Page 36 - August 2023

INTERIORS INSIDER
Brighten Summer shelfie

If you’re looking for a way to give your living space
a subtle upgrade for summer, Claire says there
are plenty of compact, value plants that you can
use to create a cool summer ‘shelfie’ moment.
up your home with This Instagrammable look can be created with
a few small houseplants and accessories, and
summer houseplants Claire suggests mixing and matching different
fern varieties with trailing ivy plants like Hedera
green for a stylish display that’s both cost-
effective and striking. Claire notes that ferns
are a fantastic choice for bathroom ‘shelfies’ as
they thrive in a humid environment, along with
Summer is officially here and Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, terrariums for an added touch of nature.
says there’s no better time to bring the outdoors in and welcome the
season’s wonderful colour into our home with houseplants. Welcome the outdoors
For those of us fortunate enough to have
outdoor spaces or gardens, Claire says that there
hether you’re looking to breathe life are certain houseplants that can be enjoyed
into your interiors with air purifying both indoors and out during the summer
Wplants, or lift a dark room with a pop months. Heat-loving varieties like citrus plants,
of vibrancy, houseplants are the perfect way Fatsia japonica and Curcuma can be placed
to add a touch of botanical bliss to your home outside on a doorstep, balcony or patio during
this summer. the warmer months and then brought back eye-catching addition to any home. Claire says
inside when temperatures cool down. these plants thrive in a bright spot but out of
Dobbies’ Senior Houseplant Buyer, Claire Bishop, direct sunlight so avoid placing on windowsills
talks through her favourite summer houseplants Claire believes that giving your houseplants a and instead opt for an open spot in a south-
and how she recommends you care for and style summer holiday outdoors and exposing them facing room. Bromeliads are another variety
your plants to get the most out of them. to fresh air and sunlight can be beneficial to with a wide range of tropical shades to bring a
their appearance and overall health. Just make burst of colour into your home.
sure you keep an eye on the weather and if
Low-maintenance zen
temperatures are expected to drop, bring them
Create a calm corner in your lounge, bedroom or Claire’s top tip for enjoying your new summer
living space with houseplants that require very back indoors. houseplants? Have fun with colourful pots
little maintenance but will help bring zen to your and styling set ups, but be mindful of outdoor
home in no time. For a low effort pop of greenery, Bold new styles temperatures. When the weather heats up,
Claire recommends a Sanseveria. These eye- With our gardens in full bloom and colour, Claire make sure you water houseplants regularly
catching plants can go without water for weeks says there’s no reason our homes shouldn’t do and if you’re going away on holiday, give them
at a time so require very little attention, making the same, and houseplants offer plant parents a thorough soaking in the bath before you go
them perfect for those just beginning their plant the chance to inject vibrancy into their homes and move them away from windows to avoid
journey. The quirky Sanseveria trifasciata is also and have fun creating bold displays that show any leaves being scorched.
a proven air purifier, making it a great choice off their personality.
for home offices and bedrooms, and its height For more advice and inspiration, or to view
means it works well when grouped together with The Medinella magnifica offers a unique display Dobbies’ range of houseplants for SS23, visit
other houseplants for a cool jungle effect. of pretty pink flowers and glossy leaves for an dobbies.com.

Above image: Houseplants: Sanseveria trifasciata mix 17cm, £24.99; Chlorophytum ‘Variegatum’ 12cm, £6.99; Monstera Above image: Houseplants: Medinilla magnifica ‘Lambada’ 14cm, £22.99; Aechmea fasciata ‘Primera’ 15cm, £19.99;
deliciosa 17cm air purifier, £19.99; Kentia palm 21cm, £79.99; Homewares: Wood effect lantern large, £94.99; Wood Vriesea ‘Intenso Yellow’ 12cm, £14.99; Tillandsia Sweet Ostia in Pot 10cm, £14.99; Guzmania Diana 9cm, £9.99;
effect lantern small, £59.99; Yellow cushion, £19.99; Ganado throw, £24.99; Stripe floor cushion taupe, £49.99 Homewares: Fruit bowl print, £14.99; Fruit print, £12.49; 2 assorted orange Seagrass baskets, £19.99
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