At Leafscape, we collaborate with interior designers constantly — on workplaces, lobbies, and shared spaces where the goal is always the same: create an environment that feels intentional, welcoming, and alive.
But as we started planning a new blog + social series on biophilic design, we realized something important: we usually tell the story from our perspective. And if we’re being honest, we didn’t fully know how interior designers think about plants inside the broader design process.
So we did what we always encourage our clients to do: we went to the source.
We reached out to interior designers we’ve partnered with and asked a few questions:
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At what stage do you typically bring plants into a project (early concept vs. final styling)?
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Do clients usually ask for plants, or do you recommend them? (aka: who drives the decision to include plants)
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In your words, what do plants add that interiors alone can’t?
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How do you use plants to balance a space visually? (softening hard lines, filling negative space, adding height, framing, etc.)
Here’s what we learned — and how it can help your next project feel cohesive (not “finished… plus plants”).
1) Plants aren’t just décor — designers see them as a real design layer
One of the strongest themes we heard: plants function like a finishing layer that completes the composition, not a random accessory added at the end.
As interior designer Bri Hickmon (Evo Business Environments) put it:
“Greenery becomes an additional design layer that often completes the composition. When plants are thoughtfully curated and placed, they function similarly to artwork.”
That’s a key point: when plants are chosen and placed with the same intention as furniture, lighting, and materials, they don’t compete — they integrate. They add warmth and balance without distracting from the rest of the design story.
2) Biophilic design works best when plants are considered early
A common misconception is that plants are “final styling.” In reality, many designers are thinking about greenery earlier than you might expect — especially when the project includes statement planters, green walls, or anything that impacts budgets and layout.
Brittany Berkshire shared that her team typically budgets for plants early in the planning process:
“We usually budget for the plants early in the planning process. We start narrowing down what we’re looking for and finalizing toward the end of the project.”
Abbey Redmon (WDD Architects) echoed that timing: she likes to introduce plants in the concept phase as part of the overall design language, then finalize plant types, planters, and placement when reviewing FF&E, art, and accessories—so everything aligns with the final budget.
That approach makes collaboration smoother for everyone:
- designers can plan sightlines, focal points, and circulation
- facilities teams can prepare for long-term care expectations
- the plant partner can recommend realistic options based on light and conditions
Bottom line: early planning gives you options. Last-minute planning limits them.
And in many projects, the push for that early planning starts with the designer. Abby shared that she often recommends plants before clients ask—because she sees greenery as part of a complete concept. She noted that clients may initially view plants as “high-end” or worry about maintenance, but once the value and long-term support are clear, they’re typically excited to include them.
That shift—from hesitation to excitement—usually happens when the design intent and the long-term care plan are clear. As she put it, “In many cases, greenery becomes one of the most impactful elements in the space, helping it feel more welcoming and alive.”
3) What plants add that interiors alone can’t: movement, life, and a reset moment
Interior finishes and furniture can create a beautiful space — but multiple designers told us that plants bring something different: a sense of life, movement, and human reset.
Brittany shared:
“Some of the installations we have done draw your attention and bring movement to a space. I like to add plants to a space to bring life where art and furniture doesn’t.”
And Katy Putnam (Workflow by Evo) described the deeper “why” behind biophilic design in a modern workplace:
“We live in an age of constant movement and rapid innovation… But we were designed to exist alongside nature… Incorporating plants and greenery into a workspace isn’t just decorative… it brings a sense of balance back into our lives.”
Abbey described plants as the element that “grounds” a room and adds depth—softening architecture while adding movement, texture, and a sense of warmth and belonging that finishes and furniture can’t replicate.
That’s the heart of biophilic design: it’s not only what looks good — it’s what helps people feel better in the space they’re in every day.
4) How interior designers actually use plants in real projects
When you hear “plants in the office,” you might picture a small pot in the corner. But in real projects, designers are using greenery strategically — like they use art, lighting, and architectural features.
Here are a few ways your designers described using plants:
Plants as artwork (not just accessories)
Brittany mentioned using living walls and moss art “to take the place of traditional art.”
This is a powerful approach for brands that want a statement feature that feels alive and memorable.
Abbey also shared a great example of plants being treated like artwork. At Stone Bank, we partnered with her team to create large wall-hung planters on the executive floor’s stone feature wall. The installation complemented the Paul Caldwell Arkansas photography collection throughout the building—reinforcing the Natural State concept and creating an artful, grounded expression of “stone” within the space.
Plants as space planning tools
In commercial environments, plants can do more than soften a space — they can help define it. Katy shared examples from past projects:
- Snake plants as natural dividers between booths
- Tall plants + planter boxes instead of “faux walls” to section off spaces
This is especially effective in coworking, hospitality, and open-plan environments where you want separation without closing things in.
Plants to soften hard lines and create visual rhythm
Bri shared a designer insight we love: plants can reduce visual “heaviness” in a room.
“They help ease the visual weight, so the furniture feels more integrated instead of floating on its own.”
She also described using plants to anchor multiple furniture groupings — creating a visual rhythm that makes the entire space read as intentional.
Plants as focal points that support branding
Brittany also described using large, tall planters to frame a company logo in the main lobby — turning greenery into a branded moment, not a background detail.
And then there’s the simplest truth she shared:
“Even the smallest plant can bring happiness to a space.”
5) Interior design vs botanical design: where Leafscape fits
Here’s a clean way to define the partnership:
Interior design shapes the built environment: layout, materials, furnishings, lighting, flow, and the overall experience.
Botanical design shapes the living layer: selecting plants for real conditions, choosing planters that support the design, planning placement for impact and health, installing, and supporting long-term success through care.
Biophilic design is what happens when those two worlds collaborate early — so the result looks good on day one and still looks good months later.
6) A simple collaboration checklist for biophilic projects
If you’re an interior designer or project team planning greenery, here are questions worth aligning on early:
- What is the goal of the greenery? (softening, privacy, branding moment, wayfinding, acoustics, wellness)
- What are the site conditions? (natural light, HVAC impact, access to water, ceiling height)
- Who owns ongoing care? (client team vs plant partner)
- Are we using plants as “art,” “dividers,” or “focal points”?
- What’s the installation timeline relative to furniture + construction close-out?
Early alignment prevents last-minute scrambling — and helps plants feel like part of the design story, not something added at the finish line.
Ready to plan the biophilic layer?
If you’re designing a workplace, lobby, healthcare environment, or hospitality space, Leafscape can help you bring the botanical layer in early — from concept support to install and ongoing care.
We love partnering with interior designers because when we collaborate intentionally, the space doesn’t just look finished.
It feels alive.
Want to collaborate on an upcoming project? Reach out to Leafscape — we’d love to help.
