Parks, gardens, forests and meadows are jewels of the natural world. Spending time in these green spaces—whether for a leisurely stroll, a spirited bike ride or a quiet moment on a bench—can fuel vitality and (quite literally) breathe life into your day.
One way to keep thriving and blooming as you age—even if you live miles from the wilderness—is by bringing a touch of nature’s magic indoors. Watching a new leaf unfurl or a flower bloom becomes a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. And while these oxygen-generating roommates live rent-free in your home, they’ll repay you with plenty of wellness benefits.
Why is green space important and what’s so great about bringing the outdoors in? For starters, green spaces offer a haven for relaxation, nurturing your mental well-being whether you’re meditating, daydreaming or simply seeking peace.
Plants serve as nature’s air filtration system, absorbing pollutants and releasing vital oxygen. Enhanced air quality means fresher, more breathable surroundings for older adults. Plants also release moisture, raising indoor humidity and preventing skin dryness and throat irritation.
Surrounding yourself with plants also eases anxiety and depression, infusing your space with positivity. Their soothing presence helps reduce stress levels, while tending to them allows you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Pops of color and delicate fragrances can brighten even the dreariest days.
Sprout Your Space: 10 Ways to Infuse Your Home with Greenery
Bringing greenery into your home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a fun way to connect with nature, improve indoor air quality and lift your mood. Plants add character and charm to your living space, whether you go for a minimalistic vibe with sleek succulents or a leafy jungle atmosphere with trailing vines.
Here are some creative green space ideas to help you transform your home into a lush haven.
- Turn a snug corner into a mini indoor jungle by arranging potted plants of varying sizes and shapes for an exotic display.
- Create living artwork as a personalized garden mural by suspending trailing planters on your walls.
- Transform your windowsills into a colorful botanical showcase with vibrant herb pots, flowering plants or succulents.
- Suspend planters from the ceiling at different heights for a whimsical hanging garden.
- Create your own tiny world in a glass terrarium filled with mini plants, moss, shells, figurines and colorful pebbles.
- Place small plants in clear glass orbs filled with water, creating floating gardens.
- Turn a vintage book into a secret garden by hollowing it out and placing a small succulent or air plant inside.
- Repurpose a wooden ladder as a plant stand, using each step to house a different plant and create climbing greenery.
- Wrap string lights around the stems of potted plants for a magical glow.
- Design a peaceful Zen garden with a mini rake, sand tray, a few rocks and a small bonsai tree.
Parenting Plants 101: Indoor Plants
Not blessed with a green thumb? Fear not, for the world of houseplants welcomes gardeners of all levels. The best indoor plants for green space design may depend on your experience, available light, humidity and personal preferences.
Here are some indoor plants that provide the health benefits of green spaces and are generally considered low-maintenance and well-suited for different environments:
Snake plant: Known for its striking upright leaves, it’s incredibly resilient and can tolerate low light and infrequent watering.
Pothos: Great for plant newbies, this trailing vine comes in various leaf colors and adapts to different light conditions.
ZZ plant: This beauty adapts well to low-light conditions and exhibits considerable drought tolerance, showcasing glossy, dark green leaves.
Spider plant: This plant generates spiderettes, or baby plants, which hang from the parent plant and are adaptable and air-purifying.
Peace lily: This air-purifying plant is known for its elegant white flowers and ability to thrive in low light.
Chinese money plant: Featuring round, coin-like leaves, this option is easy to care for and appreciates bright, indirect light.
Aloe: This succulent with soothing, gel-filled leaves needs bright light and infrequent watering.
Rubber plant: Known for its large, glossy leaves, it prefers bright, indirect light and consistent watering.
Succulents: Ideal for sunlit windowsills, these plants are available in various shapes and hues and boast water-storing capabilities that contribute to their easy-care nature.
Parlor palm: Perfect for introducing a tropical vibe, this petite and graceful palm thrives in low-light conditions.
Dracaena: With diverse leaf patterns distinguishing each type, these plants flourish in medium to bright light and are known for their relatively hassle-free upkeep.
Monstera: Characterized by its striking split leaves, this plant thrives in bright, indirect light, making it a bold decor centerpiece.
Bringing the Green to The Carrington’s Independent Living Residences
Now that you know about the health benefits of green spaces, the best indoor plants for green space design and how to apply green space ideas to turn your home into a living, breathing sanctuary, it’s time to imagine yourself planted at The Carrington at Lincolnwood.
Our beautiful, 13-acre senior living community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Each independent living apartment—studio, one-bedroom, one-bedroom deluxe, two-bedroom and two-bedroom deluxe—is designed for a maintenance-free lifestyle with security and comfort.
Explore our floor plans and discover all the stylish and inviting spaces waiting for your decorating touch, ready to be transformed into a blooming haven of health and happiness.
Featured Image: DraganaGordic / Shutterstock
