Almost every homeowner goes through a phase in their home decor where plants and small, potted trees become an integral part in the design. While this is a great, eco-friendly way to enhance your home, there may be complications to adding real plants. Space constraints are high on the list of factors that effect the ability to add real plants to a room. Allergies, pets, and small children can also make it challenging to add plants safely.

If you would like the look of plants and small trees, but without the upkeep and concerns, paint them on your walls.

Types of Plants and Trees

There is really no limit to the types or styles of plant life that you can add. Everything from grass painted along the baseboard of a room, to a full-blown painted tree on the living room wall, can be done successfully. If you are trying to create a specific feel or theme to a room, choose plants from that climate. For example, a Southwest-inspired room would look best with cacti and flowering desert blooms. A tropical room would be best accented with palm trees and Hibiscus. Investigate what types of plants are indigenous to the area that you are trying to emulate in your room’s decor.

Location, Location, Location

Another important factor to consider when painting trees and plants on your walls is where you will be painting them in relation to other things in the room. While grass can grow along the perimeter of the room, taller potted plants or large trees should be given a spot where they are not crowded out. The exception to this may be topiaries, which are ideal for painting in the narrow spaces on either side of an entryway door. Painted vines and flowering swags are great for over doorways and windows. A large wall can be enhanced with a full-size tree that spans the length and width of the entire wall. No matter where you paint the greenery, it should not be hidden by furniture or accessories.

Tips for Painting

It may seem easy to paint greenery, but there are some tips that you should remember before beginning. Always cover the floor below the area that is being painted before you start. Accidental drips of acrylic paint have ruined more carpets than many homeowners would like to think about. A drop cloth is essential. Also, be sure that the wall is clean and dry before you begin to paint. You do not want to start painting only to discover that the wall was dusty and is now leaving small dust particles in your paint tray. Remember to vary the greens and accentuate the shadow and light in the plants that you paint, as well. A solid green palm leaf is gravely inferior to one that has a play of light and dark greens.

Adding greenery to your walls allows you to bring the outdoors inside without the worry of allergens or upkeep. By carefully looking at the type of plants you are going to be painting, you will be more successful in recreating their natural beauty and life. Whether they are real or painted, plants add a unique look to any room’s decor.