The Best Houseplants for Your Home (Interior Design Guide)

Lisa Leighton
Dec 3
3 min read

Houseplants have become essential elements of interior design across England, bringing softness, height, texture, and natural warmth into both modern and traditional homes.

Houseplants aren’t just decorative—they improve your environment in tangible ways. the right plant can enhance air quality, boost mood, reduce stress, and even improve sleep. Here’s a room-by-room guide to some of the best plants for your home.

Living Room: Statement Plants That Purify & Impress

The living room is where you binge watch TV, entertain, and spend your evenings. Plants here should fill space, complement décor, and clean the air.

Yellow armchair in cozy room with bookshelf filled with colorful books. Green plant beside chair. Framed art and large window in background.

1. Monstera Deliciosa

Practical benefits: Filters toxins from the air; adds humidity for comfort.
Design impact: Sculptural, bold leaves create a modern focal point. They make any room look tropical and vibrant.

2. Kentia Palm

Practical benefits: Reduces airborne dust; tolerates low light. Don't mind being neglected.
Design impact: Soft, tropical elegance—great for period homes or contemporary flats.

3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Practical benefits: Produces oxygen at night, improving air quality.
Design impact: Sleek vertical form complements minimalist interiors. Looks good on a worktop, sill or a floor.

Bathroom: Plants That Thrive in Humidity & Improve Air

Bathrooms benefit from plants that love steam, reduce mould risk, and enhance a spa-like feel. Best if there aren't any spikes or irritate the skin!

1. Boston Fern

Practical benefits: Absorbs excess humidity, reducing mould growth.
Design impact: Lush, textured leaves add volume.

2. Orchid (Phalaenopsis)

Practical benefits: Thrives in moisture; low-maintenance flowering adds luxury.
Design impact: Sleek, sophisticated touch for spa-style bathrooms.

3. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

Practical benefits: Thrives in humid, low-to-medium light; easy to care for.
Design impact: Delicate trailing vines bring elegance and softness—perfect for hanging baskets or high shelves.

Kitchen: Functional & Air-Enhancing Greenery

Kitchens can benefit from herbs for cooking, humidity-tolerant plants, and air-cleansing varieties.

1. Herbs (Basil, Rosemary, Mint, Parsley)

Practical benefits: Fresh ingredients for cooking; fragrant; some repel insects.
Design impact: Adds colour and freshness to windowsills and cabinet tops.

2. Burro’s Tail (above)

Practical benefits: Removes airborne toxins; thrives in bright, indirect light.
Design impact: Retro charm, perfect for shelves or hanging baskets.

3. Aloe Vera

Practical benefits: Easy to grow indoors, hard to kill. Just don't put in direct sunshine.
Design impact: Sculptural, minimal aesthetic for modern kitchens.

We love a hanging planter above an island.

Practical Interior Design Tips for plants in UK Homes

Mix aesthetics and function: Combine sculptural plants with air-purifying varieties.
Use height to fill space: Larger plants like Monstera or Kentia Palm create drama and improve air circulation.
Cluster plants strategically: Odd-numbered groups create natural-looking compositions.
Match pots to your style: Terracotta for rustic homes, modern ceramics for flats.
Rotate plants seasonally: Ensure low-light winter conditions don’t stress them.

And if we still haven't convinced you - The Practical Benefits of Faux Plants!

Add if you still aren't swayed, faux plants have their own practical advantages:

Low maintenance: No watering, pruning, or light requirements—ideal for busy households or low-light rooms.
Consistency: Faux plants stay in perfect shape year-round, no matter the season or climate.
Allergy-friendly: No pollen or mould risk.
Flexible styling: Move them anywhere—bathrooms, hallways, or rooms with no windows—without worrying about survival.
Cost-effective in the long term: High-quality artificial plants can last for years and often look just as good as the real thing.

If you look at our gallery of photoshoots, you will see one beautiful little lady appearing here and there. She is Percy and we have brought her to every photoshoot over the years. We love her dearly. She is a consummate professional, always ready for the camera.