Plants do more than purify the air — they bring life, texture, and personality to your space. But if you want your home to feel cohesive and intentional, it helps to choose plants that match your interior design style. When done right, greenery becomes part of the decor — not just an afterthought.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to select and style houseplants based on your home’s aesthetic, whether it’s minimal, boho, modern, rustic, or something uniquely yours.
Why It Matters
Plants come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and growth habits. Just like choosing the right lighting or furniture, choosing the right plant helps enhance the overall look and feel of your space.
Pairing the right foliage with your style creates harmony and makes your home feel curated and lived-in.
Minimalist Style
Key decor traits: clean lines, neutral colors, open space, simplicity
Best plants for minimalism:
- Snake Plant – upright and architectural
- ZZ Plant – glossy and sculptural
- Fiddle-Leaf Fig – a bold, single-statement tree
- Monstera – structured yet soft, with iconic leaf shape
Style tips:
- Use simple, monochrome or terracotta pots
- Stick to one or two plants per room
- Let the shape and silhouette be the focus — not the flowers
Bohemian (Boho) Style
Key decor traits: layered textures, earthy tones, eclectic vibes, handcrafted accents
Best plants for boho:
- Pothos – long, trailing vines for that “wild” look
- Spider Plant – full and lush
- Calatheas or Marantas – patterned leaves for visual interest
- Ferns – soft and flowing
Style tips:
- Use woven baskets, macramé hangers, or clay pots
- Hang plants from the ceiling or stack them in clusters
- Mix plant types and heights to create a natural jungle feel
Modern/Contemporary Style
Key decor traits: sleek furniture, bold contrast, polished finishes, open layouts
Best plants for modern homes:
- Rubber Plant – rich dark leaves, bold shape
- Bird of Paradise – large, dramatic foliage
- Alocasia – sculptural and elegant
- Peace Lily – white flowers pop against dark walls or furniture
Style tips:
- Choose striking, large-scale plants in modern planters
- Use metal, matte ceramic, or glass containers
- Keep the arrangement neat and balanced
Scandinavian Style
Key decor traits: natural light, white walls, wood accents, simplicity + comfort
Best plants for Scandi homes:
- Philodendron – soft trailing shape
- Parlor Palm – light and airy
- String of Pearls – delicate and decorative
- Aloe Vera – useful and minimal
Style tips:
- Use white, gray, or light wood pots
- Place near windows to emphasize light
- Group in odd numbers for visual rhythm
Industrial Style
Key decor traits: exposed brick or concrete, metal finishes, raw wood
Best plants for industrial spaces:
- Cactus – geometric, edgy
- Sansevieria (Snake Plant) – strong lines
- ZZ Plant – dark and sleek
- Succulents – small, clean, and minimal
Style tips:
- Use concrete, black metal, or aged pots
- Place plants on open shelving, metal carts, or side tables
- Stick to bold, clean shapes over frilly or bushy plants
Farmhouse or Rustic Style
Key decor traits: cozy, vintage touches, wood tones, lived-in feel
Best plants for rustic homes:
- English Ivy – classic and charming
- Lavender or Rosemary – fragrant and old-world
- Spider Plant – timeless and homey
- Jade Plant – simple and sturdy
Style tips:
- Use vintage containers, repurposed tins, or ceramic crocks
- Display plants on open shelving or windowsills
- Embrace imperfection — a little “wild” looks good here
Eclectic or Maximalist Style
Key decor traits: bold color, pattern mixing, layered objects, “organized chaos”
Best plants for eclectic spaces:
- Calathea or Stromanthe – colorful foliage
- Tradescantia – purple and silver tones
- Rex Begonia – wild patterns
- Anything large and bold – fiddle leaf, monstera, palm
Style tips:
- Mix plant colors, leaf shapes, and pot styles
- Use colorful planters and groupings
- Let your plants be as expressive as the rest of your decor
General Design Tips (No Matter Your Style)
- Match the plant’s size to the space — avoid oversized plants in small corners or tiny pots in empty rooms
- Repeat elements — use similar textures or tones in pots, textiles, and accessories
- Use odd numbers — they look more natural and interesting
- Rotate plants for balanced light and even growth
- Keep it clean — dusty leaves or droopy stems take away from your overall style
Final Thoughts: Plants Are Part of Your Story
When chosen and styled intentionally, plants do more than “decorate” — they become part of your home’s personality. They tell a story of life, growth, and care.
Whether your style is clean and calm or wild and vibrant, there’s a plant (or ten) that can enhance your space and make it truly feel like yours.
So go ahead — let your style grow in every corner, leaf by leaf.