There’s something about greenery that makes a home feel alive—especially in a small space like mine. Over the years, I’ve filled every corner of our home with houseplants, from trailing pothos to cheerful snake plants. But here’s my secret: I don’t stop there!
To keep our living room feeling fresh, I’ve learned to layer in all kinds of natural touches—fresh branches from the garden, foraged stems, dried flowers, and even a few faux florals that fool the eye. The mix creates depth, texture, and a little magic… without demanding a green thumb.
From Fresh to Faux: My Favorite Ways to Decorate with Nature Indoors
Today, I’m sharing my favorite ways to bring nature indoors—no matter the season or your skill level. Because whether it’s a vase of sunny forsythia cuttings or a wall of dried blooms, every little bit of green makes a house feel more like home
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Fresh & Garden-Grown: Breathing Life into My Small Space
One of my favorite ways to bring the outdoors in is with fresh cuttings and thriving houseplants. Even in my cozy cottage, greenery makes every room feel alive—like the walls themselves are breathing. Here’s how I use fresh botanicals to add energy and warmth:
1. Garden Clippings in Oversized Vases
Nothing beats the wild, just-picked charm of branches from my own yard. Right now, my living room has a large vase filled with golden forsythia blooms—the first sign of Spring here. I love how their arching stems create movement and height, turning a simple corner into a focal point.
- Tip: Forced branches like forsythia, cherry blossoms, or dogwood can bloom indoors weeks before they do outside! Just cut at an angle and place in lukewarm water.
- Bonus: They last longer than store-bought flowers (and cost nothing!).
Even a large vase filled with non-flowering branches is a natural…and free way to create an impactful centerpiece. Here I filled a thrift store flip vase with a few branches I cut from a shrub in our yard last Fall.
2. Potted Plants for Texture & Coziness
I scatter potted plants throughout my living room to add layers of green without clutter. Some of my favorites:
- A large monstera (okay, it’s slightly dramatic, but worth it).
- Trailing pothos on bookcase—for a curated vibe.
- A prayer plant in a teak root bowl (because even plant lovers need a no-fail option).
One reason to add houseplants to your home is that they improve the air quality in your home. But I love how trailing and cascading plants create a sense of motion in your space.
Dried & Preserved Beauty: Timeless, Effortless Charm
There’s something magical about flowers that defy time—dried blooms and preserved greens add texture, nostalgia, and a touch of rustic elegance to my cottage living room. Best of all? Zero watering required. Here’s how I use them:
1. The Dried Flower Riddling Rack (My Favorite Wall Art!)
I turned a wine riddling rack into a vertical garden of dried botanicals—then filled each hole with colorful dried flowers (grown in my garden or from bouquets) . It’s functional art that changes with the seasons.
My rack is no longer available (was from Amazon). I would keep my eye out if you hit any vintage bazaars or flea markets this Summer. After searching online I have found a few different ones (they are a bit pricey though):
- Why it works: The rack’s grid keeps stems organized while letting each bloom shine.
- Tip: Hang it near a window (but out of direct sun) to prevent fading.
- Also Try: Using a riddling rack for air plants, I did this last year and it was fun!
2. DIY Shadowbox (Pottery Barn Dupe!)
Spotted a gorgeous dried flower display at Pottery Barn and knew I had to DIY my own version! If you’re craving a creative, nature-inspired art piece, here’s how I made mine—with a thrifty twist.
I’ve displayed this piece in different spots in my home but I love how it looks on a display easel. This piece is doing double duty
3. Pressed Fern Floating Frame (Whimsical & Light)
For a subtle nod to nature, I used a few pressed fern fronds and mounted them in a floating glass frame. It’s like a tiny botanical museum piece—perfect for layering on a bookshelf or styled on an end table like I did here.
- Why I love it: the gold floating frame adds a modern touch, while the green fern fronds look delicate.
- Beginner Friendly: No expert skills needed, just pick up a floating frame & get creative (you can buy pre-pressed ferns and flowers on Amazon too!)
4. Styling Dried Florals
Dried flowers, pods, and branches are a fun way to bring nature inside!
Tucked in the corner of the black fireplace I have a vintage wooden barrel filled with tall branches, in the front I have a handled urn (it was a $5 flea market flip!) with a monochromatic assortment of store-bought dried pods, poppy pods from my garden, and dried allium flowers.
- Mix textures: pair different colors and styles of flowers for contrast.
- Go monochrome: All-white dried blooms (like baby’s breath) feel modern.
- Add vintage vessels: A chipped pitcher, old bucket, or even a small cup adds charm.
Foraged & Natural Textures: The Art of “Found” Decor
There’s something deeply satisfying about bringing the outside in—not just with store-bought stems, but with treasures foraged from nature itself. These organic touches add raw texture, movement, and a sense of place to my living room. Here’s how I use them:
1. Pussy Willow Branches in a Brass Urn (Instant Drama!)
I picked up a bundle of silky-soft pussy willow branches at Trader Joe’s (though you can find them at farmers’ markets and most grocery stores, too) and arranged them in a thrift store flip brass urn for contrast. Their sculptural, almost fuzzy buds add height and whimsy—plus, they last forever dried.
- Why it works: The urn’s patina plays off the branches’ soft gray hue.
- Tip: If branches shed, lightly spray with hairspray.
- Bonus: They look equally striking in winter and spring!
2. DIY Framed Moss (For Earthy, Textured Art)
I created a set of living(ish) wall art by framing different types of preserved moss in a shadowbox. It’s lush, tactile, and brings a hit of emerald green & beige to my bookshelf—no watering needed.
- How to: Use preserved moss + a deep frame. Here’s the tutorial
- Style it: Layer it beside books or lean it behind smaller objects for depth.
3. Moss Balls in a Bowl (Subtle & Sculptural)
For an organic centerpiece, I filled a wooden bowl with preserved moss balls.. They’re like little planets of greenery—perfect for coffee tables or empty corners.
- Why I love it: They add softness without clutter.
- Steal this: Mix with dried lichen or pinecones for seasonal versatility.
4. The Magic of “Imperfect” Finds
Foraged decor thrives on asymmetry and wildness. My rule? If it makes me pause on a walk (“Ooh, that twisted branch!”), it deserves a spot at home. Recent favorites:
- Driftwood: I pick up cool pieces of driftwood whenever I’m strolling the beach. The chunkier branches make nice homes for air plants!
- Beach Stones: One thing I’m always on the hunt for is smooth beach stones, I think I have one in the pocket of every jacket I own!
- Pro Tip: Thrift stores are a good spot to buy inexpensive shells & coral.
Foraging Alternatives: Where to Find Natural Textures (No Backyard Needed!)
Not everyone has willow branches growing nearby or access to fresh moss—but that shouldn’t stop you from creating the same organic magic! Here are my favorite ethical and accessible sources for foraged-style decor:
1. Farmers’ Markets & flea/vintage markets
- Pussy willow branches, curly willow, or birch twigs are often sold in bundles.
- Dried floral stalls may carry preserved moss, lichen, or interesting seed pods.
2. Etsy & Small Shops
Search for:
- “Preserved moss sheets” (great for framed art).
- “Dried pussy willow branches” (look for sellers who harvest sustainably).
- “Natural decor bundles” (for mixed textures like feathers + driftwood).
3. Craft Stores
- Moss balls (check the floral section for pre-made moss balls or bagged reindeer moss).
- Faux botanicals that look surprisingly real (Michael’s often carries dried-looking eucalyptus and grasses).
- Dried Flower Bundles are readily available at most craft stores (Hobby Lobby has a wide seasonal selection).
4. Online Thrifting
- Search “vintage brass urn” or “wooden dough bowl” on eBay/Facebook Marketplace for foraged-style vessels.
Faux Florals: The Art of “Good Fakes” (That Fool Everyone!)
Let’s be honest—some days, even the most devoted plant lovers need a break from watering, trimming, and pleading with their ferns to just be happy. That’s where high-quality faux florals come in! When done right, they add instant life to a space with zero maintenance. Here’s how I use them without sacrificing my home’s cozy, natural vibe:
1. My High-End Dupe Orchid (The Ultimate Fake-It-Til-You-Make-It)
I created a luxe-looking orchid arrangement for my coffee table using faux stems—and even my most detail-oriented friends do a double-take!
- Why it works:
- Realistic silk blooms (avoid plastic-y petals!).
- Natural-looking pot (I used a textured ceramic planter for weight).
- Styling trick: Tucked moss at the base to “ground” it.
2. Dried-Look Florals (The Best of Both Worlds)
Some of my favorite “faux” pieces are actually preserved or dried-look florals—like these gomphrena that I bought on a trip down to Magnolia in Waco a while back.
- Where to use them:
- In a woven basket for farmhouse vibes.
- Paired with antique books and tucked into a shelf.
3. How to Make Faux Florals Look Real
- Dust them! A hairdryer on cool blows away the dust so easily
- Bend the stems for organic asymmetry. This is a designer trick to know!
- Bring the drama!—Be sure to use an interesting terracotta, ceramic, or thrifted find for your stems. Elevated look on a budget.
Confession time: I’m all about thrifty decor… but when it comes to faux flowers, I’ve learned it’s worth splurging a little! The best ones look so real, even I do a double-take—no more sad, plasticky stems from the dollar bin. Trust me, the upgrade is magic!
Here are my 2 favorite retailers to check out for high-quality artificial flowers:
6. Styling Tips & Lessons Learned: How to Blend Fresh, Faux & Foraged Like a Pro
Over the years, I’ve learned that the secret to a lived-in, nature-filled home isn’t about using only real plants or only faux—it’s about layering textures, playing with scale, and embracing imperfection. Here are my hard-earned tips for making it all feel cohesive (and totally effortless!):
1. The “Rule of Thirds” for Natural Decor
To keep things balanced, I divide my greenery into three categories:
- 1/3 Fresh (potted plants, garden clippings)
- 1/3 Dried/Forged (branches, moss, preserved flowers)
- 1/3 Faux (orchestrated orchids, faux branches)
Why it works: No single type dominates, so the space feels organic, not staged.
2. Vary Your Vessels
The container is just as important as the stems(or plant)! Mix:
- Vintage style ceramics (for cottage charm)
- Modern metallics (like my brass urn)
- Unexpected finds (interesting jugs, baskets, or wooden bowls)
3. Play with Height & Movement
- Tall elements (willow branches, tall plants) draw the eye up.
- Trailing pieces (pothos, dried vines) soften edges.
- Low, clustered textures (moss balls, bud vases) anchor surfaces.
5. Seasonal Swaps (Without the Stress)
I rotate a few key pieces to keep things fresh:
- Spring: Forsythia branches + potted hyacinths.
- Summer: Real peonies + vases of eucalyptus (real or faux works!).
- Fall: Dried tall wheat stalks in interesting vessels + bowls of pinecones.
- Winter: Fresh or faux winter greens + DIY dried oranges.
Bringing It All Together
At the end of the day, decorating with nature—whether fresh, dried, foraged, or faux—is about creating a home that feels alive, personal, and full of texture. You don’t need a perfect garden, a huge budget, or even a green thumb to pull it off. All you need is a little creativity and the willingness to experiment.
Here’s the big takeaway: Mix, layer, and play.
- Combine real and faux elements so no one can tell where nature ends and artistry begins.
- Let dried branches, pressed flowers, and preserved moss add timeless character.
- Forage, thrift, and DIY your way to a space that feels uniquely yours—without the stress of constant upkeep.
And most importantly? Have fun with it. If a vase of grocery-store tulips makes you happy, embrace it. If faux orchids save your sanity in a dark corner, go for it. There are no rules—just what brings you joy every time you walk into the room.
Your Turn!
I’d love to hear from you:
- What’s your favorite way to add greenery at home?
- Have you ever tried drying flowers or foraging branches?
- Are you Team Real Plants or Team Faux Florals? (No judgment—I’m both!)
Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to tag me if you try any of these ideas in your own space!
xo, Jennifer
P.S. Pin your favorite tip for later, or share this post with a friend who needs a little green inspiration!
P.S. Pin your favorite tip for later, or share this post with a friend who needs a little green inspiration!
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