Have you ever felt like something was missing from your room’s decor, but can’t quite place what it might be? That’s when a houseplant or bouquet of flowers may be the ideal solution. They provide instant color and a welcoming freshness that makes any room feel complete. What’s more, with proper care and maintenance, they can live year round in your home, making them ideal home accents.

There are many ways to decorate with houseplants and cut flowers. The most obvious placement of flowers is on the dining table or next to a bed. But, how about adding a fresh bouquet to every room in the home? It will fill your house with charm and make every area feel extra special.

Green foliage is perfect for adding a sense of vitality and warmth to a space. There’s something about being around living plants that makes the surroundings feel more relaxed and comfortable. In order for this feeling to continue, however, make sure you take care of your plants by noting their lighting, temperature and watering requirements. The last thing you want are scraggly, brown plants that detract from your decor.

To create more interesting displays, group plants together of varying heights. If need be, raise potted plants by placing them on a stack of books or a pedestal tray. When placed against a solid background, like a wall, they not only help break up the monotony of one color, but also add welcoming texture.

You might also display your houseplants and flowers in creative containers besides standard clay pots or glass vases. Instead, place such containers inside another object like an old boot, a large conch shell or an old fashioned wagon. Repurpose an old wooden chair by cutting a hole in the seat just big enough to hold a clay pot. Display plants in brightly painted tin cans that are attached to the wall or placed on a windowsill. Once you start seeing everyday objects as possible plant containers, the ideas for displaying your plants in decorative ways are endless.

If you aren’t a green thumb, and still want the feeling that having plants in your home creates, there are possible alternatives. Buy the best artificial plants you can afford and set them out in containers as described above. The more your plants look real, the more comfortable they’ll feel in your surroundings. Just be sure to dust them like you would real plants.

If fake plants and artificial flowers aren’t your style, then use their motifs in your decor. For example, incorporate leaf or floral motifs in your curtains, throw pillows or upholstery. Display framed prints of leaves or pressed flowers on your wall. Hang a painting of roses or set out a collection of china with floral designs. You might substitute flower or leaf motifs with fruit and vegetable motifs as another way to add vitality to your decor.

Basically there are endless ways to decorate with flowers and greenery. In one form or another, they are a sure way to give every room that little something extra.