Bringing a little Nature into our home can offer us countless benefits. Indoor plants not only improve the overall appearance of a space, they also lift our spirits, increase our creativity, reduce stress and eliminate toxins from the air, making us happier and healthier.
Bárbara Morais is a plant enthusiast, who studied architecture and turned to botany when she understood the power that plants could have in our lives. She is the founder of the Alma Verde project, which you can find out about through this link , and provides home design services to renew any space in an invigorating way. We asked you for some tips to transform any corner of your home into a small jungle. Read the interview below and find out everything.
What are the first steps for those who want to connect the beauty of plants to the design of a space?
Something I always like to do is connect the plants to the colors and materials I use. It's the first step, which will make all the difference in creating a space truly connected to Nature. There are countless types of decoration that can involve plants as decorative pieces, but I like to elevate this decoration and connect it with the space, transferring the naturalness and beauty of the plants to the environment itself. And this is essentially achieved when we use colors related to the earth and natural materials, such as wood. These small strategies allow the entire environment to take on a completely new life. We are now surrounded by a natural, warm and welcoming atmosphere. An atmosphere that we have moved away from over the years, but that we now miss so much. Nature is and has always been our natural habitat . And it is in decoration that we have the possibility of bringing it to us. Plants are no longer just a decorative element, and thus become one of the main drivers of the entire aesthetic of a space.
How to create an indoor garden without letting the plants lose their life?
It is very important to create the necessary conditions for plants to develop vigorously. When I talk about conditions, I'm referring to light (natural or artificial), temperature (for a garden to remain beautiful, it's best to keep temperatures mild, as plants don't like very cold temperatures) and exposure. This last factor is extremely important, because each plant needs its space and the right environment. Something I noticed in my experience is that, normally, they like to be all together in one place and not alone, spread around the house.
The plants I keep together grow naturally, one on top of the other, stay healthy and sustain themselves much better, as they create a balance between them. They react just as if they were in their natural environment (forests). It is very important to respect each person's needs and, to this end, it is important to know the species we acquire so that, from there, we can find the ideal place to place them.
One of the biggest drawbacks of creating this type of “forest” garden is pests. And, therefore, I always recommend paying attention to any sign of pests and treating them immediately, only then can the problem be controlled without causing major damage. Likewise, excessive watering can be a problem. Some plants do not tolerate stagnant water at the bottom of the pot and will most likely never recover. That's why it's so important to know each one well.
Do you have any tips for those who want to start gardening at home? Do you consider this practice therapy?
Something I always advise anyone taking their first steps into the world of gardening is to opt for plants that are easier to work with and that are not demanding in terms of care, such as the boa constrictor or the monstera, which tolerate low light and do not need to be constantly exposed to light. to be watered to survive.
For people who have children, it may be good to let them work the soil and place the plants in the right place. Creating a vegetable garden with lettuces and herbs is an excellent idea, because their growth is visible very quickly and the kids love to follow and harvest them.
I know, from the various testimonies I receive, that gardening was an escape and salvation for many people this year. It's been an extremely difficult year and, despite everything, I was extremely happy that the world of gardening and plants was finally receiving so much recognition. I'm happy because I know that many people have discovered something that calms them and truly connects with their souls. They found something that allows them to relax and abstract from the world. And I know that, despite everything, this “stop in time” saved many people from the frantic rush of daily work, which often didn't allow us to stop and breathe.
Can you give us any DIY ( Do it Yourself ) suggestions to give your home a boost of renewed energy?
When we don't want to do a DIY that involves touching plants a lot – either due to lack of knowledge or simply because we don't feel like it – there is something that completely changes the atmosphere of a space, with or without plants: painting walls and/or ceilings . Take the risk, without fear, of painting that wall that has been the same color for years (and which is even the plant corner). Painting it a light earthy color and taking the opportunity to add color to some decorative vases that are leaning against the garage can make everything different. Painting walls and ceilings is one of the biggest energy boosts ever. It's as if we had a new house! It's a must to try. In the worst case, it returns to its original color. But until then, we have fun. Especially if we do it as a family.
Since we find ourselves working remotely, what plants can't be missing from our work area to make it more welcoming?
For a long time, I argued that there were ideal plants to have in this space. Today, I know that we are all different and our perception of welcoming changes a lot. Therefore, I advise you to start with a desk plant – a peace lily or a fern, for example –, which are plants that transmit a lot of vivacity when they are well cared for. Then, take a risk and purchase others, depending on your space and taste. I'm biased, but I love seeing a green wall in an office with a combination of several plants ( pothos , philodendrons , ferns, chlorophytes, etc.). It's relatively easy, because we can purchase a vertical garden in DIY stores, and then just plant it. As a rule, the plants in these gardens grow wonderfully.
What Feng Shui tips do you recommend?
I apply many in my home. There are some that never fail, such as letting the air flow through the house and opening all the doors and windows. Letting the home breathe after a good cleaning. The lightness you feel immediately after doing it is impressive, it seems as if the wind carries away everything that is stagnant and brings all the good energy that lifts your soul.
A secret: never place furniture completely against the walls. There must always be a space between the two. Thus, positive energy also reaches there.
Another tip is to illuminate the darkest areas. You know those corners that don't have enough light? We must enlighten them. I always turn on a lamp in these areas. According to Feng Shui , this tip allows you to ward off the negative energies that tend to remain there.
Follow Bárbara through her social networks:
Instagram: @tinynest183
Website: www.mmoraishomedesign.com
