There’s nothing more lovely than bringing nature into your home. You can, of course, bring the outdoors in with large windows, but what if the space is limited and your kitchen doesn’t return to your garden? The best way to add a hint of nature to your handmade kitchen is with foliage.
A handmade kitchen is a beautiful and unique space; adding plants can make it pop. Foliage, such as house plants, cut and dried flowers and herbs, adds life and colour to a kitchen, and it can also help to improve the air quality. There are many different ways to style a handmade kitchen with foliage, which can depend on the specific style of your kitchen and your personal preferences.
Choosing the Right Foliage
When choosing foliage for your kitchen, there are a few things to remember. First, consider the size of your kitchen. If you have a small kitchen, you may want to choose smaller plants that won’t take up too much space. Second, think about the style of your kitchen. If your kitchen has a modern look, you may want to choose sleek, modern plants. On the other hand, if your kitchen has a more traditional look, like a country-style kitchen, you may select dried flowers, fresh herbs and plants with more conventional foliage.
Our Favourite Non-Toxic Plants
For homes with pets or children, it might be good to start with non-toxic foliage, and plants are a good idea.
- Spider plant: Spider plants, or Chlorophytum comosum, are easy to care for and can tolerate various conditions. They are also known for their air-purifying properties. We love these hung from a shelf or ceiling, allowing it to cascade down. If they are happy, and most spider plants tend to be, they will shoot baby spider plants that are super easy to propagate.
- ZZ plant: ZZ plants, or Zamioculcas, are another low-maintenance option perfect for forgetful plant parents. They are also very tolerant of low light conditions. Mature ZZ plants look great in a large stone pot on the floor because they can be tall.
- Snake plant: Snake plants, or Dracaena trifasciata, are tough and durable plants that thrive in even the most neglectful environments. They are also known for their ability to remove toxins from the air. We love the blade-like, multi-tonal leaves.
- Peace lily: Peace lilies, or Spathiphyllum, are beautiful, easy to care for and very green. They are also known for their ability to improve air quality.
- Pothos: Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, is a versatile plant that can be grown in various conditions. It is also known for its air-purifying properties. It can be hung from a shelf or ceiling and creep along cabinetry in a lovely fashion.
Where to Place Foliage in a Kitchen
There are many different places to put foliage in your kitchen. You can put plants on the windowsill, countertop, or the floor. You can also hang plants from the ceiling or the walls. Of course, the best place to put the foliage will depend on the size and shape of your kitchen and the type of foliage you choose. Just be mindful of the care instructions, and your lovely plants will continue to brighten your kitchen for years to come.
Tips for Styling a Handmade Kitchen with Foliage
We have a few tips for styling a handmade kitchen with foliage. We like to use various vegetation, from house plants to herbs and even dried flowers, to add interest and colour. Grouping plants in clusters creates a more dramatic look. We did just that in our Mid-Century Inspired Kitchen project in Somerset. We grouped different plants in textured ceramic pots on natural grass trays to create texture and style.
We also use different textures and colours of foliage and place plants in unexpected places. For example, in The Frome Kitchen in Somerset, we arranged dried foliage atop the wall cabinets, unusually between the ceiling and the top of the cabinetry.
Styling a handmade kitchen with foliage is fun, and even though plants will purify the air and add a little greenery, they can be moved, removed, and added to at any time. So with some planning and care, you can create a beautiful, functional kitchen full of life.
