Environments By Miko

1960’s Era Interior Design is huge right now and I’m loving it!  Especially, since my house was built in the 70’s, which was really a carryover from the 60’s.  Plus, my brother recently purchased an Eichler Home in Orange, it’s GORGEOUS and was the inspiration for this article.  Eichler design is impeccable and he obviously had nature on his mind when designing these homes.

So, with 60’s architecture, comes 60’s Era Interior Plants.  The first style of plants I think of are long drapping vines, most commonly used, Pothos Plants (Epipremnum aureum).  These plants are easy to care for and will hang and climb as much as you let them.  You would often see them climbing along walls or down bookshelves.  I think it must have correlated with the free spirit of the 60’s lifestyle.

Some more modern uses of Pothos while still keeping that 1960’s vibe would be to use them in a more uniform manner along a wall or as a window covering.  I love both of these Pothos pictures, because of their simplicity and I think this technique will differentiate the use of Pothos from the 60’s-frumpier-style to today’s-more-modern-take.

The next 60’s style plant I love is the Split Leaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa).  This plant’s leaves almost epitomize a 60’s icon, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant.  You don’t see them often right now, but with the recent revival of 60’s design, I imagine they will become increasingly popular in the Interior Plant Industry!  Their finger or hand shaped leaves are irresistible and best of all they are super easy to maintain.  They thrive on neglect, need little water and medium light. When they are thirsty, they will tell you by drooping their leaves and that’s usually the best time to water because overwatering is a sure kiss-of-death for these dark green beauties.

Your Split Leaf Philodendron looks best planted in a container on it’s own.  It’s unique and organic shape should be showcased alone, so you can make out the detail in the leaves, funky stems and aerial roots.  I like the way these look in a tall container raised off the ground and preferably in an area that isn’t going to get a lot of traffic so you don’t damage the sprawling leaves.

Living in a 60’s style interior you were often surrounded by plants!  One plant that does a great job at giving you that jungle feeling while still remaining modern is the Ficus Lyrata aka Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree.  This is a very popular plant right now and I absolutely love it’s massive leaves, shaped like Fiddles, hence the name.  It’s related to the Rubber Tree, Ficus elastica which was even more popular in the 60’s, but I prefer the look of it’s cousin Ficus Lyrata.  You often purchase them at a nursery in the shape of a tree or a column.  You can keep them like this by pruning regularly, but naturally they’ll want to seek the light and create their own unique form (as seen in the photo above).

A classic 60’s plant that you don’t see much of any more is the Peperomia Plant.  Just like the Split Leaf Philodendron, I believe that this little gem should be having a come back any day now.  It’s unique 60’s appearance is just begging to be re-born in our Modern 60’s Re-do!  Peperomia makes a perfect desk plant, it’s the type of plant you’d also put on your dining room table or coffee table so you can get up close and personal.  The detail on the leaves and different textures of different varieties will make your guests want to reach out and touch these precious greens.

Also easy to care for, these little gems have succulent leaves and stems, so you need to be careful not to overwater.  They will wilt a bit when thirsty and that’s usually the best time to water them.  They like bright light, but don’t want direct sun, so place them in a window and fall in love!

Other 60’s style Interior Plants for your Modern Home:  Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Sansevieria (Snake Plant), Rubber Plant.

Thank you for the inspirational photos from the following websites:  Birch Box Blog, Mint Six Home Blog, The Brick House Blog, Elephantine Blog