Ten Minute Decorating with Plants

In the summer there is even less time to fuss & fiddle with decor.

But everyone can find 10 minutes to transform a space.  

This is why I look forward to our monthly series ~ Ten Minute Decorating.

That is really all the time you need when you follow our tips.

Plants & flowers are our focus this month.

I used two $5.99 plants from the grocery store to liven up a space in my kitchen.

We are just getting to the point in the restoration of our home to start decorating & styling.  Yippee!!! 

I chose to begin with an out of the way nook in the kitchen.

This space was to have custom cabinets like the rest of the kitchen, but then I realized this thrift store hutch would fit perfectly. ~ and what a savings too! 

I think the hutch adds just the right "un-kitcheny" feel to the space and breaks up all the white, while tying in the distressed pine of the dining room table.  Can you tell I am itching to decorate?  Let's get back to the plants!

I played around with lots of my ironstone and gold & white pieces until I found an arrangement I loved.  

The moss balls in the silver ice buckets gave some needed height. ( will mount a large platter in between, but need to install a thin ledge first as it is super heavy )

As much as I loved the look of all my pretty stuff, the hutch needed something ... 

Not more platters or plates ... a "pop!"

The green of the moss gave me the idea that plants would do the trick.

I found an ivy & a fern in the grocery store.

Indeed I think the plants do the trick.  They add a pop, carry the green of the moss balls thru the space and soften the whole look.

What do you think?

Now to keep the plants happy...

Tips on Caring for Indoor Plants

• Repot into a larger container adding some potting soil.

• If using a pot without drainage holes place small pebbles in the bottom for drainage.

• Use my three secrets when re-potting or general liquid indoor plant food 1x a month.

• If pot is on a wooden surface elevate it a bit with a saucer or at least folded paper towels to avoid leaving moisture rings.

• Check soil a few times a week for dryness - if the top portion of your index finger comes out feeling dry water.

• Move pot to the sink to water deeply & spritz lightly with the sprayer or a spray bottle to mist the leaves.

• Leave pot in the sink for a while to drain before putting back on your nice furniture.

• If you are vacationing for a week or two you can place pots with drainage holes in the sink filled with a few inches of water. Water well before you leave & let the plants sit in the few inches of water.  The roots will absorb the water as needed while you are gone.

Next time you are at the market pick up an inexpensive plant and add a pop to your decor in 10 minutes ~ or less!

My friends have lots of other ideas to share with you so have a look...

** Kelly **

MY SOULFUL HOME   MAKING IT IN THE MOUNTAINS MY UNCOMMON SLICE OF SUBURBIA LOVE OF HOME REFRESH RESTYLE STONEGABLE SETTING FOR FOUR