Urban homes have little space available hence why you need indoor gardening ideas if you want a chance to reconnect with nature. Gardening in small spaces is all about frugality and smart design. It requires creativity and ample care. From simple terrariums and step gardens to potted plants and herb gardens, this is a collection of ideas for those who wish to live a greener lifestyle.

A Collection of Plants

We’ll start with an irresistible image of an interior from the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona Hotel. Do you want a grand garden effect in your indoor space? Scatter large planters throughout the room, and fill them with tropical greenery. Potted palms and ferns make a big statement. For an extra touch, sprinkle some hanging planters throughout the room. Note how the green plants below look stunning against the white palette.

We now turn our attention to  Tend, which offers customers everything from container gardening items to interiorscaping services. In the image below, a photograph of a residential design project, a horizontal planter makes a wonderful “gardening bed” for a collection of three long-leafed plants.

Tend also offers Golly Pods, ceramic planters created in collaboration with designer Jason Lane. They have an other-worldly look, and they are particularly striking when grouped, as shown below. There’s nothing like a freestanding garden, especially when the containers are this interesting:

Another residential project by Tend showcases tall potted plants. A similar planter style unifies the greenery, and placing the plants on either side of floor-to-ceiling glass doors makes the transition from room to room a visually smooth one:

A windowsill garden is ideal for growing herbs that need plenty of light. For a vintage look, use tea caddies as planters. A full tutorial can be found at Apartment Therapy.

Vertical gardens are a current design obsession, and there are indoor options for those with bright spaces. If you don’t want to create your vertical garden from scratch, check out the Modular Green Wall from Hercs, shown below:

For a DIY version of the indoor garden, use a recycled palette and fill the cracks with the plants of your choice. Check out the helpful tutorial from Fern Richardson of Life on the Balcony. [via Design Sponge]

Potted Succulent Arrangements

Succulents make great indoor plants. Note only are there many interesting varieties to choose from, they can be combined in a planter to create a visually stunning arrangement that brings modern charm to a light-filled space. While typically low-maintenance, succulents can be a challenge to keep alive at times, so check with your local nursery for maintenance tips. Below, a planter filled with succulents takes center stage in a residential design project by Tend:

The small scale of succulents makes them ideal for indoor gardening. Don’t hesitate to make your potted succulent arrangement a true work of art, Add shells, rocks and other items of interest for a one-of-a-kind creation. [from Big Red Sun]

As you can see, when it comes to succulent arrangement, the sky is the limit. Add glass balls, rocks, driftwood and other eye-catching baubles to make your succulent garden a true plantscape! [from Big Red Sun]

Or make your succulent garden part of a tabletop arrangement, incorporating both artwork and decor into the vignette. [from Big Red Sun]

Since succulents love light, what better way to incorporate them into your space than by crafting a windowbox planter using an aluminum gutter and letting the plants reign? A full DIY can be found at Shelterness.

Sometimes an assortment of individual succulents in pots can create the perfect indoor garden. In the image below, pastel containers are the ideal complement to succulents in shades of jade, mint and rose. [from Design Your Revolution]

For a floor-to-ceiling indoor garden effect, try placing succulent arrangements on shelves and interspersing them with decor items, such as vases and sculptural spheres. [from Big Red Sun]

Terrariums

We couldn’t end our indoor gardening article without spotlighting the latest verdant design phenomenon: terrariums. While once reserved for grade school science projects or gardening endeavors for the most devoted of enthusiasts, terrariums are now mainstream in their appeal. Artisans are adding quirky elements to their terrarium creations, such as figurines and one-of-a-kind finds from nature. The succulent terrarium below is from a previous Decoist article on Decorating With Houseplants–check it out!  [details at Mini Manor]

While a terrarium is a mini garden within a glass container (sometimes open and sometimes closed), the garden effect is heightened by grouping a series of terrariums in the window, as shown below. If you look even closer, you’ll notice plastic dinosaur toys in these creations! [design details at Two Straight Lines]

Another row of terrariums can be seen in the next image, which shows the successful use of container uniformity and plant diversity. [from Tend]

Twig has taken the terrarium world by storm, creating true mini worlds (complete with miniature people) within stylish glass containers. These humorous and clever scenes have taken terrarium building to a new level. For design inspiration or to purchase your own terrarium, shop online or check out Twig’s offerings in select Brooklyn stores.

For a mini garden that seems to float through the air, consider a hanging terrarium. Compact and ultra modern, these selections from Tend are perfect for rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows:

We end with a giant terrarium from Emmanuelle Moureaux Architecture + Design via Home Insides. What better way to bring the outdoors in?!:

Are you seeing green yet? The images above are proof that no space is too small for an indoor garden. Keep it simple with a few potted plants, or go large scale with a vertical garden. Most importantly, be prepared for some trail-and-error experimenting. Don’t be discouraged if certain plants thrive while others struggle. If at first you don’t succeed, try again, and remember that the unique conditions of your space will create a great home for some lucky collection of plants…

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Looking for an easy design refresh for summer? Say it with stripes! There are few things more crisp and refreshing. Not to mention, stripes instantly channel a vacation vibe. Keep reading as we feature this season’s favorite striped textiles, rugs and accessories, organized by color scheme. Don’t resist the urge to lounge by the pool while browsing… [below: H&M Home’s Cotton Beach Towels]

The New Blue and White

Blue and white stripes have a timeless, classic look. The “new blue and white” builds on this universal appeal while adding elements of minimalism and laid-back style. Urban Outfitters’ Washed Cotton Striped Tassel Sham Set does both of these things, featuring a thin stripe that creates a less-is-more look, then topping it all off with tassels:

More tassels and stripes adorn this Moroccan Full/Queen Blanket, woven by Moroccan artisans. As stated in the product description, “Classic blue stripes and alternating blue and white pom poms go with just about anything and always look fresh.” We couldn’t agree more!

Not only does Zara Home’s Striped Double-Weave Cotton Towel look splendid when unfolded, it evokes a chill, resort hotel vibe when neatly folded, thanks to its blue fringe edges.

Looking for a refreshing take on blue and white stripes? Try incorporating an indigo rug with a unique design! CB2’s Verso Indigo Blue Striped Rug is created through the dabu process, which involves the application of pattern with a clay mixture applied by wood blocks. Before all is said and done, the rug is dipped into an indigo pit. Learn more about the process (and get purchasing info) here.

Ready for blue and white stripes with a touch of retro glam? Let your imagination sail away on a design-fabulous yacht with this Cotton Satin Cushion Cover from H&M Home. We’re loving the use of red, combined with stripes of varying widths:

The cushion cover above beautifully coordinates with this Cotton Percale Pillowcase, which is timeless and minimalist at the same time. Nautical style reigns, neatly trimmed by narrow piping along the edges:

Minimalist Black and White

Black and white is the perfect color scheme for minimalist stripe patterns. After all, there’s power in combining the darkest of darks and the lightest of lights. This Pinstripe Natural and Black Placemat from CB2 will add a relaxed vibe to your tabletop. Not to mention, it will go with everything!

Bring a global hotel vibe to your powder room with CB2’s Raya Black and White Striped Towels. With a striped pattern on the front and solid white terrycloth on the back, these towels are both universally stylish and comfy:

When your decor doubles as storage, you know you’ve struck design gold. This Mojave Striped Basket from Crate & Barrel in available in medium and large sizes. Recycled plastic bottles are the materials of choice, and you can use this basket to hold everything from magazines to potted plants. Plus, it’s durable enough to be used both indoors and outside!

Nautical style is a great fit for kids’ rooms, especially when a rope handle is involved. Crate & Barrel’s Stripes Around Black Cube Bin is available in five different colors. We’re partial to classic black and cream:

For stripes with a stylish twist, check out this Archive New York Black and White Antigua Pillow, available through Anthropologie. Super-soft cotton: check. An interesting take on black and white stripes: check. Tassels: the icing on the cake!

Bring on the Color

We end today’s post on a colorful note. It’s what happens when stripes become vibrant! Yellow is a popular color for radiant stripe patterns, and it’s hard to get more vivid than this Yellow Stripe Print Flat Sheet from Zara Home, which features an ombré yellow striped design:

Golden yellow shines brightly on Pier 1’s Yellow Striped 72″ Table Runner, which will bring summer style to your tabletop all season long:

Golden yellow combines with cotton canvas and tassels on Urban Outfitters’ Ivy Fringe Striped Throw Pillow. This piece puts a modern-boho spin on striped decor, all the while adding comfort to the room of your choice:

There’s something delicate yet colorful about these Lightly Striped Baby Blankets from Crate & Barrel. Get them while they’re on clearance and enjoy a touch of summer style in your nursery:

Last but not least, we shine the spotlight on Urban Outfitters’ Texture Stripe Planters, which feature peachy lines and a big dose of whimsy. When stripes meet houseplants, there’s nothing more summery and verdant. Not to mention, the designers of these speckled pots even included a helpful drainage hole at the base.

We hope today’s post has inspired you with a range of striped patterns. Cheers to the power of crisp lines, and thanks for reading!

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One trick to make a small room seem larger is to use mirrors. Adding mirrors to small interiors gives a cheerful and spacious vibe, and spread light evenly in an organic fashion. Today we take a look at how you can tap into this power of mirrors with ease. Step in for an easy and instant home upgrade with plenty of dazzle!

The mirror knows some of our deepest, sincerest secrets and our mirror image has been our best friend through many stages of our continuously changing bodies and personalities, despite our deep probing questions never being successfully answered to the trivia of who’s fairest of all. And while we would never want the mirror to visually enlarge or expand our bodies (unless it’s muscle mass), but it can make a small living room seem larger than life! Oh yeah baby!

Do mirrors make a room bigger?

If you have ever been through a house of mirrors you encounter a futuristic world where human cloning is the norm. Everywhere you look as you walk down the halls of this house with your friends are optical illusions that trick your eye and your mind into seeing way more of you than there is. This theory translates very well and positively when adapted to our homes…in a less freaky way, of course.

A mirror can do three things for us when strategically implemented in our home décor.

• Brighten Things Up — The sun will be illuminated and catch the silvery reflection from sunup to sundown

• Liven Things Up — A mirror is no longer just a slab of silvered glass; they are artistic engineered designs that can often replace our other mundane and expected ornamentation. There is a reason the term gilded and mirror often go hand in hand

• Broaden Things Up — Create the optical illusion of more space by correct placement. You can easily make a room seem twice its size thus allowing for more elbowroom.

 The Sun is Always Shining: Brightening things Up

Mirrors automatically reflect natural and artificial light, and by catching the sunlight at its best you can amplify on the natural light. This will brighten the atmosphere up in your home notably aiding you by bouncing light in hidden haunted corners making them seem harmlessly large. To release this magic within your four walls hang your mirror in such a way that it faces or is angled from your natural light source, -window, door, sunroof- to fully capture the light and spread its warm goodness in your room.

The House of Mirrors: Livening Things Up

Place a large wall mirror on the wall against an adjoining room where the party often is. If you know people are mingling on the opposite side of the room, when you glance up and see a reflection of bodies mingling in your room you will trick your mind for a few seconds into thinking the wall was taken out and replaced with one long extended group hall. By doing this you will create the effect an interrogation room does with it’s one way glass walls but hopefully your room will encompass more joy than the good cop bad cop routine that takes place in the this maximized security room.

Bigger is Better: Broadening Things Up

Flow is a good thing in a room. It represents a clutter free approach to life and relaxation. A good way to associate this idealism in your room and help to broaden things up is by using furniture with mirrored panels or doors. Glass or silvery tabletops will also contribute to the open flow vibe and as always hanging mirrors. Leaning them on a mantle pieces, or above your wet bar, it instinctively will make you feel you are in a room of more open spaces as mirror reflects and shares rather than captures like a cherry cabinet panel would.

To keep this river of mirrors flowing maintain a habit of cleaning them to keep them to their crystal clear perfection. Next throw a big house party to test the waters. You’ll find the rumor mill buzzing with tales that the house of mirrors is now located at your address!

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Some say Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer! That means we’re less than two weeks away from long sunny days and unlimited visits to the pool. Late spring is also a great time of year to freshen up your interior by adding a big dose of summer style. Creating a vacation vibe at home couldn’t be easier, even if you’re on a budget. A few simple accents can turn your space into a retreat. It’s as easy as adding a bowl of lemons to the dining room table or a tropical leaf to the powder room. Keep reading for a collection of design ideas that instantly channel the relaxed vibe of summer!

Seashells

Your latest trip to the beach can be the answer to your design dilemma. Seashells are the perfect treasures for filling urns, bowls and other containers. Even one or two shells placed on a windowsill, or a large statement shell atop a stack of books can get the job done. To avoid a “junky” look, choose special pieces and opt for a less-is-more approach. If your shell hunting provides less than desirable results, head to the craft store or shop online for a bag of shells that will double as decor. Don’t be afraid to mix in other interesting items, such as sea glass.

Tropical Leaves

Tropical greenery is inexpensive, long-lasting and summer-fabulous! While the palm frond in the photo above is faux, a real tropical leaf often costs no more than a few dollars, and it has the potential to last for weeks. We opted to go faux since we also used the leaves to jazz up our latest balloon arch (check out the full post here). We purchased a set of 3 for $8.99, which worked well since our greenery wasn’t going to be inspected up close. One of our favorite selections for ultra-realistic faux tropical greenery: this monstera leaf from CB2. Swoon!

A Potted Plant

When choosing potted plants for summer, one strategy is to opt for selections with a crisp, low-maintenance feel. Isn’t that the essence of summer?! We love succulents, especially if you have the perfect location that will give them plenty of light. As you can see in the photo above, you don’t need a huge plant or pot to make a big statement. A little goes a long way. This potted succulent would look right at home on a bedside table, bookshelf, or countertop.

Vases in Sea Tones

Since we’re on the topic of fresh greenery, let’s focus on how to display it…bring on the vases! It’s amazing how you can sometimes “shop your own decor” and pull pieces with a summery feel. Nothing in your closets that fits the bill? You can find inexpensive receptacles at craft stores, in home decor shops, in online marketplaces, and at garage and estate sales. Think blues and greens, with every shade in between (such as aqua and mint).

Stripes

It’s no coincidence that four of the photos in today’s post feature a striped item. Summer stripes are quintessentially classic. Not only do they often evoke a retro feel, they create a crisp look, especially when one of the colors involved is white. Striped umbrellas, towels, sheets, pillows, outdoor furniture, and vases are great for the hottest season of the year, and they can live on in your interior as a promise of laid-back days to come. Below we see a Murano glass bowl, which reminds us of a jellyfish!

Woven Baskets

There are few things as on-trend as woven baskets at this design moment in time. One reason to love them: they create a well-traveled vibe at home, as if you’ve picked them up on your latest global adventure. Another reason to love them, this one truly practical, is the fact that they are amazing storage receptacles. Use them to hold small items such as car keys and your wallet, employ them as storage pieces for your kids’ toys, or simply decorate with them. Because they’re breezy and beautiful!

Turkish Towels

We’re seeing Turkish towels increasingly used in powder rooms to evoke a spa feel at home. Not to mention, they don’t take up a lot of space when folded, and they get softer with each wash. With their stripe-on-solid design, they can be purchased in a variety of palettes, and they make a lovely statement without dominating the room they inhabit. In other words, they’re as laid back as your favorite long summer day by the sea!

Drink Umbrellas

Technically, drink umbrellas don’t fall under the “decor” category, but ask us if we’ve ever displayed one or two of these on a shelf, and we at Decoist won’t be able to deny it! We’re especially smitten with these striped French beach umbrellas from the Oh Happy Day Shop! They will make your next party a party, or you can use them throughout the summer and let their magic slowly unfold, one poolside beverage at a time:

Watercolors

Why are watercolors so summery? Perhaps seeing each dreamy brushstroke reminds us of the ocean’s intricacy. In fact, the backdrops for today’s photo shoot were canvases painted with watercolors. Painting is a family-friendly project that grown-ups and kids alike can enjoy. It’s hard to go wrong when you have soft tones and paintbrushes by your side! Invest in some beautiful artwork or create your own. There’s magic in the simplicity of watercolors.

A Bowl of Lemons

We wrap up right where we started: with an urn of lemons. There’s nothing more summery than a heaping bowl of citrus fruit. We love the yellow of lemons, especially when it’s juxtaposed with bright white and shades of blue. Plus, this is a centerpiece you can enjoy eating and replenishing throughout the summer months!

We at Decoist wish you and yours a beautiful end to spring and a festive start to summer! Thanks for reading.

You're reading Quick Makeovers: 10 Ingredients for Instant Summer Style, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Balloon arches are becoming increasingly popular, especially when small helium tanks, balloon decorating strips and other conveniences make party planning so easy! Today’s DIY project can be created in well under an hour, and you can craft the finished product into an arch or a garland formation. Add more balloons to create an epic wall statement, or keep it simple. You decide! While some arches are created using helium, this project involves adhering the arch to the wall rather than creating a floating finished product. That way, you can enjoy it for many days! For details on how to create this easy balloon arch, keep reading…

*Photos and styling by Kate Simmons for Decoist

Balloon Arch Supplies

Creating your own balloon arch is a piece of cake! Here are a few items you’ll need to get the job done:

• balloons
• balloon decorating strip
• real or faux tropical greenery
• push pins 
• balloon pump (optional)

I used around 20 balloons in peach and pink tones, including these eye-catching coral balloons. Pinks and corals are perfectly on-trend in today’s design world, and so is tropical greenery! I wanted the option of leaving my balloon arch up at least a week past the party, so I opted for faux tropical leaves. Once I took them down, they became a nice summer centerpiece with the help of a tall vase. Not bad for an $8.99 set of  tropical stems!

The real secret to the success of your arch is a balloon decorating strip, which will help hold all of the balloons together and make it easy for you to create an arch formation. Once again, you get a lot of value and product for the price!

Now that all of the supplies are in order, it’s time to get crafting…

Putting It All Together

To create your balloon arch, follow these simple steps:

1. Inflate your balloons, creating a range of sizes for variety. As mentioned above, this project does not involve balloons inflated with helium, but you can use a balloon pump to save your breath. It may be easier to limit the number of balloons you inflate to the fullest (keep a lot of them on the smaller side, folks). It will be much easier to attach your arch to the wall if the balloons aren’t at top capacity.

2. Push the knotted ends of your balloons through the holes in the balloon decorating strip. It’s that easy! Try skipping a few holes in between balloons to avoid a crowded blob effect. Since your arch will be flush against the wall, it will be best to push balloons through the same side of the strip, rather than going for a 3-dimensional effect.

3. Use push pins to attach your arch or garland to the wall. Push pins come in handy as you create the formation of your choice and attach it to the wall. You can also try tying string to the balloon decorating strip first, and using the string to tie the arch or garland to the push pins (already in place in the wall). An arch is a festive form, but this project knows no limits. Some balloon garlands are massive and flow down the wall in a large diagonal form. Have fun and get creative!

4. Tuck your tropical greenery into the arch. You can even push the stems through the holes of the balloon decorating strip. Trim the stems if need be, or if they’re faux, you can bend them to hide the excess length.

Once you’re happy with your arch, it’s time to enjoy the party! Cheers to a festive spring and summer ahead! Thanks for reading.

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Today’s post celebrates that magical time of year where the weather is just right and we can’t help but dine in the fresh air with our favorite bottle of wine. Welcome to the world of outdoor entertaining! Taking our inspiration from Anthropologie’s new outdoor collection, the beautifully crafted al fresco parties of Eyeswoon‘s Athena Calderone, and the “no-fuss chic” entertaining style of wellness and lifestyle expert Camille Styles, we share a few essential tips for easy outdoor entertaining. Pull up a patio chair, feel the refreshing breeze, and settle in for some serious design goodness. [photo via Eyeswoon]

Set a Beautiful Table

You don’t need expensive furniture to set an inviting table. Even the simplest of structures can double as a dining table for outdoor events. Giving your table a special touch or two can involve anything from setting out your best plates to finding some beautifully designed paper napkins to liven up a low-maintenance. This gorgeous Cinco de Mayo party from Camille Styles featured a range of interesting additions, from the scalloped tin plates to the lovely lanterns that spanned the length of the table:

Don’t be afraid to add some interesting elements to your outdoor dining area. Below we see the backyard of Sarah Sherman Samuel, which includes wicker cobra chairs, string lights and a lovely mirror that serves as a design-fabulous focal point. See more at Camille Styles.

Your outdoor dining space doesn’t have to be a formal table. A coffee table (or a string of low tables lined up to accommodate a big group) can be an equally alluring and functional dining space for your spring fete. Pull up some outdoor seating, or some blankets and floor cushions, and you’re set. See more on this deliciously designed backyard spring dinner party at Camille Styles:

Use Fresh Ingredients

If you’re dining outdoors surrounded by natural greenery, why not serve up some equally fresh ingredients?! Spring is a time when gardens flourish and the smell of herbs wafts in from the outdoors. Is there anything more delicious than a plate of fresh food? Even something as simple as ice cream topped with mint can make your gathering an unforgettable one. Especially if served in beautiful stainless steel bowls from Anthropologie!

Family-style dining takes center stage in this backyard spring dinner party by Camille Styles. With a menu that included Mint Tzatziki with Endive, Romaine, & Sugar Snaps, an abundance of fresh flavors took center stage:

Serving up the freshest of ingredients doesn’t mean spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. Even sliced fruit on beautiful dishware (like this canape plate from Anthropologie) can be party-perfect:

 

Bring the Indoors Outside

When setting up for your outdoor party, don’t hesitate to bring the indoors outside! Borrow a few items from your home to spruce up your party space. Below we see Anthropologie’s Woven Bistro Indoor/Outdoor Bar Cart, decked out with a selection of bar essentials:

Snagging a few items from inside may involve moving that indoor/outdoor pillow from the covered patio to the yard, or grabbing a few side tables from the living room so your guests have a place to stash drink glasses while visiting outside.

Don’t hesitate to be spontaneous and enjoy the outdoor “room” you create by borrowing pieces from your home!

Create Conversation Areas

While eating may be a large part of your outdoor entertaining effort, there are plenty of great conversations to be had in your outdoor space. Make it easy for guests to lounge and visit by showcasing your outdoor seating. [Emily Isabella Parker Sofa from Anthropologie]

You can even create impromptu conversation areas by arranging pairs or clusters of chairs around the yard. These Woven Stripes Bistro Chairs from Anthropologie introduce a fresh palette of crisp tones:

If you’re short on outdoor seating, don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful lawn. Pull up a blanket. Or not! Learn more about this chic gathering designed by Athena Calderone at Eyeswoon:

Last but not least, you can create a resting spot for your guests with the help of an inviting hammock. Don’t forget the pillow for an extra comfy touch! An instant outdoor haven is born… [Canyon Fringe Hammock from Anthropologie]

Incorporate Natural Elements

We end with a reminder to revel in natural elements as you plan your party decor. After all, you’re outdoors! Cut some fresh roses from your garden for an instant centerpiece, or let a few potted plants be the focal points of your table. We’re smitten with this table runner of lavender featured at Eyeswoon:

Even if your greenery of choice isn’t from the yard, it will look extra enticing surrounded by the natural beauty of your outdoor space. How gorgeous is the textural centerpiece below?! Learn more about this beachy event on the Cote d’Azur at Eyeswoon:

We at Decoist wish you and yours a delightful outdoor dining season. Cheers!

You're reading 5 Essentials for Outdoor Entertaining, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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