Transform that empty room into an indoor retreat

If you live in the city or have a nine to five job you probably know how tedious it can be to drag yourself to work every morning, beat the traffic and work like a zombie on repeat. For most people in the city, the monotonous daily routine can put you one edge, give you anxiety and in the worst cases even depression. 

In the midst of this fast-paced, modern rat-race, finding a sanctuary to escape the tension of daily routines has become increasingly essential. This is why I recommend creating a tropical oasis away from the daily headache to rejuvenate and recover after a long day.

Imagine knowing that you have your very own tropical oasis, a lush and serene retreat where you can unwind and recenter in the comfort of your home. By transforming an unused room into an indoor tropical garden, you can create a low-maintenance, yet utterly captivating space that transports you to a world of tranquility.

So why go through all the trouble of creating an indoor garden in your house? Short answer: plants are therapeutic.

Yes. A simple thing such as looking at beautiful flowers can help calm you down and alleviate the stresses of a challenging day. Regularly immersing yourself in nature can help reduce negative emotions such as anger, fear, anxiety, stress, sadness and even lower blood pressure. It has also been linked with easing muscle tension and lowering the pulse rate, which is great for your body and managing stress. 

Also, unless you're allergic to flowers and pollen, nothing beats the fresh air that you get from a well manicured garden. Every deep breath takes you deeper into relaxation and the mesmerizing colors transport you to a tropical jungle of freedom.

So where do you start? Well, this all depends on the room you choose. To start with I would recommend a room with a balcony for easy access to the outdoor and to create that indoor-outdoor living space.

However, it that's not the case don't fret. We can still do this!

Lighting is Key

Whether you're working on a room with a balcony or one that is more isolated, lighting is the most important thing in  creating a therapeutic indoor garden. The whole purpose of this project is to recreate the outdoors as much as possible. 

As such, lighting plays a crucial role in creating the perfect ambiance for your indoor retreat. Consider investing in artificial plant-inspired lamps that mimic the ethereal glow of sunlight filtering through foliage. These captivating pieces not only provide warm, ambient illumination but also serve as artistic focal points, seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics.

In addition to ambience and relaxation, adequate lighting can mimic sunlight and boost your plants' photosynthesis, hence enabling them to grow strong and healthy. 

To emulate the warm, golden hues of sunshine, incorporate strategic flood lighting that casts a radiant glow over your indoor garden. This natural-looking illumination will enhance the vibrant colors of both real and artificial greenery, creating a truly immersive and rejuvenating atmosphere.

Make use of Fake Foliage or Faux Greenery

Speaking of artificial greenery, incorporating fake plants can significantly enhance your indoor garden. For those with pollen allergies, fake plants are a great substitute for real ones. The are low maintenance and surprisingly offer similar mental benefits as real ones. However, even if you are not allergic to pollen I highly recommend fake grass for your indoor garden. 

This simple addition will not only provide a lush, grounded feel but also invite you to kick off your shoes and truly immerse yourself in the serene surroundings. Plus, it's low maintenance and it won't dirty the rest of your house when you walk in and out of your secret tropical retreat.

Use a mix of real and fake plants for your garden to ensure that constant pop of color, variety of elegant foliage and an overall space that re-energizes you for work the next day. I mean, fake plants will never dry out because of the heat or produce flowers only during specific seasons. So no matter the season, they will always be popping and elevating your mood.

Fake plants can help you diversify your garden particularly when it comes to exotic plants that cannot do well in your local environment. By incorporating fake plants, you can always have a lush garden that improves your mood each time you walk in. This will also motivate you to give more love to the real plants.

Invest in Beautiful Pots

Potted plants are a must for indoor gardens for obvious reasons. However, it is important to make sure that your garden feels like a tropical paradise rather than some old government institution. Curate beautiful pots. Look for a variety of interesting pots for your indoor garden. 

To bring depth and dimension to your indoor oasis, strategically place potted plants throughout the space. Opt for a variety of sizes, shapes, and species to create a sense of diversity and natural abundance. Incorporate trailing vines spilling over the edges of planters, adding movement and a touch of whimsy to your tropical paradise.

Incorporate Hanging Plants and Creeping Plants

As in the example above, an indoor garden doesn't have to be massive. In this design, I incorporated a red carpet and potted plants to give that VIP feel. The use of hanging plants makes the most of the small space and enables one to still enjoy the outdoors while still inside. There are many ways to style an indoor garden and depending on the available space, the designs can be simple or elaborate. Ultimately, the goal is to create a space that helps you to unwind.

Have Seating Spaces

The whole point of an indoor garden is to soak in nature. What better way is there than having seating spaces? I recommend using outdoor furniture to create that outdoor feel. Incorporate rustic wooden furniture pieces, such as a cozy daybed or recliner, inviting you to relax and bask in the tranquility of your tropical retreat.

You can also create custom seating suitable for your space.

Have Humidifiers

Yes. I know you're probably wondering what a humidifier has to do with your indoor garden. Well for starters, humidifiers make a tremendous impact on plants health and make them more vibrant. When your plants are exposed to long periods of dry air particularly during the cold season or winter, the leaves tend to dry out. The presence of humidity can also help your plants rate of photosynthesis and enable them to grow bigger and better.

It is important to note that you should not put essential oils in the humidifier for your indoor garden as this may be counterproductive. Also, don't leave it running throughout but rather keep it on for about 5 hours on low setting per day to allow your plants' leaves time to dry up each day, which is also important.

Another reason why you need a humidifier is for yourself. Just like your plants will thank you for the humidity so will your skin. Humidifiers have significant benefits for the human body. In addition to moisturizing your skin, humidifiers also help alleviate allergies and ease respiratory issues such as a cold, the flu or sinuses. 

Honestly speaking, a humidifier is a game changer for your indoor garden. Whenever you take a walk in the gardens outdoors the fresh cool air always makes your stress levels go down. So why not bring that feeling indoors by creating your own magical oasis. 

By thoughtfully curating this indoor tropical sanctuary, you'll have a personal haven where you can escape the stresses of daily life and reconnect with the restorative power of nature. Surround yourself with the soothing hues of lush greenery, bask in the warm, natural-inspired lighting, and let the serene ambiance wash over you. Your indoor tropical retreat will become a cherished space for relaxation, rejuvenation, and a much-needed respite from the outside world.

Important note: Do not sleep in your indoor or outdoor garden at night. Plants respiration is similar to humans as they take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide (CO 2). However, due to photosynthesis during the day plants release oxygen and use up carbon dioxide (CO 2). In contrast, in the evening they take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide, which is toxic to human beings. While plant species differ and the rate of CO 2 emission may vary, being in a room full of plants at night can result in competing for oxygen. There have been cases of people who have suffered from this and reported cases of migraines, nausea, respiratory problems and even suffocation. 

So stay safe!

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by Christine Ndegwa

26th April 2024

Ready to transform your space? At Citta Magica, we specialize in turning your design dreams into reality. Contact us at info@cittamagica.com for a consultation, and let's create a home that reflects your style and meets your needs. Your modern sanctuary awaits!