Why Plants Need to Be Part of Every Homes Decor

When we think about plants in interior design, we often think of them as beautiful accessories—natural pops of color that fill empty corners or add softness to a minimalist space. But as a holistic interior designer, I see plants as far more than just decor. They are living allies in creating balanced, nurturing, and health-promoting environments. Surprisingly, the presence of greenery in our homes can have profound effects on our well-being, especially our neuropsychology.

1. Plants Calm the Nervous System: Simply being around plants has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Studies in neuropsychology reveal that gazing at greenery—even for just a few minutes—can reduce mental fatigue, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. When you walk into a home filled with healthy plants, your body intuitively knows it’s in a restorative environment.

2. They Help Shield Against EMFs: In our tech-saturated world, we are constantly exposed to electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) from Wi-Fi, cell phones, and other electronics. While plants aren’t a complete shield, certain varieties—like cacti, aloe vera, and snake plants—are believed to help absorb and mitigate some of this radiation. Placing them near routers, workstations, or smart devices adds a layer of natural defense and brings balance to tech-heavy spaces.

3. Plants Support Respiratory Health: Holistically, our environment is an extension of our body. Certain houseplants, like peace lilies and spider plants, purify the air by removing toxins and increasing humidity—especially beneficial in dry Southern California homes. Cleaner air supports better sleep, improved focus, and fewer allergy symptoms.

A Few Unlikely Plant Care Tips:

• Talk to your plants. Vibrational energy is real, and speaking softly to your plants can stimulate growth and vitality. Think of it as energetic feng shui.

• Rotate them weekly. Most people forget that plants grow toward the light. Rotating them once a week ensures even growth and a more balanced aesthetic.

• Let them “moon bathe.” Just as sunlight fuels photosynthesis, moonlight may help regulate growth cycles for some species. Placing your plants in moonlight for a few hours each month is an ancient practice with calming, energetic benefits.

At Et Sal Interiors, we believe that beauty is most powerful when it promotes wellness. Incorporating plants into your home is a small but powerful way to nourish both your space and your soul.

—Need help designing a wellness-focused home? Let’s create your sanctuary together.