When it comes to updating a living space, I’m all about picking the lowest hanging fruit. And by that I mean doing the things that make the biggest impact for the least effort. Recently I went on a decorating binge at home – it was something that struck on a Friday and I wanted to make the updates by Saturday (people from out of town visiting – you know the drill!). The first thing I did was add a whole heap of indoor plants, and a big colourful rug. After doing this, I wasĀ honestly shocked at how major the difference was, it went from creepy dorm room rental feel to cosy, lived in home feel. And literally nothing else had changed other than the rub and plants (oh I also added these shelves). I have to surmise, from this, that rugs and plants are the foundation of aĀ space you can feel proud of and want to be in.
So if you’re looking at your living room this weekend with a frown and want toĀ give it an instant lift, investing in a new rug and a bunch of indoor plants is the first thing you could do. Call it the lazy girl’s guide to getting a Pinterest inspired nest. Yes, you could get yourself some vintage chairs, a bar cart, a pouffe and a bunch of fancy pendant lights, but that would just be the cherry on top – the icing being your rug and plants.
To test this theory with me, go through and in your mind remove the plants and the rugs from the following images of pretty living spaces. Doing this (for me)Ā shows that those spaces would be no where near as nice without the rugs and theĀ plants.Ā Would you agree? Or doĀ you think a few extra updates areĀ needed?
Remove the rugs and plants from this space and all you have is a leather couch and a few nice blankets! Ok and flowering bougainvillaea outside but meh. (image via flickr)
This eclectic space would be much less interesting without that vintageĀ rug and pretty plant. (image via Damsel In Dior)
When the room is really simple, a whole heap of plants and a nice rug makes such a difference. Right? (image via Design Sponge)
I love that you can create interest in an otherwise basic room with the perfect rug and a fiddle leaf fig. (image via A Beautiful Mess)
If you’ve got time and money, seeking out a few pretty chairs will also lift a room! But it’s the rug I love the most… (image via here)
If you’re feeling skint, use a simple and cheap basket as a pot plant! (image via The Every Girl)
For me, plants break up a room and give it a softness that makes you want to stay there – and curl up on the couch š (image via The Design Files)
Thoughts? (above image via Style Files)
Wonderful ideas. I definitely need more plants!!
xx Mira
http://www.glamdevils.com
I completely agree with you, they totally bring a room together and make it nice & cosy. The other things I believe that can work this type of magic are squishy cushions on a sofa and photographs, our family photos really make our house a home.
I know right?
Rugs and plants make such a big difference, like you said it’s so easy to add too. I love a home with lots of indoor plants, I just need to learn how not to kill them. The rug in the last picture is so beautiful!
I’ve found it so easy to upgrade our space, using pretty much just rugs and plants!
I agree, plants really jazz up the place…….and there are plants that don’t need watering….so much harder to kill…for those who are less *green fingers* types!!
http://vodkaandarose.blogspot.co.uk
love this entire post. i have been thinking about doing just this. unfortunately, with kitties that love to nibble, plants are off limits, though!
rae of love from berlin
I’ve heard it’s hard when you have cats!
These rooms are just lovely. I totally agree with you, plants and rugs all the way!!
http://www.fullbellywornsoles.com
i think rugs don’t suit the small space. it will make the space look much smaller, won’t it?
Feeling inspiredā„ā„ā„
I love that plant in the second picture and fifth picture! I’m completely uneducated when it comes to plants – can anyone tell me what it is? I appreciate it!
Great roundup – this is my next step towards finishing my apartment!
Theresa
http://honesttrees.wordpress.com
Fiddle Leaf Fig tree.
Perfect inspirations! I love plants in the home, I think they can transform a room. Rugs make it feel nice and cozy too š
Hayley-Eszti
http://www.hayleyeszti.blogspot.com
Totally agree!
Plants definitely make a space! I can never decide which rugs to buy though :/
Absolutely valid! I definitely see how much those decor accessories can transform a room in a big way!
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
Love all of these spaces! I can’t wait to find more plants for my home.
http://averyversus.blogspot.com
I totally agree! I’ve thought that for some time. I notice the exact same thing in interior magazines! A few vases of colorful flowers and a throw that matches the color of the flowers!
I torally agree with you. I’ve just moved and am filling my house with indoor plants. Now if only I could afford a beautiful rug…I love the one in the photo of the blue chairs. It’s nice to pick out an accent colour in the rug and use it elsewhere in the room like that.
They look great, and give such a positive energy to the rooms.
Lots of love, xx
http://www.marysreturn.com
http://www.marysreturn.com
Thanks for all these ideas, the plants and rugs can easily improve the spaces.
Such lovely ideas for modern rooms. Everyone should check this out.
http://www.bykoket.com
is a great idea!
[…] Would it be a bit crazy for me to say that they make a space? Probably not because I think I’ve already said it. Grand (and true) statements aside,Ā isn’t it fittingĀ that the items that make a space, are […]