Preparation
Bringing home new plants is a simple way to add a splash of color and character to your house, especially when those plants are potted in the perfect container. Think of your flower pots and planters in the same way you would as frames for your art—they can be simple and sleek, allowing what’s inside to do the talking, or they can make a statement all on their own. For example, a bright, fluffy fern contrasts nicely against a matte black ceramic pot. But if you have a small olive tree that has a narrow profile at the base, a textural white terra-cotta vessel creates an interesting design moment and can make up for all of that negative space.
West Elm Bishop Ceramic Pedestal Planter in Alabaster, $29Campania International Sem Glazed Planter in Riviera Blue, $110Martha Stewart Faux Bois 9-Inch Planter in Gray, $35Terrain Fiber Concrete Barrel Pot in Brown, $38Williams Sonoma Blue and White Ceramic Planter, from $69.95
Of course, you aren’t limited to quiet or loud options. Planters come in so many shapes, sizes, materials, and colors, some with self-watering capabilities built right in, others with hidden drainage compartments. It’s easy to walk into your local nursery or hardware store and grab a pot off the shelves, but the more decorative options—the ones that work well within the context of your specific décor—are often a little harder to find. Still, they’re worth seeking out; these pieces can bring serious visual intrigue to just about every part of your home, inside and out.
To help you on your hunt, we’ve curated several of our current favorites that boast something unique, whether that be an interesting hand hewn shape or an unusual color palette—or simply offer a beautiful design opportunity.
