The Rise of the Green Wall:
How to Create your own!
Walls aren’t usually what you’d think of as being beautiful elements in styling and design. In fact, most of the time, they are completely utilitarian – dividing a space or forming some kind of structural support. It’s only in the past decade that the concept of green walls has really taken hold – even more recently that we have seen some exciting trends emerge.
Ultimately, a green wall doesn’t have to be a literal interpretation – it can be a celebration of many things. In fact, “differences” is what I look for in my styling. I’ll outline the most important three below.
1.DIFFERENT PLANTS
When I say ‘green’ wall, that will likely conjure up an image of plants attached in some way (there are many ways!) – sticking out from the vertical. It’s a rather unnatural concept, which is why it is so important to ensure it has a natural look. And one of the best ways to do this is to ensure you have a variety of plants.
Just one plant repeated and it will feel like a nursery or plantation. However, when you mix the types of plants, it brings a more organic and random feel to the space. Because, after all, nature IS random! So choose a mix of draping plants, structured plants, overflowing and leafy ones. The effect is as if the plants were grown there without human intervention, just beautiful random evolution.
2. DIFFERENT TONES
Bearing in mind everything above, it’s also vital to mix up the colours that are on display. Darks, lights, silvers and bright greens. For example, you may choose a collection of standing and draping plants, yet if they all have the same dark green foliage, the effect is very flat.
By choosing plants and other items (more on that below) that contrast each other, you create a big picture that is varied and multi-layered. It even helps to give the green wall a sense of depth and ‘three dimensions’ that you simply would not otherwise attain.
3. DIFFERENT MATERIALS
Now if you do those first two, then your green wall is going to look very good, especially as it matures and grows. However, a third element can also add a sense of fun to a green wall, and even tell a story. That is achieved by adding different non-plant elements to the mix.
To do this, think about the materials that the plants sit in (if possible), along with decorative elements – in terracotta, concrete, metals, pewter and the very on trend copper and brass.
When I am personally creating a wall, I will look to incorporate all kinds of different things, such as textures, plants, forms, materials etc. The effect is to make it feel like it’s been organically placed there, not so structured. It’s like you’re walking into someone’s house where they’ve collected all these things. It mixed and matched, perhaps a little quirky. But it’s unique. And here at The Grounds, we want things to have an eclectic beat to it, and to feel like it’s been there for many years.
Small, large, tall or wide, the sky is the limit with your imagination! Happy wall building.