Posts tagged Lifestyle

Fall’s Trendiest Palette: Interior Colors To Showcase Your Plants

Candy apple anyone? Sure brings out the best in the Fiddle Leaf Fig!

We think that fall’s colors are the most exciting aspect of a season that’s full of reasons to celebrate. Incorporating a rich palette of deep tones into your home can boost your mood and make your plants’ vibrant foliage pop (just look at the way these royal blue walls highlight the striking variegation on this lush Snake Plant!). Check out the gorgeous pairings below for some autumn inspo.

Moody Slate

Deep, moody slate is a striking and evocative tone for interior walls, and it lends itself to a wide array of aesthetics. It also provides the perfect contrast for the lush, violin-shaped foliage of this statuesque Fiddle Leaf Fig.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Bush

Monstera Deliciosa

Evocative Apricot

Let the sun shine in! This entryway’s warm, apricot tone is reminiscent of stone fruit and the low, enchanting glow of autumn light. It’s a perfect complement to the whimsical and sculptural Dragon Tree showcased within.

Dragon Tree

Dracaena Compacta

Prussian Blue

Dying to find the perfect counterpoint for your plant’s gem-tone, ruby foliage? You may just need to inject your space with a wash of soft grays and blues. Here, the Prussian blue walls are paired with soft, dove gray doors- dark tones that offer plenty of dreamy, velvety texture and lift the burgundy tones of this statement plant to make it even more dazzling.

Magenta Triostar

Snake Plant

Velvety Ginger

We are in love with this gorgeous statement wall’s ginger hue, because it adds warmth and depth to the space without darkening it. Statement walls are a great way to add dimensionality and color to your home without committing to a complete, all-encompassing paint scheme- and look how it offsets the emerald tones of that leafy, textural Monstera!

Little Hope

Braided Money Tree

Deep Natural Pine

If you’ve spent time in arboreal climates you know that the color of pine foliage is exceptionally varied and wonderfully complex, so we are truly in awe at the nuanced hue of this paint tone: a perfect marriage of green and deep blue that reflects the natural tones of pine. It’s comforting, serene and a little mysterious- perfect for a statement wall. And against this gorgeous hue, the foliage of these plant varieties really dances with dimensionality and depth. The Rubber Plants are extra-glossy, the variegated leaves especially painterly. This is a fall tone for the ages.

Bird of Paradise

Rubber Tree

Easy Care Plants, Delivered

Beautifully potted plants, plus lifetime plant care support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

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Interior DesignLéon & GeorgeOctober 15, 2021Lifestyle, Interior Design

Dear Plant Stylist: "Which plants will complement a gem-tone decor?"

A lush Bird of Paradise. Photo credit: Batch

In our Dear Plant Stylist series, we share styling inquiries received by our in-house stylist with our audience. So read on- you just might find that your plant styling questions are answered below!

—

Dear Plant Stylist,

My husband and I just inherited a living room set from his mother and it’s beautiful, but the entire set is light gray. I like this color, but I don’t want our whole living room space to become washed out. I’m not a “beige/minimalist” person. My Pinterest searching led me to gem tones, and I saw a lot of emerald there, so I naturally thought: plants! Which statement plants would you consider “gem tone”?

Best,

S.F.

—

Hi S.,

We adore inherited furniture! And it’s not only sustainable- it’s the perfect complement to a storied, love-filled home. In regard to your particular set, we think that you’ve lucked out with a gray collection, because it will be easy to incorporate accents- plants, patterns, and textures- to your heart’s content. Now, onto gem tones.

The Zanzibar Gem, aptly named! Photo credit: Léon & George

A wonderfully matched Dracaena Lisa. Photo Credit: Alison Giese Interiors

You’re not wrong that emerald is a stunning gem tone, and living plants showcase the hue while adding texture and sculptural intrigue to a space. Of our plant varieties, the Zanzibar Gem and Dracaena Lisa are particularly popular for the depth of their emerald foliage.

But the fun doesn’t stop there: enter the Rubber Tree. Its shiny, glowing leaves combine hues of both deep emerald and burgundy. Gem tones galore! The extra large Rubber Tree variety is an absolute standout, but it is also available in large, medium and small sizes. No matter the size, its foliage will display that emerald and claret combination that is so stunning.

Another excellent option for a large gem tone plant is the Red Congo, aptly named for its deep, scarlet stems and emerald leaves. Red Congos are beyond low-maintenance, low-light adaptable and have lush, full foliage. They’re ideal for those pesky corners that receive low light, where other plants might fail.

Statement plants with deep green hues like the Kentia Palm are a great fit for gem tone interiors. Photo credit: Batch

And now for a smattering of fantastic plants to place on surfaces! For adorning coffee tables, mantels and shelves, we offer a great selection of colorful, variegated plants. Magenta Triostars, Calathea Rattlesnakes, and Golden Petras are all wonderful options, with foliage that reflects emerald, pink and citrine tones. They can all be mixed and matched, and playing with pot colors can highlight their hues. Black ceramic pots provide beautiful contrast for brightly variegated plants.

With your greenery locked down, it’s time to accessorize! Wood stands, particularly in light teak and black tones, will provide further contrast and warmth to your arrangements. It’s also fun to play with levels and shapes, by mixing the bell-shaped Nouvelle pot with other styles. When placed on surfaces, medium plants housed in wood stands provide both height and visual play.

The takeaway: go wild! Your gray furniture has provided you with the perfect clean slate to explore an abundance of gem tones, for a result that will be harmonious and engaging.

Interior Design, LifestyleLéon & GeorgeOctober 1, 2021Plant Stylists, Interior Design, Lifestyle

5 Striking Ways to Decorate with Sustainable Holiday Greenery

Image credit: Staghorn Fern and Calathea Rattlesnake, by Leon & George

There’s no better season to tap into the pleasure of sustainable decorating than the holidays! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all- and the perfect opportunity to allow nature’s beauty to shine inside your home. So as you prepare to engage in all your favorite things, don’t forget to enjoy the experience of decking the halls.

Wildcrafted Wreaths and Garlands

If you’re reading this, you’re likely already a nature lover. The outdoors can be your playground and a great way to use the natural beauty around you. Wildcrafting wreaths, garlands and bouquets from wild plants that are responsibly harvested from nature is a wonderful way to curate your own array of authentic decor. An easy place to start is with conifers, like pinecones, cypress boughs and other evergreen accents. What’s around your home? Is there an abundance of wild sage around you? Aspens or birches nearby? Find a mix of colors and textures. Once you’ve gathered your elements, simply weave them together as a wreath you can hang or assemble them tastefully across an entryway table. Your decor is sure to please and right on point for the season.

alternative christmas trees — From left to right: XL Rubber Tree, Snake Plant, & XL Fiddle Leaf Fig

2. “CHRISTMAS TREES” YOU CAN KEEP YEAR ROUND

Sometimes city living makes it logistically difficult to bring home a big beautiful Douglas Fir. Naturally, we recommend sprucing up your houseplants as a sustainable alternative to Christmas Trees. It’s safe to use traditional decor like ornaments and garlands, just be careful with placement. Find the strongest boughs and be careful not to poke the leaves. XL plants that are strong and more mature can be decorated with traditional indoor lights. Fairy lights would be better for smaller sized plants.

Bring out the family ornaments you love, and intersperse them with homemade ornaments of origami paper, found materials, and clay! You’ll love the aesthetic, and it will be entirely unique to your home.

3. Rosemary Trees

Decorative, super cute, and ready to inspire your inner chef. To successfully grow herbs indoors, you need direct light and attentive watering skills. Rosemary Trees are a perfect alternative for smaller spaces and for adding a touch of holiday to your kitchen decor. Make it modern by pairing your mini tree with a Scandinavian style ceramic planter. As an herb that you can grow all year round, its distinct flavor complements savory and sweet dishes alike.

Image credit: Vintage Léon & George, Rosemary Tree in Jaws Blue ceramic

4. LIVING CENTERPIECES

We love a gorgeous centerpiece, but we also know that cut flowers can bring on a certain melancholy as they dry over time and don’t grow back. Consider arranging a living centerpiece by showcasing colorful, ruby-toned plant varieties like Magenta Triostars or the bright and sprightly Silver Evergreen. Add touches of gold and small ornaments to consummate the holiday touch.

5. Homemade (and Even Home-Grown!) Decor

If you’re already headed to the grocery store or the garden, you’re well-suited to enjoy the pastime of stringing your own garlands and ornaments! We love the traditional aesthetic of garlands made of popcorn, and they’re especially fun to make with loved ones and kids. We also adore the classic appeal of dried orange slices and pomanders, and their scent is divine. Simply slice the citrus thin and dry it on low in your oven. For pomanders, you can insert cloves into the orange’s peel. Make sure to insert them close together, covering the entire surface area of the fruit, if you’d like the orange to dry entirely and last for years to come.

THE HOLIDAY COLLECTION

When it comes to those we love, it’s what is inside that counts. That’s why we’ve curated our holiday gift collection to reflect the very best: premium greenery to adorn beloved spaces, essential care products comprised of the highest quality of ingredients, and accessories that are a pleasure to use every day.

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Education, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeOctober 1, 2021Lifestyle, HolidaysComment

A Space with Character, with The Landing

"My personal style of decor is specific, because I have a great love for the Modern movement, but I always want to keep it approachable by adding practical, grounded complements. My Noda Horo kettle is a good example of something that's very well de… — "My personal style of decor is specific, because I have a great love for the Modern movement, but I always want to keep it approachable by adding practical, grounded complements. My Noda Horo kettle is a good example of something that's very well designed, but pragmatic. Ideally, I'd always be surrounded by objects and decor that feel forever fresh." -Aurelia, UX Designer. View on The Landing.

What makes your space “you”? Bringing your own personality and flair to your home is one of the most enjoyable parts of decorating, and from the color palettes you lean towards to the houseplants you choose to nurture, every piece of your home is a reflection of the singularity that is you!

We asked some of our team members to envision their own character-filled home, and the results were delightful. Check out their creations and inspirations (we used The Landing mood board app), and don’t be afraid to create your own!

“I love color and shapes but worry too much about things clashing and always end up defaulting to white. The result is usually a clean, minimal space with a pop of color. That’s what I love so much about plants— their vibrancy is enough to bring a stark white room to life!” -Barbie, Head of Brand. View on The Landing.

Dracaena Lisa

Zanzibar Gem

Cascading Pothos

"I give myself free reign to indulge in everything I love when it comes to my home, which means lots of prints. It's a far cry from my taste in fashion, which is almost exclusively black. At home I have kilims, bizarre antiques, chinoiserie florals and lots of handmade baskets. I prize vintage over new items in almost every scenario, and have furniture from the 1890s to the 1970s. Material is key-- I'm still seeking a few perfect cane chairs." -Allison, Plant Stylist. View on The Landing.

“I’m full of contradictions when decorating. I despise clutter, yet I love to pile on the texture. I’m a Virgo so I can be a perfectionist, yet I prefer a perfectly imperfect look: a rogue chair, mismatched patterns… Above all I strive for coziness, and to me that means actually looking and feeling lived in (and yes that means accepting the occasional clutter, too!). And of course, no space would be really mine without my total couch potato of a dog, Duna :)” -Renée, Marketing Director. View on The Landing.

Bird's Nest Fern

Monstera Deliciosa

Rubber Plant

Interior Design, LifestyleLéon & GeorgeSeptember 16, 2021Plant Stylists, Interior Design, Lifestyle

5 Lush and Lavish Plant-Inspired Zoom Backgrounds

Remote office need a little sprucing? Or perhaps there’s simply an absolute mess behind you, which you completely forgot tidy up before your 8am meeting. Of course a living plant will drastically improve your Zoom game, but in the meantime, here’s a gift from us to you: a few backdrops to instantly put some lush greenery in your corner! Tested by our team and Plant Stylist approved, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful, plant-filled background.

How to use: simply right click, save, and upload to Zoom! Keep in mind that once you’ve set it as your background, the logo will read backwards for you (but not your audience).

Working In Paradise

Morning Light

Urban Oasis

At Home With Léon & George

Parisian Cafe

Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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Interior Design, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeAugust 19, 2021Plants for every room, LifestyleComment

10 Plant-Filled Cafes To Inspire Your Morning Brew

Nothing enriches indoor spaces quite like plants. They add texture, vivacity and vibrant color to interiors while doing double-duty by purifying the air. Of course, we could go on and on about their benefits all day. But when you combine them with our second favorite of nature’s inventions (coffee!) we are almost speechless with delight! Check out the incredible cafes below that have incorporated living greenery in magical and bountiful ways.

Coffee & Plants

Located in beautiful, sunny Pasadena, this cafe has exactly what we all need: Coffee and Plants! Featuring an Instagram-worthy wall of living greenery, cascades of rich crimson roses and an entirely-plant based menu, Coffee and Plants is well worth the trip- and pet-friendly!

62 W. Union Street, Pasadena

Seesaw Coffee

An ode to an exceptional tree. We confess to slight Game of Thrones flashbacks with the breathtaking emphasis Seesaw Coffee’s Beijing location has placed on their central, expansive tree feature. But the greenery doesn’t stop there- lush, jungle-like greenery abounds in this aesthetic marvel, designed by Nota Architects.

433 Yuyuan Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai

The Starbucks Cafe at Yomiuriland’s Yani-Biyori Greenhouse

You’ve never seen a cafe quite like this! Yomiurland’s is replete with cascading greenery and flowering plants. Trust an iconic garden to go all-out with their new cafe. Even the Starbucks sign is made of living plants!

Yanokuchi, 4015-1, Yomiuriland

Coperaco Cafe

Crowned with a canopy of trawling ivy, Jersey City’s Coperaco Cafe features gorgeous, blonde wood slat construction and breathtaking marble as well as some of the most lush indoor greenery we’ve had the pleasure to witness. A cafe, treehouse and greenhouse in one-- it doesn’t get better than that!

777 S. 3rd St, Harrison, NJ

Petersham Nurseries Cafe

Another gem of an English garden, Petersham Nurseries Cafe is an elegant restaurant in a traditional glasshouse. Featuring an array of gorgeous live flowers, (jasmine and bougainvillea feature prominently) this beautiful restaurant features seasonal, local food and breathtaking centerpiece bouquets. With pom-poms of hydrangeas, fragrant roses and exquisite desserts, who could possibly ask for more!

Off Church Ln, Petersham Rd, Richmond

Dalloway Terrace

Nestled in London’s Bloomsbury District, you’ll find Dalloway Terrace: a gorgeous indoor/outdoor eatery and cafe, complete with classic striped awnings and bentwood cane seating. With fruiting citrus trees trained in beautiful trellises and classic, English greenery, Dalloway Terrace brings to mind the very best of a UK vacation. Perfect for toting a John LeCarre novel and dining al fresco!

16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London

Arvo Cafe

No surprise that Honolulu would feature some of the most stunning and vibrant tropical plants in the U.S.! And with its indoor and outdoor areas absolutely abound with greenery, it’s the perfect place to grab a lunch of sustainably harvested fare and relax in the sun.

324 Coral Street at SALT, Honolulu

3 Arts Club Cafe

An absolute stunner both architecturally (this restaurant is housed in an enormous, elegant glass house) and in terms of its abundant greenery, the 3 Arts Club Cafe is housed in Chicago’s glorious Restoration Hardware. Luxe seating and verdant trees surround its iconic central fountain.

1300 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago

Fleur Universelle

We’ve never seen anything quite like Tokyo’s Fleur Universelle. Featuring a flower shop and tea shop, chock-full of gorgeous blooms and situated behind a statuesque tree, this hidden gem is straight out of a fairytale. It even has a fantasy-worthy treehouse, accessible by ladder!

3F Fleur Universelle, 5-15-11 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Interior Design, LifestyleLéon & GeorgeJuly 24, 2021Education, Interior Design, LifestyleComment

Inspired By Nature: A Summer Reading List

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.

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 →
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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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!
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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.
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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.
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LifestyleLéon & GeorgeJuly 8, 2021Reading List, LifestyleComment

4 Easy Care Flowering Plants For Indoors

Flowering plants for indoors: a few of our favorite picks, and where to buy them online

Flowers or plants? Have both, with these easy care flowering plants for indoors.

There’s no denying the beauty of fresh flowers, but wouldn’t it be nice if they lasted longer than a week or two? Luckily there’s more ways than one to bring nature’s beauty into your home, and flowering plants for indoors are a great way to enjoy both fresh flowers and fresh greenery year round.

With the right care, many flowering plants can last for years and even decades, bringing fresh blooms and beauty without pause. While some flowering plants will only bloom a couple times a year while indoors, others will bloom year round with just minimal care.

At Léon & George, we also know how much you love to send plants to your loved ones near and far; after all, plants are a symbolic and attractive gift for any occasion. But sometimes the occasion calls for flowers, which is why we’re thrilled to introduce our first collection of flowering plants for indoors. Combining the ephemeral beauty of cut flowers with the enduring longevity of potted plants, we’re happy to say that you no longer have to choose!

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for a gift, here are a few of our favorite flowering plants, potted in our signature handcrafted ceramic planters and acclimated for life indoors.

Queen of Spades Anthurium

Dramatic in looks yet unfussy in character, this Anthurium is a head turner to say the least. Bright light and water once a week are all this plant needs to bloom year round.
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Snowdrop Calandiva

As a member of the succulent family, it should be no surprise that the Calandiva is an incredibly hardy houseplant. With small clusters of white flowers that last 6-8 weeks, this plant generally blooms in winter and spring, though it can be easily “tricked” into blooming year round.
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Peace Lily

A popular, incredibly resilient indoor plant, the Peace Lily has lush, deep green foliage complimented by delicate white spathes, attractive flower-like leaves that can last for months.
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King of Hearts Anthurium

Bright scarlet red flowers are what make this small Anthurium the perfect alternative to a bouquet of roses. Though there is no fragrance, with bright light the plant will continuously produce fresh flowers for years to come.
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Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
3 tablespoons chopped rosemary
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar

Preparation

In a bowl, mix together flour, salt, and rosemary. In another larger bowl, cream together or beat using an electric mixer softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low or mixing by hand until the mixture resembles course crumbs.

Gather the mixture into a ball and between two sheets of parchment paper, roll flat into about 1/4 inch width. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using your cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gather the scraps and roll out again to make more cookies. Bake for 10-12 minutes, making sure not to let the cookies brown.

Find the perfect size

Most standard dining tables look best with a small or medium-sized potted plant between 4-8” in diameter, or if you’re using multiple, between 2-4”. Longer, banquet style tables will generally look best with multiple 4”-8” diameter plants.

Lower-profile plants or trailing plants (i.e. the Cascading Pothos) tend to be more practical, though if you’re looking to make a statement, don’t be afraid of height!

A simple and adorable tablescape using a small Jade Pothos.

Keep It Simple, Or Mix It Up

A minimal look never fails. Pair your plant with a few tapered candles, or surround it with other pieces like branches, dried flowers, or air plants for a fuller look.

Explore groupings

For a feeling of abundance, create a vignette with a group of smaller plants, working with varying heights and in uneven numbers. Succulents or small cacti work well for this, or for a lusher, forest-like feel, try tiny ferns with fairy lights.

The N’Joy Pothos adds a bright splash to a traditional table setting.

Upcycle cuttings and branches

Instead of using the entire plant, try taking a cutting (or several!) from some of your favorite houseplants for an artistic alternative to flowers. Many cuttings can last for ages in water, and you can eventually plant them in soil to create a new plant as well.

Ready to start decorating your tablescape? Shop our full collection of centerpiece plants to find the very best potted greenery for this purpose. Once your plant’s days as a centerpiece are over, place it somewhere else in your home to enjoy it for years to come—or until the next time you’ll need it to adorn your table!

Photos by @jeannecychan & @theplantmami for Léon & George