Modern Design Trends: Add Color with Artificial Plants
Friday, December 28th, 2007
Did you know that natural is the new modern, and plants are the new furniture? Okay, I made that up, but it’s true; natural materials, plants, and anything that helps to bring the outdoors inside is sought after by designers and hotel managers all over the world. Your contract reception furniture is just as likely to come in bamboo as plastic. Why?
There has been a movement to get back to nature when it comes to lifestyles and decorating. Hotels and other businesses want guests to feel right at home, so they try to implement fabrics and plants that one might find in a residence. I have read that hotel chains are adding artificial plants and fake trees to their room decor requirements. This offers all the beauty of plants, but without the expense and upkeep of live plants. Artificial plants are treated like furniture, and just lightly dusted as needed. They’re perfect for softening up contemporary bar tables. Sit them on your commercial bar furniture and add some scented candles for a homey effect.
Which artificial plants make the best choice for hotels? Most chains follow local tradition. Tropical locations might have exotic silk flowers and palm trees, while large cities such as New York might have potted ficus trees. It all depends on the local climate and the style of the decor.
As hotel rooms move more in the direction of home decor, more specialty units, like entertainment centers, are being used. To avoid having a lot of open space with these units, and to avoid having to fill those spaces with costly decorations, designers turn to artificial plants to close the gaps. The plants can be placed on top of the entertainment centers, suspended by chains, or placed on shelving units.
If you own a hotel or other hospitality business, consider artificial plants if you haven’t already. They add a touch of warmth, welcome, and color to any guest room.
