Is Plant Styling Set to Be the Next Big Interior Trend? Experts Reveal 5 Low-Maintenance Options for a Hipper Home

W. Syaban

April 06, 2025

Architectural Digest magazine, along with plant-styling posts on Instagram and Pinterest, is contributing to the growing popularity of indoor plants. If you're looking to get started, continue reading for some fundamental tips and easy-to-care-for suggestions.
We received advice from specialists such as Hilton Carter, author of The Propagation Handbook, and Tim Wong, founder of Quest Terrarium—who selected the plants for Hong Kong’s Soho House.

Have you ever entered a room and felt like something was amiss? Even though contemporary interior design often emphasizes vibrant hues, patterned wallpapers with texture, and sustainable elements, professionals consistently rely on an enduring staple to add that perfect finishing touch: abundant foliage.

Incorporating a bit of green into your living space has never been trendier, with publications such as Architectural Digest and platforms like Instagram and Pinterest showcasing the impact of plants as a key element in interior design.

"For me, incorporating plants into interior design has always been natural. These living elements offer numerous advantages such as air purification, versatile decor options, and eco-friendliness. Our relationship with vegetation dates back generations," explains American plant designer Hilton Carter, author of multiple publications on this subject, among them his latest work titled 'The Propagation Handbook.'

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"In our fast-paced modern lives, we've essentially lost touch with nature—quite literally. Introducing plants into one’s living space can bring vibrancy to the surroundings. A thriving plant within your home signifies that it is an inviting and supportive environment," he explains.

Although adding plants to your own environment might seem straightforward, the abundance and diversity of available vegetation make selecting an appropriate one more challenging than ever before. Once, choices like hardy snake plants or resilient aroids were reliable picks for hassle-free decor; however, specialists now recommend evaluating several aspects prior to embracing these green additions.

“Priority number one – all plants require several essentials to thrive: sunlight, airflow, soil, water, and attention. Therefore, choosing the right location and determining your level of commitment to caring for a plant is crucial. The last thing you'd want is for it to become a burden,” explains Tim Wong, who founded the plant styling business Quest Terrarium and recently debuted his new platform, Quest Plants & Supply.

He suggests beginning with perhaps two or three plants at most. Although many opt for a single plant as the centerpiece, he appreciates the concept of grouping several plants together in one spot—think pairing a taller plant with a shorter one, or mixing mediumsized ones with smaller options—to achieve an equilibrium.

Wong advises clients to think about the ambiance they wish to achieve through their use of greenery. In settings that lean towards minimalism, succulents or plants featuring structured or sleek designs work well, whereas individuals aiming for a boho-chic atmosphere might prefer tropical or subtropical species like the bird of paradise or beetle peperomia. Additionally, Wong emphasizes so-called “edgy” or distinctive plant options, including the Australian bottle tree and the dragon tree (Dracaena marginata), which have become popular choices among his clientele recently.

He advises considering the plant’s form and its growth pattern over time. For instance, certain varieties may spread laterally rather than vertically, making them unsuitable for limited areas.

The addition of plants isn’t merely about the flora; it also brings an extra layer to your living environment. According to Carter, incorporating personal touches via decorative elements like planters and pots enhances this effect further. Currently, aged limestone and terracotta containers are popular choices circulating online, but using eclectic combinations with vibrant hues could infuse liveliness into any room.

Carter motivates his clientele to explore unconventional options when selecting their types of foliage. He mentions that for individuals unable to maintain live plants, artificial alternatives serve as an excellent substitute. Although living-wall installations and moss art pieces are currently fashionable, they often require significant financial investment and ongoing effort to preserve properly.

Wong enjoys suggesting terrariums because these are simple to care for due to their self-contained ecosystems. Additionally, he recommends air plants like staghorn ferns, which do not need soil and can be attached to pieces of driftwood to create an attractive display.

Ultimately, keep in mind that plants represent an investment and have the potential to endure for a lifetime.

"Consider plants as living entities within your home instead of mere decorations. There’s no need to replace them until their well-being has deteriorated beyond recovery. Some of my favorite plants have been with me for more than a decade. While they may not look flawless, I cherish witnessing their tenacious growth through various settings," explains Carter.

5 easy-care plants that pack a stylish punch

Snake

Renowned for its rigid, vertical foliage, this adaptable plant has the ability to flourish whether it receives direct natural light or not.

Spider

An indoor plant with an elaborate design, renowned for its ability to cleanse the air and offer health benefits.

Pothos

Ideal for novices and dimly lit spaces, this plant can be shaped into different forms and dimensions.

Dragon

The plant's multicolored leaves make it ideal for those wanting to create a striking impression. Additionally, being a tropical species, it thrives in warmer climates.

Tillandsia

These commonly referred to as air plants have the ability to flourish without soil and are ideal for damp settings such as your bathroom.