Here is a quick peek at my new favorite design trend for interiors: cacti and succulents. These pokey gems hail from the extremes of arid desert heat to steamy jungle tropics and somehow find the way to perfect home harmony in our modern interior landscapes. These are 3 ways that Cacti and Succulents can be incorporated easily into your home this spring
Big or small, simple or complex, cacti and succulents send almost any pot into a new orbit. When you need to add a bit of something interesting in a corner or for some desired wow factor on a book shelf, bring on some prickly. Many room designs are currently being influenced by open floor plans, more neutral color schemes, and hard surface materials like wood-look tile and quartz. Using cacti in an unusual pot creates a mix of texture and shape which compliment these latest interior design approaches without complicating the simple look we have so painstakingly tried to create. This kind of plant/pot combo becomes a piece of living art or sculpture in that certain spot that needs more than just your traditional tree or vine-y solution. Pots in an array of material and color bring out the true character of the cactus and make for great layering opportunities or a dynamic stand alone focal piece.
This is the one time when you CAN cuddle with a cactus! Toss pillows are a great way to bring in the latest trend without major commitment, financially or otherwise. Add a cactus pillow or two to your existing pillow palette in your family room for a quick pillow pick me up or toss a couple of cactus friendly gems in your guest bedroom for boutique hotel-style personality that make your guests feel special and make your room unforgettable.
DESIGNER TIP: When I select pillows for my clients, I typically go for a minimum size of 20” square and have the mindset if 20” will work, then we should probably go 22”! I find, in general, 18” pillows get eaten up visually and almost disappear in most rooms. Also, I will almost always go for a faux feather down insert over a standard poly fill every single time. Feather down gives the pillow more bottom weight which nestles the surrounding surface vs. poly fill which often stands stiff against whatever it is leaning against. Give yourself permission to have the right pillow for your room. This is not the place to cut corners. A cheap pillow insert or stuffing can make the rest of the room look cheap no matter how stinking adorable the finish shell is.
From wall art to wall paper, cacti prints can create a modern mix of bold graphics and botanical beauty. Cactus influenced artwork is traditionally associated with deep southwestern styles. Southwest style is still viable and is a lot less cheeky than a couple of decades ago, but it’s still pretty specific. Recently I’ve seen a surge in cactus prints outside the western ranch and Arizona mesas and into a more modern and relaxed trend. This branching out shows a less prickly side of the cactus motif that is comfortable in the bedroom, bathroom, and beyond. Choosing black & white or sepia toned artwork celebrates the cacti or succulent’s textural moodiness while opting for water color prints produces a bit of boho tranquility. With cactus, you should definitely go big or go home. Subtlety is not in the books for this art trend, however, with it’s meandering botanical gestures and graceful lines, going big seems to be its natural comfort zone. The statement this art trend makes is one of understated WOW!
For a non traditional twist on a botanical favorite without the stereotypical prickle, bring in a bit of cactus to your home this spring. Enjoy the reaction and appreciate the everyday joy that a well placed succulent surprise can bring!
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feature pic credits via ane wall décor thru etsy, bhg, handy garden wizard and little creek creative thru etsy