Contemporary Living | A Modern Retreat
Designer: Botanical Interior Design

About the garden
The setting of the designer’s Indoor Plant Garden is a tranquil urban oasis designed to bring nature indoors and create a seamless connection between interior design and plant life.
The space showcases contemporary 3D-printed planters using a plant derived material, featuring intricate tactile patterns that mesmerise and soothe.
The room is styled as a multifunctional retreat, incorporating elements for relaxation, meditation and creative pursuits.
A carefully curated selection of air purifying indoor plants, from lush ferns to striking succulents, complements the planters, creating a harmonious blend of form and function.
The layout includes comfortable seating, a small zen garden and a dedicated space for yoga or meditation, all designed to encourage visitors to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature and themselves.
The contemporary living space is designed to promote relaxation and well-being through biophilic principles.
Exterior dressing includes minimalist signage and plant displays hinting at the interior’s tranquillity.
Inspired by post-pandemic needs for mental health sanctuaries, the design merges modern digital craftsmanship with timeless nature.
Does the design promote anything topical or newsworthy?
The design and planting aim to create an atmosphere of serenity, mindfulness, and rejuvenation.
The carefully selected accessible plants include calming green foliage working in concert with uniquely patterned planters to create a visually soothing environment.
The use of natural materials and earthy tones throughout the space enhances the sense of connection with nature.
The overall atmosphere encourages visitors to slow down, breathe deeply and immerse themselves in the restorative power of indoor nature, fostering a sense of calm and well-being in the midst of an often chaotic urban life.
The designer intends to create an ideal setting to promote pen to paper creativity.
Plants
Approximately 45-65 plants will be featured in the design, ranging from large statement plants to small herbs and air plants.
Five key plants
- Monstera deliciosa: A statement plant that symbolises the tropical escape many urban dwellers crave.
- Snake plant (Sansevieria) : Known for its air-purifying qualities and low maintenance, perfect for busy urban lifestyles.
- Pothos: A versatile trailing plant that adds a lush, green cascade to our wall-mounted planters.
- Peace lily: Chosen for its air-cleaning properties and its symbolism of tranquillity.
- Herbs (basil, mint, rosemary): To promote the connection between plant care and healthy living through cooking.
Unusual, unfamiliar or unsung plant heroes within the design
- Tillandsia (air plants) – these unique plants require no soil and can be displayed in various creative ways, making them perfect for urban spaces with limited room.
- This indoor plant garden will also showcase the ZZ plant, an often overlooked but extremely resilient plant that thrives in low-light conditions, making it ideal for the darker corners of homes.
- Alongside this, this design will highlight the simplistic beauty and power of kitchen herbs.
Where the plants have been grown and suppliers
The designer has partnered with local, sustainable nurseries to source their plants, ensuring they are grown ethically and with minimal environmental impact.
The main supplier is J Van Vliet in Derby, but the designer has also been supported by Charlie, owner of an independent local business, The Watered Garden, Nottingham.
Does the design promote environmental responsibility?
- Use of 3D-printed planters made from eco-friendly biodegradable materials with minimal waste.
- Incorporation of air-purifying plants to promote better indoor air quality.
- Use of energy-efficient LED grow lights to support their growth.
- Promotion of herb growing to encourage local food production.