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Plant styling tips: Expert ideas for apartment living

By Amy Collins-Walker •

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With apartment, and small-space living, on the rise, so too is our passion for plants. Coincidence much? I think not! When surrounded by concrete, it makes sense that we yearn to reconnect with the natural world.

Melbourne-based architect, interior designer and plant cultivator Jason Chongue knows a thing or two about plants; especially when it comes to urban living. As one half of The Plant Society, an online social network for gardeners, he is committed to spreading the green word, and we caught up with him recently to get his top tips for creating a fabulous urban garden.

Jason Chongue
Jason Chongue tending to his urban garden

Keep it simple
Like so many things in design, less really is more; and this maxim is a good one to stick to when it comes to selecting plants for a small space. “When you have a small space try sticking to 3-5 types of plants and repeating them in your space. Too many varieties can make for a hectic garden whilst a curated selection can provide impact on mass,” says Jason.

Look up!
While a large statement pot on the ground, or on a stand, is the most obvious choice when it comes to indoor plants, it pays to consider your home’s vertical space too. “Think vertically in small spaces. Take advantage of creepers or taller plants to give you that extra green,” says Jason. You can also use fishing wire to trail plants up a wall – Devil’s Ivy looks amazing when trained this way; both indoors and out.

How do you live?
Too often, people struggle to tend to their garden (and keep their plants alive) because they didn’t choose suitable varieties in the first place. “Make sure the plants you choose reflect your lifestyle. If you’re busy, try using low maintenance plants. On the other hand, if you’re like me and delve into the garden on a daily basis try plants that love that extra care,” says Jason.

Best indoor apartment plants
When it comes to the indoors, Jason’s all-time favourite plants include Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum) which is great for low light, Fruit Salad plant (Monstera deliciosa) and the Umbrella tree (Schefflera amate) – we note the ever-present fiddle leaf fig didn’t make the cut!

“When indoors, don’t be afraid to be unique. Sway away from the regular plants you see in magazines or on social media and use plants that relate to your interior aesthetic and natural lighting levels. You don’t have to create a jungle with plants but instead pair them consciously with your interior finishes and materials,” says Jason.

Best balcony plants
Outdoors, Jason is a fan of citrus, Cascading Rosemary and roses. “Traditional I know but planted alongside other plants like Silver grass (Miscanthus) and Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum rubrum) they make for an interesting palette of texture and foliage,” says Jason.

As for balconies, Jason considers the harsh Australian climate first and foremost, and as such suggests arid, Mediterranean plants are the most practical choice. “On balconies I always think of the most intense conditions. Also, try incorporating plants that grow upright and then plants that cascade over the planters.”

Photography: Armelle Habib

Jason’s latest book GREEN, $32.99, published by Hardie Grant Books, would make a fabulous Christmas gift for plant lovers.

For more on Jason Chongue | How to keep your indoor plants alive: Go easy on the water!

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December 3, 2019

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First time EVER I've woken up at home without thes First time EVER I've woken up at home without these two here (since they were born anyway!) and I don't mind admitting I don't like it one bit!

They had their first ever sleepover at their grandparents last night and I'm ITCHING to go and get them! 

Cute outfits for their uncle's wedding yesterday. They scored a first class new auntie in @annoobie_ now official ❤️ Congratulations Dom and Anh.
Did somebody say spring?! 🌼 🌱 ❤️ Here's Did somebody say spring?! 🌼 🌱 ❤️

Here's our @amycollinswalker's picks from the gorgeous new ranges at @linen_house 

All the details on the homepage now via link in bio.

This is giving me Christmas table inspo. How do you decorate your Christmas table? Growing up in the UK it was always traditional green and red but here I go all out fresh and summery!

#springdecor #springdecorating #springdecorations #springdecoration #springdining #springtablescape #springlinen #springbedroom #ginghamcushions #gingham #linenhouse #linenaddict #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #tablelinen #tablecloths
Colour hug, anyone?! A collaboration with design Colour hug, anyone?!

A collaboration with design studio Nexus Designs, this palette from the new @haymespaint colour forecast is perfect for those looking to create a tranquil environment and has a particular focus on darker shades.

“Inspired by the qualities of an intimate reading room, confident and expressive colours such as Florida Everglade have a muted depth that embody this. Balanced and subtle, it’s also invigorating and luscious. Through all over application, paired with contemporary furniture and styling, this colour and the broader palette plays with tactility, translucency, reflection, and form,” says Myra Murtagh of Nexus. 

See the rest of the colour forecast, include collabs with @adairs and TikTok favourites @joshandmattdesign on the blog homepage now, via link in bio.

#haymespaint #colourforecast #painttrends #colourtrends #paintcolours #paintcolors #darkwalls #readingroom #moodywalls #moodyinteriors #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless paid off for artist @adoni.art 

Slammed for being too small, @kyleandleslie's living room was otherwise praised by the judges for being beautifully styled.

"In terms of using it as a marketing platform it’s been amazing," he said. "Even for people who don’t follow the show it’s validation that they are following an artist that’s levelling up. The exposure has translated to sales, traffic and attention and it’s everything I wanted because I’m about to launch a new collection.”

Read our chat with Adoni and see more of his gorgeous work via link in bio now.

Have you ever bought something you saw on the Block?

#theblockroomreveals #theblock #theblock2023 #affordableart #affordableartaustralia #affordableartonline #australianartist #australianart #livingroomart #livingroomstyle #livingroomideas #smalllivingroom #adoniart #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #blockshopper
Pink and green should always be seen! From time t Pink and green should always be seen!

From time to time, we stray from our Australian-homes-only rule when we uncover something we really love! This project, by @2lgstudio (and also the interior design duo’s own home) is featured in Ornament Is Not a Crime, a new coffee table interiors book by Sydney-based design writer @rebeccalgross.

Head to the homepage via link in bio to read about this home and see more colourful pictures in an extract.

#2lgstudio #2lg #londoninteriordesigner #londoninteriors #londonhome #londonhomes #brighthome #brightinteriors #funinteriors #colourfulhome #interiordesignersathome #pinkandgreen #pinkandgreendecor #pinkandgreenshouldalwaysbeseen
Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?! Natas Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?!

Natasha from QLD recently finished a major reno of her Queenslander and this is her favourite room of all. We can see why!

She used @beaumont.tiles  Lux Calcutta slabs in gloss the wall and matt for the floor.

 "We have infused a Hamptons style whilst still remaining true to the traditions of old Queenslanders," she said. "Our bathroom is north west facing and captures such great morning light. We wrapped the cabinetry all the way along the vanity for ease of access for the bath, towels and accessories. We tiled all the way to the ceiling to create a more luxurious space. It's my favourite room in the house!"

#ichosebeaumonts #beaumonttiles #tiles #bathroomtile #bathroomtiling #hamptonsbathroom #queenslanderrenovation #queenslanderbathroom #luxurybathroom #australianbathroom #australianbathrooms #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 very different looks last night which was great!

One question that kept coming up was just how important is the butler's pantry? Love to hear your thoughts. Do you have one? And which was your favourite last night? Please share in the comments.

Head to the blog via link in bio to find out who won and what the judges said. 

#theblock #theblockshop #blockshopper #theblockroomreveals #kitchenweek #kitchenpalette #kitchencabinetry #kitchenstyles
Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylis Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylish home was renovated recently with @keenarchitecture and @studio_esar at the helm. Brimming with fun, functionality and colour, the home is shared by ex MasterChef contestant Peter Kritikides, his wife Erica and their two children. 

Occupied by the family since 2015, the renovation brief called for a sympathetic yet modern upgrade to the heritage listed original home as well as the demolition and rebuild of the back of the residence.

Want to see the kitchen? Head to the blog via link in bio.

#elsternwick #melbournehome #melbournehomes #masterchefaustralia #masterchefcontestant #masterchefcontestants #chefskitchen #heritagearchitecture #heritagehome #heritagerenovation #monochromehome #colourfulhome #bookshelfstyling #bookcasestyling #colourfulbooks #fireplacedecor #velvetcouch #livingroomstyle #livingroomart
GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Bl GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Block master bedroom walk ins on the blog now.

Which was your fave?

Via latest posts link in bio now.

#walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #wardrobes #wardrobe #wardrobe #bedroomstorage #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #theblockroomreveals #theblock #theblock2023 #kinsman #kinsmankitchens #kinsmanwardrobes #dressingroom #dressingtable
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Amy Collins-Walker

About Amy Collins-Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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