Planting season is upon us. Garden centres and DIY stores will be buzzing with people popping in to buy seeds and plants to transform their gardens from dull, wintry, places to bright summery spaces. This summer those who consider themselves to be green fingered may just be turning their hand to more than planting in the garden — they may be planting their homes.
One of this year’s big interior trends is all about bringing the garden indoors, which may not be such a bad idea in light of recent summers. According to Dulux this trend is called ‘one small seed’, the idea being that just one small seed, or a few plants, can transform your home into a space that brings the outdoors in. This look works especially well for kitchens overlooking gardens, and in sociable living spaces. Plants not only work as decorative features, but represent the delicate balance and importance of nature in our lives, introducing a distinct freshness and calm to your life.
Small potted plants can be used in a number of different ways. They look great bundled on a centre table area, or have a few overhanging plants such as trailing small ferns or small leaf ivy. Plants can be tiered up stairways by placing a small plant on each step. Small wall brackets can be used to hang individual pots, scattered as you would picture frames.
A splash of green paint on a feature wall will bring out the colour in the plants, tying the look together and adding spring freshness to the home. Opt for grassy, leafy and saturated tones of green. A top colour for 2012 is zesty Agathia Green from the Dulux easycare range – when paired with Dulux Mulberry Silk, Dulux Agathia Green adds contrast and brings the room together as in this image. Other great garden-inspired shades are Dulux Whistler Green and Dulux Gatehouse. Combine with earthy neutrals such as Flaked Almond and Warm Parchment to complete the look.
“The beauty of this look is that every home has the right basic pieces of furniture so it’s not expensive to achieve,” said Louise Smith, Dulux colour forecaster. “A few plant pots and a splash of paint is all you need. Whether you have plain white furniture, or pale wood or dark wood, you can get the look with contrasting or matching plant pots. A splash of green paint on one of the walls in your favourite green shade will bring the look together.”
To find more inspiration about how you can transform your home on a budget visit www.dulux.ie
