How to Turn a Potted Plant into a Focal Point

I’m a plant enthusiast. If it is green, if it is tall, if it has fluffy leaves - count me in. 

I add greenery to every interior design project I work on. It works in every room - all the time. Greenery brings organic texture and a distinctive cozy vibe that enhances that lived-in feel you want (but may find it hard to create).

I like very large potted faux trees the most. If you are wondering if using faux is ok, I’m here to say I am pro faux. Real greenery is also lovely, but it’s sad to come home after a glorious travel adventure to find desperate, collapsing greenery lurking in corners. Blending some real and some faux is a good plan. 

Here are 5 steps from an interior designer to create a beautiful faux tree. 

Sturdy Planter 

You want a weighted, heavy planter so the tree doesn’t tip. Not only is it safe, it will look more luxe and modern than something woven. The one I am using here is 100% cement and not easy to lift off the ground. You want a big planter that looks like it could maintain the life of a real tree. I lean toward an oversized planter often. 



The Tree

The more you spend on a faux tree, the more authentic it will look. That doesn’t mean it has to be pricey, it’s just a good rule of thumb. Reviews should give you an idea about quality. Once you get the tree, unbox it and fluff it. Bend the branches and make it look full. Leave it in its little weird plastic pot. Set the whole thing inside your planter. 


Filler

Use floral foam blocks to stabilize the tree. Stuff them tightly around the base. It’s important to make it as secure as you can so it’s not a hazard. I found foam blocks on Amazon. (not sure we want to link people away but here if you need images). 

Use whatever you have around the house to cover the top of the foam blocks. Hello bubble wrap and assorted plastic packing filler you feel bad throwing out. Create a surface for the planter topper to lay well.  


Topper 

You can use rocks, pebbles, moss in various colors - whatever your heart desires. I like real dried moss. It looks authentic and adds another element of texture to a room. I bought three bags of it from Amazon for this project. Tear it up, fluff it, and lay it out so it looks realistic. Fill out the top evenly and then add a bit more.




Potted plants - real or faux - ground a room and bring together textures to create a finished look. Look for bare corners or blank spaces as those make for the perfect place to add a plant.







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