Bringing the Outdoors In: Our Favourite Ways to Use Real Trees and Plants Indoors
Indoor plants aren’t just accessories any more – they’re central to how we design spaces to feel nurturing, vibrant and connected. Lately there’s been a wave of projects around the world using real trees and lush greenery inside the home, and for good reason. Studies show that time spent among plants can lower blood pressure and reduce stress, while natural light boosts mood and productivity. Bringing the outdoors in isn’t a fad; it’s a powerful way to make your home healthier and happier.
The benefits of indoor greenery:
A calmer, healthier home – Houseplants and indoor trees provide more than just beauty. Contact with indoor greenery has been shown to reduce stress and improve relaxation. Plants also improve air quality by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen, making your living spaces fresher and more comfortable.
Energy efficiency and insulation – Living walls and vertical gardens aren’t only dramatic statements. They act as natural insulators, helping to regulate temperature and even muffling sound.
A burst of colour and life – Colours inspired by nature – think deep greens, serene blues and earthy neutrals – can make spaces feel grounded and soothing. Introducing real plants, flowers or even a small tree instantly adds texture and movement to a room.
Tips for bringing the outdoors in:
1. Choose the right tree – Not every species will thrive indoors. Look for varieties that adapt well to low-light or indirect light conditions, such as fiddle-leaf figs, olive trees or rubber plants. Make sure the pot is large enough for root growth and use well-draining soil.
2. Make use of natural light – Position your indoor plants near windows or under skylights. Natural light doesn’t just keep greenery happy – it elevates our mood and creates an inviting glow. If your home is on the shady side, consider a reflective paint palette or mirrors to maximise the available sunlight.
3. Think vertically – When floor space is limited, go vertical. Wall-mounted planters or a living wall can introduce greenery without cluttering the room. As noted above, vertical gardens also insulate and purify air.
4. Use natural materials and textures – Complement your plants with natural finishes such as timber, stone, rattan and linen. Layering these textures creates a cohesive look and brings a tactile connection to nature.
5. Blend inside and out – If you’re lucky enough to have a patio or balcony, blur the line between interior and exterior by continuing your plant palette outside. Large sliding or folding doors allow light and greenery to spill into the home, making spaces feel larger and more integrated.
Inspiration from around the world:
Designers globally are embracing the biophilic trend. In New York and Madrid you’ll find apartments with trees growing right through the floors, and magazines are full of projects that celebrate the union of architecture and foliage. Popular posts this year have showcased tiny city flats transformed with hanging gardens and modern homes that incorporate full-sized trees as sculptural focal points. The message is clear – whether your home is large or small, there’s a way to bring nature inside.
How Fyfe Boyce can help:
At Fyfe Boyce we’re passionate about creating homes that feel like sanctuaries. We love using real plants and trees to soften modern architecture and craft spaces that breathe. Whether it’s designing a living wall in a double-volume entrance or choosing the perfect statement tree for your lounge, we’ll find solutions that are stylish, sustainable and uniquely yours. Get in touch and let’s start greening your home.