Monday, April 13, 2009

A Case for Artificial Flowers

For the second time in a few months, I've heard the designers on HGTV counsel against the use of artificial flowers and greenery. Real is better, they say. And I have to agree, but with one big exception: if you are like me and have a hard time keeping plants alive, let alone looking good, then you should consider artificial plants. Believe me, a dying, gangly philodendron, or a pot with a stick and a couple of leaves do nothing for your decor!

I know why designers disapprove of artificial flowers and plants. It is because people commit two big faux pas when they own them:

1- People let artificial plants get dusty. When plants are dusty, they make your house feel dirty and unkempt. Make sure you buy high quality artificial flowers and greenery, and make sure you keep them dusted and looking fresh.

2- People keep artificial floral arrangements long past their prime. If you have arrangements from the 80's please let those go! Chances are they are making your house look dated. Make sure your artificial flowers are in colors that actually appear in nature, and don't look like they've been around for 30 years.

If you are really attached to your artificial arrangements, give them new life by pulling out all the flowers, tossing out the really old-looking outdated stems, and creating a new arrangement by mixing some of the old flowers with new stems. Use a new container for an updated look.

2 comments:

ikbueno said...

I have some large and expensive silk trees that have seen better days. They would be perfect for a new sun room we are building. Can you give any recommendations for sprucing them up a bit?

Real Rooms for Real People said...

There are a couple of things you can do to spruce up your silk trees. First, take them outside, give them a good shake and get some of the dust off. You can spray them with the hose to get more dust off. Shake them again to get the water off and let them air dry. Replacing the moss in the basket or pot can also help give them a new look. There is a product called Silks Alive which is sprayed onto the leaves-- it gives them a shiny appearance and really helps revive them. Good luck!