Greening your home has many benefits. Whether indoors, on the courtyard or on the balcony, plants not only enhance the appearance and style of your home, but they also have positive effects on your mental and physical wellbeing.
Studies suggest that bringing greenery into our homes helps boost our moods. Plants also help us feel reconnected with nature.
Let us not forget that plants keep our indoor air clean. Plants are nature’s best air filters. They absorb nasty toxins, increase humidity naturally, and produce clean oxygen. The gift that keeps on giving, plants also improve privacy and help reduce noise levels. There is some evidence that caring for plants is therapeutic.
There truly is no downside to adding plants to your home environment. Even if you don’t have the greenest of thumbs, there are hardy plants that will survive a bit of. Finding the right plant for your space is easy when you have some guidelines.
Using plants to improve wellbeing
Communing with nature is a basic human instinct. Evolutionary biologist E.O. Wilson calls the phenomenon biophilia and suggests it is a deep-seated need in all humans.
When going for the outdoors feel while inside your abode, connecting with your five senses is an effective way to commune with nature.
Touch – Plants with silky leaves like Jerusalem sage, bamboo leaves, and lamb’s ear appeal to our need for touch.
Smell – Gardenias and frangipanis fill the air with pleasant perfume, soothing your brain with feelings of contentment.
Sight – Arrange plants in a way that feels like your home is in the middle of nature. If indoor space is limited, make sure you keep plants that must remain outdoors in view to appeal to your sight.
Sound – While you can’t actually hear plants grow, you can enjoy the soothing sounds of a breeze rustling through their leaves. Consider adding plants with a small indoor waterfall if space permits to enhance the sound connection.
Taste – Some fresh herbs have healing properties, including rosemary, lemon balm and mint. They are easy to grow in home gardens or on a balcony, even if space is limited.
Boosting home value with the power of plants
While gardens and outdoor spaces tend to be small on the Balmain Peninsula, that doesn’t mean plants cannot be part of your décor. Courtyard gardens are popular in the Inner West and can boost property value by as much as 20 per cent. Outdoor landscaping is one of the first impressions people have of your home, which is crucial when selling.
If space is limited, consider boosting your home’s kerb appeal with the following:
- Vertical gardens
- Statement pot plants
- Climbing vines
- Hanging plants
- Small water feature
Indoors can be a little trickier if space is limited. Keeping designs cohesive and manageable is key. Indoor pots, hanging plants, and small terrarium gardens work in any size home.
Like the idea of greening up your space but not sure how to go about it? The Inner West is home to some amazing local gardening stores with staff eager to advise you on plants and how to style them to best effect.
Boost your resale value
Ready to put your home on the market? Belle Property Balmain can work with you to ensure you get the best value from your home. We can make recommendations on how best to green up your property to boost resale value and offer other tips to make your home more attractive on the local market. Contact us today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.
Looking for help selling your home or renting your investment property? Our team at Belle Property Balmain support homeowners across Balmain, Balmain East, Birchgrove, Rozelle and Lilyfield. Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation discussion or property appraisal.
