January Drab to Fab Item: Houseplants

Off the top of my head, I can think of 12 items that can easily transform a home from drab to fab. Over the course of the year, I will feature one of these items per month and offer suggestions on where to buy them. I challenge you to add these items month by month to your home as we go, and by the end of the year, you’ll be amazed at the difference.

This month’s Drab to Fab item is houseplants. They bring a little of the outdoors in, which is especially important in the winters months. If you’re like me, you hate that naked feeling in your house after the Christmas tree comes down and all the decorations have been put away. That’s where houseplants can come in handy. They can fill in some empty space that needs a little umph. Plus they just make any room feel more homey and fresh. 

See what I mean?

Another bonus is that many houseplants can help purify the air in your home.

There’s an informative article out there by Better Homes and Gardens called “24 of the Easiest Houseplants You Can Grow.” Many of the plants they mention can be purchased at Lowes or Home Depot.

Air plants are a nice option for adding green to your home too. Don’t be fooled though, they do require some care. A good soak in lukewarm water once a week outta do. In the summer months, most nurseries carry at least a few varieties. I've even seen West Elm carry them in their stores over the past few summers. To purchase them online, www.airplantsupplyco.com is one source.

Tuck air plants into unexpected places throughout your house for a nice touch of green.

If the thought of keeping any houseplant alive completely overwhelms you, go for artificial. If money is no object, Pottery Barn has some really nice ones. If you’re lucky enough to live near an Ikea, they have a good selection of cost-effective artificials that look pretty believable. Michael's, Hobby Lobby and Home Goods usually carry a decent selection of artificials too, but remember that not all are created equal. Be sure to avoid any that look clearly fake or plastic. 

No one will ever know when you find a fake this good. Ikea, $3.99.

So as the winter blahs start to set in, don’t underestimate the power of houseplants—real or fake.

Be sure to stop back for next week’s post and another Drab to Fab item in February.