LI V ING WITH PLAN T S
Layering is one of the motifs you’ll notice throughout any space I style. I know what it does for my own home, and providing that information and guidance for others just makes sense. CREATING LEVELS
I think creating levels with plants in your home is a perfect demonstration of using the rule of thirds. Regarding your living space as a whole and using not only the floor space but also the tables, counters and walls as plant stands brings uniqueness and individuality to your home. Viewing the centre of a dining table as only suitable for an arrangement of flowers is limiting. If you have the necessary light, why not place a large potted tree in the centre of your table? If you have the ceiling height, why not utilise the space above the table by hanging an oversized wreath made of nothing but air plants? The key here is to spread out the green love so that when you step back from it and take a look, the indoor jungle you were looking to create can be actualised. But to do this you have to get creative and not limit your options. When I want to give a grouping of plants a fresh look, I like to create levels by stacking wooden boards or stone slabs to make platforms for my plants to sit on. In my desert window I used cutting boards to create different levels between the smaller plants. In my studio living room, I decided to create a different level by using two terracotta pots for a single plant. By stacking the pots – turning the bottom one upside down and placing the other one on top – I not only raised the plant above others of the same height, I also gave the whole display a fresh look. The same goes for the large white pot placed on a stool behind the chair (see the picture on page 56). Normally, a large potted plant such as this is placed on the floor, but raising it up changes the entire dynamic of the room. It is small things like this that take your styling to the next level. And yes, pun intended.
This is an extract from Wild At Home by Hilton Carter, published by CICO Books (RRP £14.99). Photography © Hilton Carter. Living With Plants readers can get a copy for just £10 (with free UK P&P) by entering the code PLANTS10 at checkout on www.rylandpeters.com. Offer valid until 31 August 2019.
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