A'living wall'is not normally a situation most homeowners would welcome."Oh,the wall is alive,"you think."Best call either the damp-proofers or Ghostbusters."
However,a living wall could well just be the next big thing in interior design,according to Stylelist Homes magazine.The hallowed interiors tome notes that this year,the trend for living walls-features that consist of plants and other green lovelies,in lieu of a painting or mural-are the next big thing.
"These decor features are interior gardens that literally grow vertically up a wall,"they write."These unique indoor gardens are made entirely of plants and often cover large expanses."
According to the magazine,living walls emerged as features in hotels and airports some years ago,but are now being embraced by green-fingered and quirky homeowners who want something a little different to adorn their chimney breast or feature wall.
And you needn't have a complicated system in place to keep your plants irrigated and lush-a couple of plain,white shelves mounted on the wall and covered with overspilling ferns and other greenery in shallow pots will create a cool,layered and alive effect.
"Others have slender openings at the top of the installation where water can be poured in and dribble down to meet the plants,"says Stylelist.
And living walls are especially impactful in rooms that lead into outdoor spaces.If your family room opens out into a patio or garden,a living wallmakes a real statement that brings the outside in-and when the doors are open in summer,helps the space feel even bigger.
Use outdoor wall lights to illuminate your garden and front room alike in the summer,and use hardy perennial plants so you can enjoy your indoor greenery year-round-as Your Home expert Debbie Travis notes,season-defying living walls can contribute to your wellbeing.
"Living walls take the concept of natural health and beauty one step further,"she writes."Ivy-covered walls have moved inside.Healthy living with the sight and smell of live foliage can now be a year-round pleasure."
