2. WHAT IS INTERIOR LANDSCAPING?
Interior landscaping is the art of designing, installing, and caring for plants in an enclosed
environment. Interior landscaping creates an overall pleasant environment by using natural colors,
focal points, ornaments, and sculptural elements. The indoor space is “landscaped” by adding plants
and planters to soften the angles of the room or to accentuate an architectural feature. Landscaping
is a word that most likely makes you think of the outdoors. The possibilities with interior
landscaping are endless.Indoor landscaping, also known as “plantscaping” or “interiorscaping,” does
the same thing - but inside. Similar to the great outdoors, indoor environments have plains, angles
and horizons that can be altered or enhanced to become a true work of art.
3. BENEFITS OF INTERIOR LANDSCAPING
Aside from creating beautiful sites, indoor landscaping provides physical and mental health benefits. The
reason plants and trees are important to our ecosystem is because they remove carbon dioxide and
produce oxygen rich air. Adding plantscapes to your interior enhances your indoor air quality by
removing toxins and filtering air. Additionally, plants can save energy by increasing humidity and keeping
the air temperature down.
Decrease noise levels indoors
Reduce stress
Increase productivity
Improve air quality
Cost savings
4. DESIGN AND TYPES OF INTERIOR LANDSCAPE
Green Garden:
These are generally full lush green plantations or flowers planted in a space where there is ample of
light and ventilation.
They are planned out in courtyards of bungalows, or may be any interior space with proper source of
lights and are also planned according to the wind circulation.
Hence, these help to keep the indoor environment fresh and energetic along with the cool fresh
ambience and experience like a walk in a green garden.
A feel of garden through the transition spaces of your bungalow is what lacks in solid hardscapes
making the interiors too rigid and structural.
This type of landscape is advisable in bungalows or spaces that have clean surroundings around to
avoid mosquitoes and insects and also a bit of high maintenance is required.
5. Stone Scaping
The stone landscaping or the stone gardens are an important part of Japanese landscapes and used
all over the world to create similar ambience spaces.
Here, the amount of green spaces is less and is mainly covered with various stone tiles or real
pebbles.
Massing is achieved by using various shape forms of stone and by varying the stone sizes placed in
this space.
Stone scapes in interior are created in courtyards of bungalows, entrance lobbies, extended
bedrooms, etc. where they can connect easily with the external environment.
These spaces can be used as meditation zones as well as like a Zen Garden that is a type of
Japanese landscape.
6. Holy Scpae
There are many beliefs and rituals where some plants are considered holy and as good luck for the
entire house.
Such holy spaces can also be created as a part of indoor landscape with some water bodies and holy
plantations around with some round pebbles creating a perfect holy ambience.
Statues can also be installed on pedestals in the center or a particular corner as per the rituals or
holy scripts.
7. Horticulture
These are similar to the green garden courtyards. The only difference here is the plantations are
well planned and are actually harvested for further use.
For example, there are some crops like herbs which are planted and also some flowering plants that
are used once grown completely.
This is actually farming on a very micro level. A variety of indoor crops and plants can suffice the
need of the end user.
8. Floating Indoor Landscaping
As the name suggests these are floating landscapes that is some designed landscape patches on
some small water body.
These are not recommended in warm and humid climates as they increase the humidity levels inside
the house affecting the interiors.
The spaces here are generally not accessible and serve as a visual ambience and hence these indoor
landscapes can be used in bungalows near the living room area or may be the dining areas where a
relaxing soothing ambience is necessary.
9. Water Scapes
Water scapes are generally used to create a feeling of motion in the interiors.
There are generally small channels of water or a pond like depression created which is either
decorated with a fountain or may be kept still with small pebbles in it giving it a lively feel.
Water plants or may be other suitable plantations are also added to enhance the beauty of the
space giving it a richer and livelier ambience.
Water scapes can be extended vertically on walls in form of streams rolling down or may be small
indoor waterfalls that connect with the ponds or the streams below.
These are also located near the living areas or may be the dining zones. The streams can also run
along the passages or lobbies making the spaces look livelier.
10. ELEMENTS OF A INTERIOR LANDSCAPE
Proportion:
It’s all about scale. Take in the size of your room before you head to the nursery. Choose a plant
that fits not only the size of the room but where it’s being placed. An excessively large plant can
overwhelm a space, while a tiny plant can appear insignificant if placed out of context. The bird-of-
paradise in this image appears at home in the room, with its high ceiling and large windows.
Form:
The three-dimensional shape of the plant. Take into consideration the shape of the plant and how
that shape fills the space. Examples of different plant forms include weeping, columnar, round,
pyramidal and vase shaped.
Texture:
How coarse or fine the plant’s surface looks or feels. Think strappy, fuzzy, spiky or bold and how
that texture provides contrast and interest. If you have a long panel of windows, try mixing
different foliage textures to help create an interesting passage through the space.
Balance:
Equal plant material on either side of a centerline. Doors and windows present the perfect
opportunity for symmetrical plant placement. Identical plants flanking a doorway act not only as a
frame for the door but as a link to outside. However, just because a design is asymmetrical doesn’t
mean it’s not balanced. For a more informal or relaxed look, place plants of various sizes on either
side of that imaginary centerline.
11. Color:
Can be a landscape’s most conspicuous element. Color has the power to pull a landscape together
or throw it into chaos. The same holds true for indoor plants and the vessels we put them in. If
you’re not afraid of color — and there’s no need to be — choose a bold shade that echoes a color
found elsewhere in the room. In this case the mustard-colored pot echoes the color of the nearby
chair.
Repetition:
The repeated use of elements (plants) to create a pattern or sequence. Applying repetition with
respect to houseplants is greatly dictated by a person’s individual aesthetic. If your tastes lean
toward modern, try filling a windowsill with a row of identical plants for a clean, simple look.
Focal point:
A plant that demands attention due to its size, color, texture etc. If you have an area of the room
that you want to designate as special, in this case a cozy corner with two chairs, try placing a large
specimen plant, such as a fiddle leaf fig (ficus lyrata), nearby to draw the viewer in.
12. WHY INTERIOR LANDSCAPE TAUGHT IN AN INTERIOR DESIGNING
COURSE?
The concept of interior landscaping, just like outdoor landscaping, entails the usage of
shrubbery, horticultural plants and all the other natural elements. The main difference is its
location.
Interior landscaping, also known as “plant-scaping” , is the process of adorning the interiors
of a place with greenery so that one can enjoy nature both inside and outside!
Interior landscape is a very interesting subject and is widely taught in many interior design
classes across the nation.
The concept of creating a green space has gained immense popularity and is no more
restricted to residential areas. Today, many offices, restaurants, hotels, airports etc. exhibit
greenery and nature indoors.
The idea of creating a green patch works best for people living or working in confined spaces.
For those of you who love being close to nature but cannot afford to have a garden can try
out interior landscaping.
Now you might wonder what is the significance of interior landscape in an interior design
course? Here’s your answer:
As we all know, interior landscape involves designing, creating and planning of living plants in
an indoor environment. This must be backed with professional education.
13. INDOOR PLANTS
Areca Palm
This leafy plant can be grown anywhere in the house in indirect sunlight. Make sure it is not exposed
to direct sunlight, or the leafs will turn yellow. The plant can grow as high as 30 feet outdoors but it
is restricted to about seven feet at indoor locations. Put it in a small container and the crowded
roots will help in limiting the size of the plant. The plant is useful in filtering xylene and toluene
from the air. It also works effectively as an effective humidifier. Water enough to keep the soil moist
and let it dry a little between waterings in winter.
14. English Ivy
This green plant helps in reducing airborne fecal-matter particles. It also filters out formaldehyde
found in some household cleaning products. The plant needs bright light to look fresh and might
attract pests if they do not receive enough light. Take special care while watering and let the soil
dry for some time before watering it again. Ivy does not like standing water.
15. Aloe Vera
This very useful plant clears formaldehyde and benzene, which can be a byproduct of chemical-
based cleaners, paints and other toxins. Also, it is a widely-known fact that aloe vera can be used to
achieve a great complexion. Aloe plants like to be dry and warm, not wet and cold, so water only
when you see that the soil in the pot is dry. The best spot to keep this plant is a sunny window.
16. Indian Basil
Commonly known as Tulsi, growing this plant is a no-brainer. Seen thriving even after little-to-no
maintenance, this plant has a number of medicinal properties. In addition, it helps in purifying the
air and improves air quality. It can be planted in a simple pot. It requires regular sunlight, so the
best place to keep this plant would be a sunny window. All you need to do is water it regularly (but
be sure not to over-water) and watch it thrive.
17. Dracaena
This plant does not require direct sunlight and can grow up to 12 feet in height, so make sure it is
planted at a spot that allows enough space to grow. Also, you can control its height by pruning. New
leaves will sprout below the cut in a few weeks. Keep its soil moist but not soggy. Yellow leaves in
the plant are a sign of over-watering or poor drainage. You can place it near a sheer curtain or a
window.
18. Ladies’ Slipper Orchid
This plant will definitely bring that missing aesthetic vibe to any dull corner of your house. These
orchids have unusual slipper-shaped flowers that bloom from between two leaves. It has dark green
leaves which add to the beauty of the plant. Special care should be taken while watering this plant.
If your water is chemically treated, allow it to sit for a few days in a container before using it.
Water it once a week. Place the plant in shade where the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight.
19. Spider Plant
This lovely plant combats benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in
the leather, rubber and printing industries. The plant derived this unique name due to its uniquely-
shaped leaves, which dangle like spiders on a web. The plant is also completely safe if you have
pets. If you see the plant turning a little brown, do not worry. It is normal and it will get back to its
green self soon! Make sure you use well-drained soil and do not make the soil soggy for a fresh-
looking spider plant.
20. Azalea
Azaleas grow in bright spots and and can help reduce formaldehyde levels from plywood and foam
insulation. In spring, this plant produces beautiful flowers that last several weeks. They are shade
tolerant, hence perfect for locations that do not get direct sunlight. Direct sun can burn the leaves.
This lovely plant blossoms like a shrub and is available in many colours. While it looks beautiful
when planted in a group in a large area, in a smaller space, a single plant works best.
21. Snake plant
The plant is best suited for bathrooms since it filters out formaldehyde, which is commonly found in
personal-care products. It is one of the top air-purifying plants identified by NASA. This plant is one
of the easiest to grow and requires no extra attention. Going out of town and have no one to take
care of your plant? No worries. Forgot to water it on time? Again, no problem. This plant can be
neglected for weeks and will still give you long, fresh leaves.
22. Weeping Fig
This leafy plant helps against emissions from curtains, carpets and furniture. The weeping fig
initially takes time to grow, but once it is in complete form, it can grow up to 10 feet. One thing you
should keep in mind is to not move this plant around too much — its leaves can shed easily. Place it
in a bright, indirect light and let it stay there. Also, keep it away from direct cold or hot air from
doorways as this also causes leaves to fall. It is a long-lasting plant, you can enjoy its beauty for
many years.
