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Nature Style: the new book about styling with houseplants for wellbeing

September 1, 2021 Leave a Comment

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The following is an extract from the new book Nature Style, by Alana Langan of Melbourne botanical wares brand Ivy Muse. It’s out later this month.

If youโ€™re like us and have young children, the bathroom might be the one place at home where you can catch a moment to yourself. (Well, sometimes at least!) Here we can restore internal harmony with quiet contemplation and invigorate ourselves, gathering up our reserves for another day in the world. This space is home to some of our most precious wellbeing rituals and plays an important role in a biophilic home. The bathroom is often the smallest and most plainly decorated room in a house, but there are still ways to make it biophilia-friendly without resorting to a complete overhaul.

Houseplants

When it comes to adding greenery to a home, the bathroom should not be overlooked because itโ€™s actually the perfect habitat for indoor plants. Bathrooms provide a warm, humid environment, which mimics the more tropical conditions where the vast majority of indoor plants originate. Finicky indoor plants like ferns are at home here, as are other moisture-loving plants. Common complaints such as fronds with brown, dried tips suddenly become a thing of the past. An added bonus is that plant care becomes a breeze. Simply place your plants in the sink or bath (or taller plants under the shower) for a thorough drenching.

Common concerns like a bathroom with little natural light can be overcome by selecting the right plant from the get-go. A striking Zanzibar gem will thrive in low-light environments and welcome the humidity. A tiny bathroom? Get creative with your use of space. Why not perch a potted plant on a shelf, hang a planter above the bath or simply place a moisture-loving air plant in your shower accessories cavity? Even the smallest touch of greenery will add softness and warmth.

With all their hard surfaces, bathrooms can be stark and sterile in contrast to other rooms, as they are usually devoid of soft furnishings other than a towel or two. Plants can make a real difference, softening the look and feel and ultimately making it a more appealing place to be. Layer the plant life using small plants like hoya on vanities or windowsills, and add bigger options like umbrella trees in plant stands or rubber plants on the floor. If you can fit in a kentia palm or other tall tree like a fiddle leaf fig, go for it โ€“ they really help create a luxurious sanctuary vibe.

The big stuff

First up, assess. Where can you add layers, warmth and depth? Modern bathrooms often have clean straight lines so try to mix up the shapes and textures and lean towards organic, curvy forms that reflect those found in nature and that offer contrast. Itโ€™s worth focusing efforts on elements that can be retrofitted into your bathroom without too much trouble.

Take a moment to check out your vanity. If itโ€™s constructed from synthetic materials can you replace the top with a more sensual, natural surface like marble or timber? How about the cabinetry? Can it be painted or sanded back to its original state, or new doors or pulls added instead?

Paint is a quick and relatively easy option to update walls and the ceiling. You can even paint the tiles if youโ€™re feeling daring, but make sure you choose tile paint which is purpose-made. Wall treatments including washable wallpaper could be a possibility, depending on how the home and room is decorated already. For example, adding cedar panels to a 70s bathroom could look great. Not only will it fit with the style of the era but the fragrant smell will engage your senses and increase the biophilic effect in the room.

Wall adornments that can withstand bathroom condensation are a big yes too. Think about handmade ceramic sculptures, round or oval mirrors or art made from woven eco-materials such as grasses.

Furniture options in the bathroom are sometimes limited, but even the smallest spaces can benefit from a stool. Try timber for its durability, wondrous feel and scent. We love solid timber or cork stools in particular. Theyโ€™re a great way to add a sculptural chunk of the outdoors inside. In large bathrooms that can accommodate extra items of furniture โ€“ a chair or freestanding cabinet, for instance โ€“ choose pieces that include biophilic elements like timber and stone.

And remember, even the smallest touches can have a big impact. A cedar bath mat, for example, is functional and represents a strong connection to nature. It also smells great!

The small details

Choose sensual textures for the bathroom that really engage the senses. Start with quality towels. Natural fibres like Egyptian cotton or linen are the most tactile and comforting โ€“ and well worth the splurge in our opinion. Linen and cotton towelling also make great bathrobes.

Scent plays a big role in the bathroom. Be aware of the presence of artificial fragrances and pungent chemicals in your personal care and bathroom cleaning products. Try to use natural and plant-based formulations where possible โ€“ the aroma is usually more subtle and reflective of what you might experience outdoors.

Ideally, bathroom surfaces should be styled for functionality, but always make room for at least one or two plants. They provide a pleasant biophilic view while youโ€™re taking a bath or shower.

–Nature Style:  Cultivating Wellbeing at Home with Plants by Alana Langan and Jacqui Vidal with photography by Annette Oโ€™Brien published by Thames & Hudson.  $34.99. Available later this month. Pre-order here.

Buy houseplants online: 50+ Australian sites
Across the country, people seem to be honing their green fingers as we all get used to the idea of staying home. And it’s not just in the garden either.…
Latest Ivy Muse ‘Celestial’ collection inspired by the stars
Melbourne-based botanical wares studio Ivy Muse has launched Celestial, its latest collection of locally designed botanical wares inspired by the stars. Showcasing shimmering colours and uplifting shades, Celestial encourages plant-lovers…

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One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavet One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavetimeforthis, turns out former Neighbours actor @gemma_peanut is even more multi-talented than we thought! Will you check out the joyful and colourful reno of her holiday home (and airbnb) @yo_caba_caba?!

Head over to the blog via link in bio to read all about why she went bold and full of pattern in this project, which is a stark contrast to her zen and neutral Northern Beaches abode.

There's also plenty of details about where things are from etc.

"Iโ€™m not an interior designer so I just chose what I liked and followed my gut. Ultimately this home has been an opportunity to explore my alter ego โ€“ it allowed me to do things that I wouldnโ€™t normally do.โ€

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Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
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Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting ๐Ÿคฃ Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help โค๏ธ
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

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Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

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While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late isย marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydneyโ€™s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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