If you’re like us, one of the things you look forward to most about summertime is the opportunity to read, read, read. There’s just nothing more relaxing than having a lie down with an enthralling book and letting the day go by. And while we enjoy all the opportunities for excursions and adventures that summer brings, we still need our peaceful moments of R & R! Read on to discover our collection of nature-inspired reading for the quiet moments you crave.

1. Design by Nature: Creating Layered, Lived-In Spaces Inspired by the Natural World

   Enter the exceptionally lush world of Bay Area-based designer Erica Tanov as she explores the world of earthy, organic decor and the pursuit of bringing nature indoors. Featuring ethereal, rich photography by Ngoc Minh Go, Tanov’s foundational design book is a vacation in itself- and a deeply researched, fascinating study of textiles, textures and yes, the natural world. 

   Get the book →

2.   The Orchid Thief: A True Story of Beauty and Obsession

   An oldie but an incredibly goodie, if you haven’t yet read Susan Orlean’s paean to orchid obsession, this is your year! Based on her fascinating story for the New Yorker from 1995, “Orchid Fever”, this nonfiction book offers a journey into the most fecund and fantastical parts of Florida as Orlean seeks the mythic but all-too-real Ghost Orchid. Come for its hilarious, lively prose and stay for its incredible cast of larger-than-life characters. The phenomenon of orchid collection from nature is even more enchanting and mysterious than you’ll expect.

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3. Plant Powered Beauty: The Essential Guide to Using Natural Ingredients for Health, Wellness and Personal Skincare

   We adore all things DIY, and this book reads like the best of cookbooks: visually engaging and full of fun recipes and information, even if you never attempt the formulas yourself! Learning about the many applications of natural plant-derived ingredients is an endless source of fascination for us, and likely for you, too! From CBD products to body scrubs to natural mouthwash, this guide touches on it all! 

   Get the book →

4. Diary of a Young Naturalist

   Brand-spanking-new and unforgettably engaging, Dara McAnulty’s engrossing memoir is a book for the ages. With incisive, perceptive prose and the tenor of the best coming-of-age stories, Dara’s diary (written when he was only fourteen) is a tender and profound study of the wilds of nature around his home in Northern Ireland. Dara shines a light on his experiences with autism and anxiety as he champions environmental activism and engages with all of nature’s intricacies, silences and wonders. 

   Get the book →

5. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

   The botanist and environmental biologist Robin Wall Kimmerer explores the wisdom of nature and weaves it into a tapestry of myth, science and historical profundity in this collection of essays. With a focus on our interconnectedness to the earth, this book encourages us to expand our eco-consciousness, return to our roots, and glean the myriad teachings that nature has always offered, but which we often forget to hear. 

   Get the book →

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A monthly round-up of what we’re reading in the world of plant styling, interior design, and more.

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January may be the official start of the new year, but for many of us, there’s no time like September to feel change in the air. With temperatures cooling down, kids going back to school, and summer vacations a thing of the past, we begin to settle into routine at home (and in a way, we’ve been practicing for it all year). This month, find some helpful and hopefully inspirational material on finding that groove and getting back to work.

Simple tips to add biophilic elements to your home

Humans are instinctually drawn to the natural world, and design that incorporates elements from nature can have a positive effect on our well-being. This is the theory behind biophilic design, a term that is becoming more and more mainstream every day. “But what do you do if the view from your bedroom, living room or home office window is a brick wall, rather than trees, and you’re not able to move or remodel?” This is the question posed in a wonderful Forbes article outlining tips on how to incorporate biophilic design (in small ways) into your home.

The Declutter Cure

Fall refresh, anyone? If you’re using your space for both home and work, you may feel the need more than ever. If that’s the case, roll up your sleeves and tackle step one: declutter. Apartment Therapy is running what they’re calling the Decluttering Cure, a 20-day guided “course” of sorts on how to make your home the calming, tidy sanctuary you’ve always dreamt of.

The Value of Investing in Educational Design

Whether you work in education, are a parent to kids of your own, or simply have an interest in design, there might be something for you in this timely piece highlighting three educational projects that break traditional norms. Though not everyone is headed back to a physical school this fall, some ideas may be easily extracted for distance learning (and working from home!), including bridging the learning experience between indoors and out.

An elegantly curated Work From Home edit

Is decorating ever really complete? Improving your indoors is a bit of a constant in life, so if you’re looking to elevate some elements of your work from home space, our friends at Snowe have curated a small collection of handpicked essentials that “prize productivity while providing more style than the supply closet.” Check out the edit here.

What’s inspiring you this month? Let us know in the comments!

Photo by Hiroyuki Oki for Frame.

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A monthly round-up of what we’re reading in the world of plant styling, interior design, and more.

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“Trees fall with spectacular crashes. But planting is silent and growth is invisible.”

-Richard Powers, The Overstory⁠

In the face of growth, progress, and change, we often look to nature for guidance. The way a plant or tree grows may seem effortless and natural, but we must remind ourselves that, below the surface, growth is a product of intention, patience, and often, great struggle.

This month we’ve created a summer reading list that highlights some of our team’s favorite books on nature and new growth, and the valuable wisdom and beauty we may gather from our silent but rooted companions along the way.

1. The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

   A fascinating journey through trees’ complex communities and support systems.

   “A tree can be only as strong as the forest that surrounds it.” As much can be said about human society, too. In his fascinating exploration of the social nature of trees, german forester Peter Wohlleben extracts crucial similarities we have with nature’s oldest life form, bringing to light how we humans thrive only when we create societies and communities that serve to support and protect one another.

   Get the book →

2. The Home Place by J. Drew Lanham

   A deeply moving memoir that explores our desire for nature and belonging.

   J. Drew Lanham, an ornithologist at Clemson University, knows a thing or two about working as a Black man in a predominantly white field. In his beautiful and relevant memoir that recounts growing up (and falling in love with) the verdant lushness of the deep south, he uniquely touches on so many issues that remain a reality of being black in today’s America.

   Get the book →

3. The Overstory by Richard Powers

   A critically acclaimed novel and Pulitzer Prize winner about gargantuan trees.

   An epic tale following the diverse lives of nine different characters and their unique experiences with trees, this 2018 novel rooted in environmentalism ultimately reminds us of the power of the interconnected roots of our age-old ancestors, and each other.

   Get the book →

4. Wild Interiors by Hilton Carter

   A gorgeous book on plant styling and letting nature inspire your indoors.

   With a unique eye and an unmistakable look, there’s a lot to love about Hilton Carter’s world of plant styling and beyond. In his latest book, Hilton shares his personal journey with indoor plants, including tips on how to select plants for each space, followed by a tour of inspiring homes that display the versatility and beauty of decorating with plants.

   Get the book →

5. The Revolutionary Genius of Plants by Stefano Mancuso

   A study on the genius that lies within the plants that surround us.

   Are plants better problem solvers than people? This is the central question world-renowned scientist Stefano Mancuso asks in his book about the complex nature of plants and their ability to perceive their surroundings with an even greater sensitivity than animals.

   Get the book →

What are you reading this summer, and where do you plan on finding new growth?

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A monthly round-up of what we’re reading in the world of plant styling, interior design, and more.

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The world may sometimes feel like it’s at a standstill, yet nature continues on her course: spring is in full force, summer is knocking on the backdoor, and we continue to find inspiration in so many places, even from home! Check out what we’re reading this month:

1. A new plant trend in town?

   According to the design junkies at Clever, there’s a new plant trend in town, and it doesn’t start with the word “fiddle”. So what is it, you ask? Bringing an outdoors feeling in with trailing plants. There’s a handful of suggestions, and it’s no wonder the easy and lush Cascading Pothos is at the top of the list!

2. Foraging for branches

   Erin Hiemstra of Apartment34 knows how to create beautiful spaces, and we’ve been loving her tips and tricks for creating harmony at home these days. We already feel strongly about using our existing plants to create more corners of beauty with leaves and cuttings, but we also love the ingenious idea (complete with plenty of inspo!) to collect branches as decor pieces for the home.

3. Cocktail hour is back

   There are a select few silver linings of the current situation our world faces, and one of them has been the inevitable slow down our fast-paced lives. With it comes the return of the cocktail hour, delightfully detailed in this NYT piece last month. So go ahead, stir up a cocktail and enjoy (and find a few recipes here!).

4. The tonic of gardening during quarantine

   “What all gardeners know, and the rest of you may discover, is that if you have even the smallest space, a pot on a window ledge, a front step, a wee yard, there is no balm to the soul greater than planting seeds.” Similar to the way we marvel as a new leaf unfurls on one of our plants, this writer reminds us that there is so much joy and gratification in watching things grow.

5. Calming paint colors for the DIYers

   Calming paint colors — enough said! Even if you don’t have plans for a paint job any time soon, these colors are fun and soothing to look at, and who knows, one thing might lead to another and you’ll find yourself in a fun new project.

What’s inspiring you this month? Let us know in the comments!

Photo by Constanze Ladner

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A monthly round-up of what we’re reading in the world of plant styling, interior design, and more.

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They say that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. This spring we’ve seen so many businesses both big and small step up to the plate amidst the current global health crisis, finding ways to be creative, stay afloat, and give back to their communities. From pivoting production at their factories to donating much needed supplies, to simply doing their best to maintain the livelihoods of their employees, we’re proud and in awe of how resourceful we humans can be.

As a team, we’re connecting every day to share tidbits of good news, and resources to support each other and our communities. Here are a few that we thought our sophisticated plant community would also enjoy:

1. Haus - The Restaurant Project

   For the foodies out there, here is an immediate way to make an impact on America’s struggling restaurant industry. Haus is a chic alcohol brand that is working with restaurants across the country to co-create apéritifs that reflect their unique culinary approach. 100% of the profits go directly back to the restaurant to help them cover costs, support their employees, and ultimately stay in business.

2. Allbirds - A Pair for you, A Pair for Healthcare Workers

   The trendy wool sneaker brand has already made significant donations to support healthcare workers, but now they’ve created an option for their customers to give back, too. Shoppers can bundle their purchase with a pair for donation, or donate a pair with just one click.

3. Headspace - Tools for weathering the Storm

   Ask anyone who’s ever tried it, and they will swear by the powers of Headspace. The leading app for mindfulness and meditation is offering a wealth of free resources for all publics, including free access to Headspace Plus for healthcare workers.

4. Hedley & Bennett - Wake Up & Fight

   Many retailers are repurposing factories to make hospital gear. Hedley & Bennett (known for their colorful, chef-grade aprons) have meticulously designed stylish yet practical face masks, teaming up with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to ensure their effectiveness. They’re calling them the “Wake Up & Fight” mask, and for each one purchased, the brand will provide one to a hospital, nursing home, or other organization in need. 

5. Everlane - Support Your Local Food bank

   This clothing brand is donating 100% of the profits from its 100% Human collection to Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund, which is using its network of 200 food banks across the country to provide support to communities impacted by the pandemic. The unisex t-shirts and sweaters make great, admittedly memorable, gifts.

We know this is a far from exhaustive list. Let us know in the comments your favorite companies and brands making a difference during this time!

Photo credit: @brandaohh via Unsplash

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Photo: Caren Alpert for Dwell.

A monthly round-up of what we’re reading in the world of plant styling, interior design, and more.

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Deep cleaning, fresh air, and color. Spring is nature’s form of inspiration, and we’re going to let it inspire! This March we’re spending our time discovering impressive women in the design world, pondering new accent hues for spring, and talking about the style that will never go out of style—mid-century modern. Spring has us inspired, and we hope you feel inspired, too.

1. Women make the (art) world go round

   In light of International Women’s Day, we loved learning about these inspiring female designers from Wescover. From furniture designers to muralists to fiber artists, there is so much female talent to discover (and support!).

2. Pausing with plants for better health

   New Yorker Brittany Gowan knows a thing or two about mindfulness and the impact nature can have on our wellbeing. Combining her love of plants with a background in executive coaching and psychology, she created Pause With Plants in an effort to help other city-dwellers like herself connect to the natural world. Read about her project in an exclusive interview here.

3. What do indigo, lavender, and cornflower blue have in common?

   There’s no time like spring to make some decor updates. Start to get inspired with this round-up of super specific spring color trends in Domino Mag, fielded from 21 different designers surfacing surprising colors like dusty purple and mint.

4. Mid-Century Paint Colors

   While we’re on the topic of colors, we’ve been talking all things mid-century this month and found much delight in these colors that really do nail the MCM look. So if dusty purple and mint are not for you, try golden yellow or tangerine.

5. Minimalist collaborations

   Any home renovation junkies out there? Whether or not you’re a big fan of this line of entertainment, one thing is for sure: the new collaboration between Crate & Barrel and Leanne Ford (Restored by the Fords) is total eye candy, especially for those of us who lean towards a minimalist aesthetic.

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Photo: Architectural Digest

A monthly round-up of what we’re reading in the world of plant styling, interior design, and more.

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Is there any better time than now to stay indoors? The holidays are long gone, our new year’s resolutions are under way, and we’re catching up on that much-needed rest time after an ambitious start to the year. It’s the season of nesting, and allowing ourselves a bit of hibernation and relaxation is necessary! So curl up in your favorite corner with a cozy blanket and a warm beverage of choice and indulge in the great indoors. Here, a bit of reading material (and eye candy) while you do:

1. Inspiration from the silver screen

   With news of the Oscars buzzing, we couldn’t help but get inspired by happenings on the silver screen, like the gorgeous mid-century gem in Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite (which we’ve since learned was an entirely newly built set). But equally intriguing real homes there are a-plenty, like those that appeared in movies like The Big Lewbowski, A Clockwork Orange, and more.

2. Why Valentine’s Day flowers will become a thing of the past

   Flowers are gorgeous, but what are the implications when American shoppers spend almost $2 billion on them at once? That’s what happens every Valentine’s Day and as you can imagine, it’s not good for our planet. Read about where all these roses come from, and what it takes to get them to consumers’ hands.

3. The timelessness of houseplants

   Some things never change, including plant care. We love digging through the NYT archives for old houseplant musings, like this simple and delightful guide on how to take care of houseplants from 1976. Yes, all of this information is still accurate, and yes, that little Monstera was just as popular back then as it is now!

4. Guilty pleasure

   We can’t vouch for the inhabitants, but we’ll swoon over an ultra lush space anytime, especially one as unique as this. Take a peek into the Kardashian/West LA residence and get a glimpse of “the metamorphosis of the house from suburban McMansion to futuristic Belgian monastery.” And if you’re wondering, those are Birds of Paradise, Little Hopes, and various different ferns adorning their master bath garden. Creating a similar feel (even without a garden) in your own bathroom is not difficult with a few large-leafed beauties.

5. Transforming your home into a winter sanctuary

   Sure, staying in can be wonderful. But for a big part of the US, the end of winter is nowhere in sight and that may be a troublesome realization for some. If you’re feeling over it, take these light-hearted tips to embrace the winter blues and create a cozy feel inside your home. Because, as it turns out, hygge is actually a real thing.

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