Creating a Comfortable Work Environment, Part 1:: Using Plants in Decorating your Office

Studies show more and more that taking care of plants can be a great way to improve your physical and emotional general condition. So why not use them a LOT in decorating your office, cubicle, or home office?!

The Positive Effects of Plants

Plants make a beautiful addition to your decor. They can warm up even the most sterile office space. They have a soothing effect (on you and your clients!) and they can reduce stress and relax muscles and therefore improve your general mood.

Studies have demonstrated that the existence of plants reduces mental exhaustion. When we are overwhelmed with work, we just have to look up for a couple of minutes to a plant and we’ll instantly feel more relaxed. Plants fascinate and attract people, they break boredom and monotony generated by forced attention. The oxygen generated by plants increases mental acuity.

Some large plants placed effectively can help us insulate ourselves from distracting or annoying surroundings, and hanging paintings in a sparsely decorated room can minimize the echo effects. The thick leaves will absorb a part of the noises, including the sound of the phone, Xerox, printer or coffee maker, making these sounds a little bit friendlier.

In addition, the color green is a "happy" color which brings a touch of nature indoors, and plants are the perfect finishing touch to ANY room's decor.

Decorating with Plants

Any room can benefit from a bit of nature displayed in a beautiful jar, planter, or vase. Choosing the right vase or planter to suit your office can add a touch of class and create a welcoming image, instead of a sterile-feeling environment.

Don't fret if you haven't got a "green thumb". There are a lot of plants that will add life and energy to your decor without being difficult to care for. Some even tell you when they need watered!

For starters, try "lucky bamboo" in an unusual vase. Add water, change the water every two weeks, and use a few drops of miracle-gro in the water when you change it. No other maintenance required! Beautiful in any room.

An excellent easy care plant is a "peace lily". It "falls asleep" when it needs water. Within a couple of hours of watering, it perks right back up! And it doesn't need more than the ambient room lighting. Perfect!

Other easy plants are "pothos" plants. Water them once a week, and put near a window or in a room lit with fluorescent lighting. Even if they get wilted, just water them, trim any yellow leaves, and they're good as new! These are great as hanging plants and in bathrooms.

There are many beautiful plant holders and pottery that can be used to display your plants. Some are porcelain planters that you can plant the entire plant in, some are brass or iron plant holders that stand alone or even hang on the wall. With these, you place the plant's pot inside.

Try adding one of these beautiful plants to your workspace, and you'll be delighted at the difference in the room's feel and in the lift it gives your mood!