BREATH OF FRESH AIR: TROPICAL LEAVES
One of the most frequently asked questions come Spring/Summer seems to be: "How do I get my home to feel fresh again after the long and dreary winter?" One of the easiest AND most cost effective ways is to use cut leaves which instantly give a room a breath of fresh air.
Caribbean Cuts on 28th Street is one of my favorite stops in the flower market. Jay is incredibly helpful and they always have the best assortment of fresh and dried leaves. When our Soho client asked us to liven his Gothic-style apartment for a party this season, we knew that using these gorgeous, lush greens would brighten the apartment in no time!
Here are the details going from left to right:
Sellom Philodendron (Large)
Monstera (Large)
Green Anthurium (Large)
Song of India (Large)
Monstera (Small)
White Star Calathia
Philodendron in the Center of the table (Elephant Ears)
Sellom Philodendron (Small)
Sellom Philodendron (Medium)
Sellom Philodendron (Large)
Monstera (Small)
Song of India (Medium)
White Star Calathia
Monstera (Large)
Areca Palm (Small)
When arranging tropical leaves, I like to keep it simple and clean by using only one type of leaf per container. Place the different arrangements next to each other tightly and allow the different shapes, colors and textures to play off each other. You'll be certain to achieve a very natural look even when using exotic greenery.
Another easy approach to adding life to a space is adding Phalaenopsis orchids, though more costly. I wanted to maintain the green color palatte, so I only used light green & white orchids without the pinks or purples you often see. A single stem orchid can be dramatic on its own, but I wanted to create a breathtaking presence in the center of the room in line with this tropical feeling.W
Upon entering, guests were greeted by this center table filled with 30 stems of orchids in natural clay containers, glass cubes and giant clam shells. The position of this orchid-filled table is ideal thanks to the diffused (indirect) sunlight it recieves throughout the day.
One of the most important places in a home for flowers during a party - though often forgotten - is the guest bathroom. We added a touch of unexpected in the guest bathroom by filling the shower with 4ft and 6ft tall Areca Palm leaves. Phalaenopsis Orchids and a 5ft Fish Tail Palm tied it all together.
Enjoy!
