiday decorating clichés. “Pumpkins don’t have to be orange,” she says. So, instead of opting for an orange and black Halloween, try silvers and pinks. “Stay in tradition of elements but be flexible in the palette.”

Fall allows you to be part of the outside. For me, it’s experiencing what this transitional season is all about.

Rachel Ashwell

Fall activities and date ideas

The fall is a time for walking outside in nature, Ashwell believes. Collecting branches, berries, and foliage — she likes to bring inside what’s outdoors and use it as décor — finding naturally dried hydrangea clinging to their stalks, and pruning a garden are all activities to do with someone, as is scouring flea markets and vintage shops for antique China and slightly worn vases. Sharing activities are part of getting to know and connecting with others. So, friends and family members, or even romantic dates, might be inspired by these outings, whether you are preparing to decorate for a gathering or not. “Having a backdrop of a common interest takes the walls down a little bit,” she says.

Looking forward to cozy time in fall

“From a comfort standpoint, it’s a cozier time to go on dates in general. Bring out the shawls, light a fire, go into a local pub…there’s just something a bit more romantic about a fall date than a summer date,” she says. And since Ashwell likes to focus inward, the season’s coziness is the perfect ambiance for also being creative, and that’s what she looks forward to the most. “All that outward energy that’s been expanded upon and let go of in summer now can come down to landing and be articulated, manifested, and communicated in a structured way.”

Bringing the indoors out

The cooler vibe of fall doesn’t mean staying inside, Ashwell urges. She likes to bring the indoors out, say, gathering on a screen porch with friends. With her beloved throws, “lots of lovely candlelight,” or perhaps a fire, she creates a beautiful and comfortable environment to reconnect with herself and others. “Fall allows you to be part of the outside. For me, it’s experiencing what this transitional season is all about.”

Guide to Autumn Flowers

With autumn comes cool weather, warm colors, and – surprisingly – lots of different flowers. From asters to pansies, there are plenty of easy-to-grow plants that can make a wonderful addition to your fall garden.

Here we share care tips for autumn flowers along with décor suggestions that will really make your home and garden pop this season!

Brighten up your patio with chrysanthemums

Replace your fading summer annuals with bright chrysanthemums, or plant them in containers for your patio or porch, or in hanging pots. Varieties include pom-poms, old-fashioned daisy-like blooms, tall-growing or mounding, and even huge spider mums. They come in an array of colors to complement your décor as well: white, yellow, orange, red, red-orange, lavender, purple, and even multicolored.

Since they’re perennials, chrysanthemums should be planted in the spring or summer in cooler regions so that they have time to develop their shallow root systems. They are often sold in garden centers as short-season annuals for fall planting. In warmer regions, many varieties of mums can be planted in either the spring or fall and grown as perennials. When temperatures drop, a layer of mulch around the plants helps them to winter over.

Chrysanthemums require full sun for five to six hours per day and fertile, well-draining soil. Space the garden-planted mums 2 ½ to 3 feet apart to give them air circulation, and water them well, allowing them to dry between watering to give the soil a chance to drain. They don’t like wet feet and will develop root rot if kept in water. Be sure the containers and hanging pots have drainage holes to keep the plants healthy.

Attract butterflies to your garden with asters

The star-shaped asters sold in garden centers are bright purple, pink, or blue with yellow centers and rows of delicate, narrow petals. They are great in containers or in your garden, and are irresistible to bees and butterflies.

Asters are perennial flowers that can be planted in the fall in both cool and warm regions. Some varieties are mounding, and others grow 3 to 4 feet tall and may require staking to keep them upright. Plant them in containers or in a sunny spot in your garden — one with at least five to six hours of full sun per day, since they tend to get leggy in part shade. They thrive in well-draining, fertile soil, spaced 2 ½ to 3 feet apart for enough air circulation. Asters are susceptible to powdery mildew, so water the soil underneath them, being careful not to soak the leaves or flowers.

Add a splash of color to hanging pots with pansies

Pansies are among the most cheerful fall flowers.

Pansies, the autumn flowers with cheerful little faces, are cool-weather plants that are among the first sold in the spring and fall. They come in white, yellow, peach, blue, dark red, and bicolor. Pansies are easy to grow and add a splash of color to containers, hanging pots, and your garden as edging or bedding plants. They are perfect for beginning gardeners.

Pansies are perennials that are often grown as annuals. They are best planted in the early spring and fall in cool regions, and as late fall and winter plants in warm regions. They like full sun but need to be protected with part shade in warm regions.

Pansies thrive in fertile, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They need to be watered consistently and deadheaded to keep them blooming. To grow them as perennials, add a layer of mulch that will shelter their roots in the cold weather and help them winter over.

Bring imagination to your backyard with celosias

Celosia flowers have been said to look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book! Wool flower, cockscomb, dragon’s breath, and wheat celosia are some of the fanciful names for different species of these flowers, each of which has a unique form. They add brilliant spots of red, orange, yellow, pink, or purple to your late summer and fall garden, and their striking shapes make them excellent accent plants for your flower beds or containers.

In warm climates, they are tender perennials but are usually sold as annuals everywhere. Celosias love full sun and need at least six hours per day. They are finicky about water and prefer slightly moist but never wet soil. Root rot can be a problem, so be sure to lighten the soil with plenty of organic matter to keep it well drained.

An animated ad for 1800flowers.com's fall collection

Decorate for the season indoors with crotons

Crotons, or garden crotons, are shrubs grown for their interesting foliage splashed with multicolored red, green, and yellow.

These plants are perennial in very warm climates but can be grown successfully in the fall outdoors in temperate climates while the weather is still warm, usually in containers.

The perfect situation for crotons is a warm and humid environment with bright, indirect light, such as on a porch or in the dappled shade. They are great houseplants and can be brought in when temperatures outside fall below 50 degrees. If you have enough indoor light, the kitchen or bathroom might be the best spot for your plant. Use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. Leaf drop on these plants comes from too cool temperatures, drafts, and low humidity, so keep it warm and mist regularly.

A word of caution: All parts of croton plants are poisonous if ingested and irritating if the sap gets on skin. Keep your plant away from children and pets to be on the safe side.

Maintain a staple bloom with marigolds

These bright, layered blooms add a delightful pop of fall to any garden, with varying hues of yellow, orange, red, and maroon. Marigolds are a signature autumn flower for their sunny appearance as well as their mild maintenance needs. They will thrive in well-drained soil and stay lively into frosty conditions. These annual blooms should be planted in the spring as the frost clears. Marigolds are a sturdy selection for the fall months and won’t drain your energy in the garden.

Keep in sunny with black-eyed Susans

As summer transitions into fall, the temperatures drop and the sun sets earlier in the day. While fall is known for its darker colors, you can still sustain a bright glow with the rich yellow petals of the black-eyed Susan. These annual and perennial blooms are reminiscent of a sunflower but are actually a part of the aster family. The sunflower-daisy hybrid begins to bloom in June and continues to attract bees and butterflies through October. The black-eyed Susan is one of the most common wildflower s in North America, as it can tolerate a variety of soil conditions.

Don’t forget about hydrangeas in the cooler months

Hydrangeas thrive in the spring, summer, and fall months. This flower has many varieties that bloom at different times and in different conditions. Keep a look out for the macrophylla variety, whose larger leaves and cone-shaped flowers differentiate it from other types. This beautiful pink-and-blue bloom will contribute to the fall foliage for which the season is so well known. The color of the flower depends on the acidity of the soil in which it’s grown. To tinker with the color, add sulfur or aluminum sulfate to promote a blue bloom or dolomitic lime for pink.

The Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic Has Arrived. Here’s How You (and Your Home) Can Look the Part

As I pulled out my navy ribbed cotton sweater from my beat-up boat and tote bag while sitting on the beach in East Hampton, my 26-year-old friend Carrie suggested I have a tag sale to sell my vintage clothes. I had not thought of my classic pieces (striped boatnecks, loose linen pants, straw beach hats) as vintage, but I guess since they’re from the ’80s and ’90s, technically they are. Then Carrie threw in the zinger: “You’re kind of a coastal grandmother.” What??? I’m not a grandmother, or even a mother, so I was utterly confused. Then she explained the TikTok/Instagram phenomenon to me.

And wouldn’t you know it, she had described me to a T.

Here’s the official coastal grandmother checklist…

Lives in a cedar-shingled beach house, with the relaxed attitude to go with it.

Check.

Grows herbs on her back deck for whipping up pesto and quinoa salad.

Coastal grandmother is what we all should look like when we stop following the trends.

Andrea Linett

Fashion expert, author, and blogger

Check.

Enjoys rosé on the early side (ahem!).

Check.

Frequents farms and farm stands, and then bakes pies for friends.

Check.

Wears straw hats, button-down menswear shirts, and stacked rings from every decade of life.

Check

Never leaves home without her trusty canvas tote bag.

Check.

Has a white kitchen, often with a marble island, where she serves hand-picked lettuce in one of six or seven raw-edge wooden bowls.

Check.

Still can’t picture what a coastal grandmother looks like? Think Diane Keaton’s character in Something’s Gotta Give (or, actually, any Nancy Meyers movie heroine) or your mom’s chic friend from Montecito.

Either way, #Coastalgrandmother has more than 23,000 posts on Instagram, including one from Anne Hathaway, in which she’s wearing a white button-down shirt and cream-colored cotton pants, straw hat, and oversized shades over the caption “I have been ready for #coastalgrandmother chic since before TikTok was born. May this moment never end.” The post has over 770K likes.

The coastal grandmother trend started on TikTok earlier this year and has caught on with the Gen Z/millennial crowd — like my friend Carrie, a podcaster and Instagram aficionado — so it’s officially a thing. Whether you actually live this way or not, anyone can look the part.

coastal grandmother with older woman gardening

The coastal grandmother wardrobe

“Coastal grandmother is what we all should look like when we stop following the trends,” says Andrea Linett, fashion expert and author of The Cool Factor and the blog I Want To Be Her!. “It’s just good quality pieces worn with the attitude of ‘I have things going on other than worrying about what I look like. I’m focused on life and I’m going to make tomato and corn salad now with fresh basil picked from my own garden.’ That’s what I picture.”

The look, Linett says, specifically means linen pants, button-down Brooks Brothers shirts, French striped sailor shirts, a bolero sun hat with a chin strap, a classic loafer or Birkenstock, L.L. Bean bags, and, “if you can, a really nice watch.” “Anything menswear works,” she says. “And there’s a causal haphazard roll up of a sleeve because you’re making that salad, maybe even a half-tuck, dare I say.” It can be crumpled but still polished. And this look should not be confused with preppy (think K.Jacques sandals, not Jack Rogers) or Palm Beach (skip the Lilly Pulitzer).

The coastal grandmother interior design

The home, where the coastal grandmother spends a lot of time reading, cooking, and entertaining friends, is a big part of the vibe, too. “I sum it up as a timeless, casual, comfortably luxurious space where nothing is ostentatious, but everything is beautiful,” says interior designer Michael Del Piero, who has design studios in both the Hamptons and Chicago. “It’s a new version of a grandmother, and she’s super chic,” she says, adding that she actually is the “coastal” grandmother to two grandsons. When she designs interiors, Del Piero often incorporates an extra-long, weathered farm table in the kitchen as an island, white slipcovers on sofas, candleliers (instead of chandeliers), rattan or wicker furniture, woven natural seagrass rugs (as opposed to newly made or Oriental rugs), and found items from nature or yard sales.

How to get the coastal grandmother look in your home

It’s easy to bring a little coastal grandmother into your home, no matter your age or where you live. Linen is a big part of the look — linen slipcovers, linen dresses, linen napkins, says Del Piero. She also suggests keeping the palette neutral, with whites, oatmeal, and “sea glass sorts of colors, like aqua and light blue,” not patterns or bright colors. Layer textures like fur and terrycloth in these solid neutral colors. And accessorize to channel your own coastal grandma: stacked dishes on open shelves, pillows or oversized floor cushions made from worn antique rugs, or a rustic wooden bowl of lemons or fruit in the kitchen — cliché as they may sound — sum up the vibe. Natural objects, such as driftwood, olive branches, and wildflowers, can create the mood on a table. Avoid anything “too brassy, too shiny, too new, too silky, or too formal,” Del Piero says.

coastal grandmother with Luxury Modern Living Room

That idea of repurposing items applies to what you wear, too. Linett suggests vintage madras or tuxedo shirts, men’s button-downs, and minimal gold jewelry, perhaps inherited. “Vintage looks like you had it in your closet for years, even though it was in someone else’s,” Linett says.

Why coastal grandmother is in

Why is coastal grandmother so popular right now? Perhaps people are looking for a more relaxed approach to life, and the aesthetic is just an extension of that feeling. We take comfort in living life simply, focusing on the basics, enjoying nature and friends, appreciating the beauty of a perfectly ripe tomato or buttery pie crust.

We also feel nostalgia for an easier time.

“The world is so crazy right now, the last thing you need to do is worry about what you’re putting on all the time,” Linett says. “This look is not tone deaf, it’s not flashy or inappropriate, because there are more important things going on (in the world).”

Right she is. I’m off to the beach to ponder life in my linen pants under the shade of my straw bolero hat. I’m lucky I kept my striped shirts from high school. Sorry, Carrie, this coastal grandmother is not selling.

9 Front Porch Ideas That Will Set Your Summer Style in Full Bloom

Summer is the time when blooms burst with color and porches overflow with lavish displays of vibrant florals. With so many options from which to choose, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with just a little planning, and by getting in touch with your personal style, you can get that gorgeous look you want for your porch in no time.

Here are nine front porch ideas for summer that will help you offer a stunning presentation of your home to passers-by and greet your guests in style.

1. Figure out your foundation elements

It’s helpful to begin with a color scheme in mind. Do you like light, muted shades that give a modern farmhouse look? Or do you love the look of black and white accented with bursts of color? Pick three to four colors to build your look around. This will help you when choosing what to buy.

A photo of front porch ideas with front porch furniture

Layer an outdoor rug under a natural coconut fiber doormat. Stick with simple patterns and solid colors so the porch doesn’t become too busy. If you have room for furniture on your porch, an accent table, hutch, or shelf can give plenty of spots to add plants and decorative touches.

2. Foundation plants set the stage for style

Now it’s time to get down to business. Begin your porch garden look by starting with the largest plant displays. This includes:

Hanging plants

Ferns are a popular choice for summer, and for good reason. They’re lush and full, low maintenance, and add instant bursts of green in spots that normally would just remain plain.

A photo of front porch ideas with flower boxes

Window boxes

Give a polished look and enhance your home’s curb appeal year round. For summer, window boxes provide a great space for planting annuals, such as petunias and pansies. To give a professionally arranged look, stick to one to three colors of flowers. Adding a taller plant to the center of each box, along with a creeping plant that can cascade over and down the box, creates a picturesque arrangement.

Large potted plants

Add in a splash of drama with larger, floor-sized outdoor plants and trees, such as a rose topiary or magnolia tree. Go the symmetrical route and place one on each side of a step or door for a more formal porch look.

3. Deck out your door decor

You can’t go wrong with a colorful wreath, but there are other ways to achieve a homey, rustic look, such as a hanging basket of flowers. Next to your door, consider an elongated “Welcome” sign in a style consistent with the rest of your porch decor.

If your steps are wide enough, stagger pots and lanterns down the steps. Wood, terra cotta, or crisp black and white pots are all great options. Be sure to vary the shape of plants with some thin and tall varieties offset by shorter and fuller specimens.

4. Textured textiles

Adding textiles to your porch display creates visual interest and allows your plantings to pop. Outdoor-friendly blankets, flags, and pillows create a soft, tactile contrast to the foliage of your summer plants. These are especially well suited for covered porch areas that are generally protected from the elements.

5. Fill the air with the scents of summer

When it comes to front porch ideas, it’s not just visual displays that matter. Consider appealing to the other senses as well. Who doesn’t love walking past a home and becoming entranced by the intoxicating scents of fresh blooms? Adding fragrant potted gardenias, roses, or lilacs, for instance, can naturally fill your entryway with sweet smells.

6. Soothing sounds add tranquility

Once the porch is luxuriously scented, it’s time to move on to stimulating another sense — hearing. The sound of water is a relaxing way to add a pleasant surprise to your porch display. Tucking compact, outdoor-friendly fountains into a corner of the porch provides the soothing sound of flowing water and adds the visual touch of moving water to your home’s exterior.

A photo of front porch ideas with a tropical-looking front porch

7. Light up summer nights

Although there are plenty of hours of daylight in the summer, you’ll still want to keep in mind how your porch looks during those summer nights. Thanks to innovations in solar power, it’s easier than ever to add touches of light to your porch decor. Think lanterns, solar-powered candles, and accent lights, along with string lights that you can hang under your ceiling to illuminate the space. It’s a quick way to draw attention to plants and cast dramatic shadows to complete the evening look.

8. Celebrate summer with a seasonal arrangement

Once you have the major porch elements covered, you can have fun by sprinkling in smaller decorative touches. Keep your summer porch display interesting by placing a special floral arrangement on an outdoor porch table. Show off your patriotic spirit for the Fourth of July with an adorable Yankee Doodle Doggie red, white, and blue pupper. Or, if you’re more of a cat person, how about a purrfect Seaside Mermaid kitty that every beachside porch absolutely needs.

front porch ideas with Vibrant Summer Lily Bouquet — Vibrant Summer Lily Bouquet

9. Ensure your porch plants look fabulous all summer long

Once you’ve achieved a picture-perfect porch look, you’ll want to make sure you keep it in tip-top shape all season. The summer can be a challenging time, with high temperatures, blazing sun, and unpredictable rain, so you need a strategy to keep your flowers happy right up until the fall.

Choose plants that fit your lifestyle. If you will be home throughout the summer, pick ones that require regular watering. If you’re away a lot or don’t feel like pulling the hose out every evening, look for drought-tolerant plants, such as adorable succulent arrangements, that won’t wilt during those drier periods.
Be realistic with your porch’s sun exposure. Although you might adore full-sun flowering plants, if your porch is mostly shaded, these varieties just won’t thrive. Select flowers that can withstand temps into the 90s when not in direct sunlight, such as a decorative orchid. In colder months, bring it inside until the next spring. Similarly, avoid wasting money on plants made for shade that will quickly burn up in full sun.
Don’t forget the fertilizer. Container gardens and potted flowering plants do well with a high-phosphorus organic fertilizer. This can be the difference between your blossoms continuing through Labor Day and the flowers fizzling prematurely. Apply liquid fertilizer twice monthly but never when plants are dry or dehydrated.

Color Schemes to Use When Decorating With Flowers This Fall

Believe it or not, autumn is already here, and that means it’s time to start getting into the spirit of the season. In addition to partaking in traditional fall activities, such as apple and pumpkin picking, a popular thing to do is spice up the home with fall decor. However, pumpkin-scented candles, garland-like leaves, and spooky lights aren’t the only items you can use to spread your love for the season in your home — flowers can be, too!

Here are some of the best fall colors and schemes to use when choosing flowers as your fall home decor of choice.

Orange

Though autumn leaves come in various shades of yellows, reds, and even the occasional browns, the best color to use when decorating for fall with flowers is orange. From light to dark and everything in between, you can’t go wrong with this color in a floral arrangement. Here are some top shades of orange:

‘Pumpkin’ orange

One of the first things that comes to mind when we think of autumn and the color orange is a pumpkin. After all, it is one of the primary symbols of the season — and an orange one at that! If you’re not sure which shade of orange to choose for your fall decor, rest assured that anything resembling a pumpkin’s natural color is sure to work well.

Butternut orange

Looking for something just a tad darker? Then you may benefit from flowers that are butternut orange in color. While they may not be as vibrant as an orange autumn rose or pot of mums, flowers in this shade can still fulfill the “orange” portion of your decor without straying too far from the desired color scheme.

Burnt orange

Hoping to add a bit of a rustic feel to your home this fall? If so, consider flowers that come in one of the darkest shades of orange — burnt orange. But don’t worry, using this color won’t make your home seem dreary; in fact, it can even make your brighter yellows and reds pop more than they already do.

If you’re looking outside the orange spectrum, consider choosing from the following colors.

Rust

Can’t decide between more red or more orange? Try rust! A color that conveys a little of both, this is a great choice for any fall floral decor. Tip: You may find it mixes with golds and browns best.

Bronze

Bronze is the perfect color if you want to make your home appear calm. And the best part is, this color isn’t too bright or too dark, so it’s an excellent happy medium that can complement the rest of your floral arrangements.

Burgundy

On the border of red and purple, burgundy is an awesome color to add to your floral decor. Although it is a bit darker than the bright red roses you may be considering, it can add a soothing touch to your home.

Plum

Straying from the typical oranges, reds, and yellows is plum. Although this may not be an obvious fall color, you’d be surprised at how good it looks when paired with other autumn hues. Peep this arrangement and see for yourself!

We’ve covered the recommended colors and color combos for fall, but which ones should be avoided this time of year? While pink is the perfect choice for an anniversary arrangement or the welcoming of a new baby girl, your best bet when it comes to fall home decor is to stick with traditional autumn colors. However, if you do have the need for an anniversary gift or another special occasion this season where pink is usually the top pick, you could find success with one of the above fall colors, too.

Fall colors bonus tip

If you have yet to decide which flowers you’ll use to make your home cozy and warm this fall, keep in mind that the best flowers to use are mums, lilies, roses, and wheat. And just like you should try to avoid using spring colors to make your fall decor stand out, stay away from spring flowers such as tulips, irises, and peonies when putting together a floral arrangement to decorate your home.

Patriotic Flowers to Decorate Your Home With

With Independence Day right around the corner, most of us have one thing on our mind — patriotic decorations. Perhaps no historical day is more beloved among Americans than the Fourth of July. And for that reason, it’s no surprise that people go out of their way to cover their homes in all things red, white, and blue!

This holiday, show your love for your country with the help of these patriotic flowers.

Red, white, and blue arrangements

Celebrate America all day (and night) long by making this colorful arrangement the focal point of your gathering. Talk about an American dream!

patriotic flowers with patriotic dog bouquet

Patriotic pups

With Yankee Doodle Doggie™ at your party, things are sure to get dandy. After all, what better way to celebrate the dog days of summer than with a patriotic party pooch of your very own!?

Roses

While it may seem like roses are the official flower of Valentine’s Day, they’re actually the official flower of the United States. It was President Ronald Reagan who declared roses the national flower emblem in 1986. The White House Rose Garden is also home to many diplomatic meetings and bill signings.

Dazzling wreaths

Show your pride to everyone who passes your home with the help of a red, white, and beautiful wreath. Particularly perfect for the upcoming holiday, it features an American flag-inspired bow.

Not feeling the traditional red, white, and blue decorations this year? Break away from the pack by incorporating patriotic flowers that hold a special place in American history into your decor.

Jasmine

Aside from the President himself, greenery was a major theme for President Barack Obama’s official portrait, which was unveiled in February 2018. Present among the green leaves were several flowers, one of which was white jasmine. The artist, Kehinde Wiley, said white jasmine was included to represent Obama’s Hawaiian birthplace. Chrysanthemums can also be found growing in the background. They were included to symbolize Chicago, the city Obama grew up in before becoming senator of Illinois.

Poppies

Poppies, which have come to symbolize American lives lost to war, are often worn by Americans on patriotic holidays. This practice was inspired by the 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields,” in which the writer, John McCrae, describes the sea of poppies that could be seen as fallen soldiers were being buried.

Peonies

White pe o nies were a favorite among several first ladies, including Jackie Kennedy and Nancy Reagan. If it were up to Nancy Reagan, white peonies would have been used in arrangements around the White House and for political gatherings far more. Rumor has it that her chief floral designer had to tell her on several occasions that peonies couldn’t be used for events taking place in the summer, fall, and winter because they only bloom in spring.

Carnations

As the flower behind the historic “Flower Power” image, carnations became a universal symbol of peace and love after a photographer captured Vietnam War protesters sticking carnations into the barrel of a soldier’s rifle.

11 Creative Ways to Brighten Up Your Office Space

Administrative Professionals’ Day is April 26, so all you secretaries, receptionists, and office workers, get your headquarters ready — it’s your time to shine! You are the people who make every business a success, and exceptional employees like you deserve to have an equally special work space.

Here are 11 fun and creative ways to brighten up your office space just in time for the holiday.

1. Decorate your desk with flowers and plants

Photo of young workers in an office that makes good use of desk plants

Whether you work in an office or a cubicle, accessorizing your space with flowers has lots of benefits. In office environments, where décor is typically minimal and, well, dull, a colorful bouquet of flowers or a pretty green plant will bring instant natural beauty to your workstation. But it’s not just about the wow factor; flowers lift your spirits and make you healthier and more productive too! They allow you to enjoy the outdoors even on days when you can’t leave the office, and studies show that plants remove toxins from the air and improve concentration.

2. Promote tranquility with a water fountain

Instead of listening to the monotonous clicking of keyboards all day, bring some zen into your cubicle with the calming sound of a desktop water fountain. It’ll drown out other annoying sounds and help you relax, allowing you to get your work done in peace. Just make sure the running water isn’t so loud that it distracts you and your co-workers!

3. Transform your chair with a cozy pillow and blanket

Your desk chair is your home for about eight hours a day (even more on late nights!), so you might as well make it as comfy as possible. If your chair isn’t particularly cushiony, soften it up by placing a cute pillow on the seat. You can also wrap a pretty pashmina around the back of the chair: You’ll make a stylish statement and you’ll have something to wrap around your shoulders when the office gets cool.

4. Warm up your floor space with a pretty rug

Get rid of those boring plastic floor mats under your chair and replace them with a plush rug. Its fuzzy texture and bright colors will show off your personality and make your office visitors feel right at home. It’s a small change that’ll brighten up your office space in a big way.

5. Use placemats to bring pops of color to your desk

Think there’s nothing spectacular about your plain white desk? Think again! Look at it as a blank canvas — it’s up to you to bring it to life. Turn it into a work of art by sliding a patterned or brightly colored placemat under your computer screen, keyboard, file organizers, etc. You’ll feel like you’re sitting at a whole new desk!

6. Hang curtains for a homey atmosphere

If you have windows by your desk that could use some sprucing up, make them more welcoming by decking them out with curtains. Make sure the curtains aren’t too dark; you still want some of that natural light to shine through. Two sheer panels and a couple of cute tiebacks are enough to make your space the most inviting and desired real estate in the office!

brighten up your office space with desk lamp lighting up desk

7. Bring in a softer, more pleasant source of light

Bright overhead fluorescent lights can be harsh on the eyes, especially when you’re reading from a computer screen for hours. Placing a lamp on your desk will tone down the atmosphere with more natural-looking light and give your eyes a rest. And with all those cool, creative lamps that are out there on store shelves these days, you won’t have any trouble finding one that shines a spotlight on your unique personality!

8. Clear out the clutter with fun storage solutions

It’s a proven fact: The more clutter you’re surrounded by, the more stressed you’re going to be. When you work in a tiny cubicle, even the tiniest bit of clutter can look like mass chaos — and as busy as you are at work, you know you don’t need any extra worries. Storage solutions like file organizers allow you to neatly stow your stray office supplies, helping you clear out the unnecessary anxiety from your mind. Plus, with so many designs and color options, these storage supplies give your desk another splash of character.

brighten up your office space with artwork hanging above desk

9. Surround yourself with family photos

When times get tough, or when we need a little inspiration, the first people we look to are our family members. You can do that at work too: Fill a few picture frames with your favorite family photos, and look at them whenever you need a quick morale boost.

10. Put some artwork on display

Crazy about sports? Always dreaming of lounging on a tropical beach? Whatever your hobbies or interests are, find some artwork in that theme and display it above your desk where you can see it. It’ll automatically brighten your day and transport you to a happy state of mind every time you look at it.

11. Show off your accomplishments

Nothing revs you up for a day of work more than a visual reminder of all the great things you’ve accomplished in the past. Frame and exhibit your diplomas, awards, and any other mementos from your proudest moments. Any time you feel slightly unsure of yourself, look at these objects and you’ll be reminded of what a true talent you are and receive the encouragement you need to seize the day.