Bette Midler’s ’70s living room teaches styling houseplants
Everyone loves houseplants. Indoor greenery brings the joy of nature into a home, adds dimension and color, and instantly makes a space feel cozy and lived in. However, people are often confused about the best way to decorate with plants.
Luckily, an archival image of Bette Midler’s living room in 1975 is here to demystify the process. The black and white photograph shows the actress lounging on her velvet sofa, shelf full of houseplants positioned behind her. In the background, taller plants are positioned against the wall, near her round mirror and wooden sideboard. Styling houseplants like a professional has never looked easier.
Though the image was taken over 50 years ago, its lessons are just as relevant today. In fact, houseplants as part of design are currently more popular than ever. Victoria Foster, interior stylist at ScS explains: ‘Houseplants are a key component of the nature-inspired interior design trend. ‘
Bette Midler in the living room of her former Greenwich Village home, 1975
(Image credit: Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
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Plush and elegant, this green velvet loveseat is an excellent addition to any space. It pairs especially well with dark wood and vintage pieces for a look that’s full of history.
Made from durable, lightweight plastic, this planter is fade, frost, and weather-resistant. It’s the perfect piece for getting Bette’s look at a refreshingly low price point.
This round mirror has a hint of natural style with a modern shape. It’s the perfect addition to an eclectic interior because it adds depth without introducing a new color or pattern.
So, what exactly are the lessons in indoor garden ideas expressed through this image? First, Bette’s space shows the power of placing houseplants behind the space.
On styling around a couch, Victoria advises: ‘A simple way to fit a large plant into a smaller space is by positioning it behind the sofa. This way the fuller ends of the plant leaves are still visible without needing a designated area of the room to place it. This arrangement also helps to frame the sofa, creating height and drama above the sofa.’
Instead of tall plants, you can also use an indoor plant shelf behind the sofa, as seen in Bette’s space.
‘An easy way to maximise plants without the room feeling overwhelmed is by placing them on shelving units. For larger bookcases, place several small plants on different shelves and at varying sides to create balance, make sure to use species of plants – some hanging, some tall with varying fullness to create depth.’
The type of plants themselves and decisions around what posts to use are also an essential element of what makes a container garden striking. Bette Midler demonstrates this by using a variety of pots for an interesting styling chose.
Victoria recommends: ‘Wicker or terracotta plant pots are a great way to continue the natural theme, while positioning plants on oak shelving and furniture is a match made in heaven.’
She continues: ‘Try using plants of various sizes and incorporate the colour green in other areas of your décor – from wall décor and artwork to furniture and accessories.’
When styled correctly, houseplants can transform a home. Looking to rooms where this has been done well is the perfect place to start.
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