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

By Jen Bishop •

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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 you’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 it’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 – 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. It’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 it’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 you’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. They’re a great way to add a sculptural chunk of the outdoors inside. In large bathrooms that can accommodate extra items of furniture – a chair or freestanding cabinet, for instance – 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 – 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 – 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 you’re taking a bath or shower.

–Nature Style:  Cultivating Wellbeing at Home with Plants by Alana Langan and Jacqui Vidal with photography by Annette O’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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September 1, 2021

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If you pick your restaurants for the interior as m If you pick your restaurants for the interior as much as the food, you might want to add @pinosalmare  by @nicgrahamandassociates to your date night list! 😍

@smartstoneaustralia's stunning Calacatta Viola sintered stone surface features throughout, making a bold statement while being durable enough to be used in the busiest areas.

Inspired by Puglia, Pino's (named after the owner's father) in Cronulla has a real seaside vibe. The Smartstone was also chosen for the outdoor tables due to its UV stability.

#calacattaviola #smartstone #restaurantinteriors #restaurantinteriordesign #italianrestaurantsydney #engineeredstone #sinteredstone
SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jas SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jasminemcclellanddesign delivered. And then some!

"With a keen eye for design, they wanted their main bathroom to feel calm, spa-like and elevated with more storage, better layout, and soft, layered textures in a neutral palette. Lighting was another big focus, with the goal of creating a space that felt luxurious enough to unwind in, preferably with a glass of champagne in the bath.”

Is it a yay or a nay for you?

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for all the suppliers as well as a look at the powder room with its bold wallpaper 😍

#spabathroom #zenbathroom #spavibes #bathroomremodels 

📸 @jonathantabensky
Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get under the lowest furniture and beds.

Comment 'enter' and we'll DM you the link to enter for your chance to win this top of the range $1499 robot from @ecovacs_anz, the DEEBOT T50 PRO OMNI.

Good luck!

#robotvacuumcleaner #robotvaccum #robotvacuummop #robotmop #smarthome #houseworkhacks
>>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮 From cold t >>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮

From cold to cosy!

This primary ensuite for a successful career woman working in luxury cosmetics and homewares is sexy, strong, girly, but sophisticated. We love its warmth and personality.

If you'd like to take the tour and find out where everything is from, comment 'luxe' below and I'll send the link to your DMs!

Bravo @howardlanedesigns 👏🏼 
📸 @capturedbykels__

#ensuiteinspo #ensuitedecor #ensuitegoals #marblebathrooms #statementstone
The latest addition to my @kirstenjackson_gallery The latest addition to my @kirstenjackson_gallery collection. This is a framed canvas and the quality is amazing. I feel like beautifully framed canvas prints are the perfect affordable halfway point when it comes to art.
What's your decor style? Spring, summer, autumn or What's your decor style? Spring, summer, autumn or winter?

I could have told you I was spring even before I took the quick quiz to find out, and pleased to report the quiz gave me the right result!

Comment the season you THINK you are below (spring, summer, autumn or winter) and I'll send you the link to the quiz so you can double check!

Fun!

This quiz from @templeandwebster jumps on the colour analysis trend for fashion and applies it to interiors!

#seasonaldecorating #seasonaldecor #colouranalysis
The @thermomix_au TM7 launch in Sydney yesterday w The @thermomix_au TM7 launch in Sydney yesterday was a real treat. Such an exciting and sleek looking upgrade to my favourite kitchen machine!

The new look speaks for itself and, as usual, the engineering is impressive. Here's the biggest changes that stood out to me:

1. It's SO quiet and in fact SILENT up to a certain speed 
2. It has a much bigger 10 inch screen
3. A new insulated, cool to touch bowl (the inner metal bowl detaches to wash)
4. A gorgeous new matte black design with fluted and herringbone details and made of 30% recycled materials 👏🏼 

Enjoyed a beautiful lunch all prepared, naturally, in the Thermomix! Was great to meet @mise_en_place_aus in real life as well as special guest dessert queen @kirstentibballs and catch up with the lovely Thermomix team.

Tag a friend who'll be coveting the TM7! It's available from next week!

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Awards are always a great place to get inspo. Chec Awards are always a great place to get inspo. Check out the kitchen and bathroom of the year winners in this month's @hia_au @csrdwelling Housing Awards. There's more winning homes and rooms to check out in our blog post on the homepage, via link in bio or stories now. 

Kitchen by @build.theory Bathroom by @birdblackdesign and @aspire_constructions 

#hiaawards #hiaawards2025 #awardwinninghomes #australianinteriordesign
We're so in love with this reno by @jdzdesigns_ 😍😍😍

It's a remodel of a previously dark and pokey extension to a Victorian Gothic home. It's now an open plan dream, and the transition from old to new is beautifully done with impressive black steel doors.

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for the full story and tour.

#kitchenislands #superwhite #luxurykitchens #openplanlivingspace #steeldoordesign

📸 @lawrencefurzey
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Jen Bishop

About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. She founded Interiors Addict in 2011. Jen also works as a copywriter and comms consultant to small business owners and brands, helping them with their own content as well as working out what will make them appealing to the media.

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