Turn over a new leaf at home

Real plants and prints bring a freshness and vitality to every corner of the house that will lift the spirits during our isolation

Over the last several weeks, I’ve been more keenly attuned to the development of spring around me, thanks in large part to the pace of life taking a slowdown with the recent coronavirus measures. I’ve noticed spring foliage in bloom like never before, and I find myself willing the buds on the trees outside our windows to open up.

The two kilometre radius our family finds ourselves in is not as lush as some, and I truly will appreciate the day when we can head out to the fields, beach and mountains again. But in the meantime, I’ll offer you a celebration and appreciation of the green that is about to burst forth around us, even in the concrete suburbs, and with it, hopefully a new season for all.

There are two ways you can go about bringing the refreshing green of springtime into your home. You can opt for real potted plants, or you can embrace plant prints. And a bonus option? Mix plants and plant prints for an especially enjoyable combination that will absolutely see you through to summer.

Leafy green prints have been trending for more than a year already, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. They bring such a freshness to interiors, whether in furniture, wallpaper and accessories, and it’s hard not to smile when you see them emblazoned on various home interiors items.

And while you’d think that real plants would send a plant print over the edge, you’d be wrong. When it comes to plants, you can almost never have too many. Real and faux plants will fit right in with any of these prints, and add texture to the space, bringing the spark of new life into your home.

A striking palm motif on a rug is complemented by a leaf pattern fabric on the cushions and a botanical wall hanging. Fresh plants bring zest to the grey colour scheme (Cuckooland.com)

A few real or faux monstera leaves in a vase are perfect for the table top (Wilko)

Leaf motifs on the cushion and shade pick up on the ornate palm table, from Sainsbury’s Home Wilderness collection

Palm print wallpaper is a bold choice, and pairs well with dark table (Oak Furnitureland). Above right, Chandon Whittle cushions with a graphic leaf pattern celebrate the leafy interior