Rooted in Style: My Top 5 Favorite Plants to Bring the Outside In

Let’s talk plants. Not just any plants, but my absolute favorites—the kind that don’t just exist in your home but truly thrive, adding personality, color, and a touch of nature to your everyday life. Plants aren’t just pretty décor either; studies show they can boost your mental health by reducing stress and improving air quality. Who doesn’t want a house that feels like a mini spa retreat?

At Studio Lee, bringing the outside in is more than just a design principle—it’s a way of life. The Studio Lee Method is all about connecting with nature and weaving its calming presence into your home. Nature is my biggest source of inspiration, not just for its beauty but for how it makes us feel grounded, balanced, and alive. By adding natural elements like plants, I aim to create spaces that don’t just look good but feel good—like stepping into your own personal retreat. It’s about living intentionally and surrounding yourself with reminders to slow down and breathe.

Here are my five go-to plants, with the inside scoop on their personalities (yes, plants have personalities) and how to keep them happy:

1. ZZ Plant: The “Low-Maintenance Queen”

If you’ve ever thought, “I love the idea of plants, but I don’t have the time,” meet your new BFF. The ZZ plant thrives on neglect—seriously. Forget to water it? Fine. Low light? Totally okay. This plant is like a cat; it doesn’t need constant attention to stay alive and fabulous.

Care Tips:

• Water: Once every 2-3 weeks, when the soil is completely dry.

• Light: Low to bright, indirect light.

• Pro Tip: Perfect for beginners or anyone who tends to…forget.

2. Ficus Audrey: The “Drama Queen”

The Ficus Audrey has personality. She’s strikingly beautiful but a little high-maintenance—think the kind of friend who texts you three times to confirm brunch. Definitely more suited for seasoned plant parents who can commit to her needs, but trust me, she’s worth it.

Care Tips:

• Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

• Light: Bright, indirect light is a must.

• Pro Tip: Wipe her leaves regularly to keep her looking pristine and photosynthesizing like a pro.

3. Pothos: The “Easygoing Bestie”

This plant is the friend who’s down for anything. Great for low-light spaces like bathrooms or cozy bedrooms, the Pothos doesn’t demand much to be happy. Its trailing vines look stunning on high shelves, making it a natural statement piece without much effort.

Care Tips:

• Water: Every 1-2 weeks, letting the soil dry out between waterings.

• Light: Low to medium, indirect light.

• Pro Tip: Snip a few cuttings and propagate them in water to grow new plants—basically free décor.

4. Olive Tree: The “Minimalist Chic”

Want your home to feel like a Tuscan villa? Add an olive tree. These beauties thrive in bright, sunny spaces and bring a natural elegance to any room. They do require a bit of care, but they’re worth the Mediterranean vibes.

Care Tips:

• Water: Once the top 2 inches of soil are dry; olive trees hate soggy roots.

• Light: Bright, direct light—south-facing windows are their happy place.

• Pro Tip: Pair it with a neutral pot to complete the Organic Modern look.

5. Jade Plant: The “Reliable Roommate”

The Jade plant is compact, sturdy, and cheerful—a no-fuss addition to spaces like laundry rooms or guest bedrooms. Its plump, glossy leaves are a subtle reminder of resilience (and cuteness).

Care Tips:

• Water: Water sparingly; every 2-3 weeks or when the soil feels dry.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight.

• Pro Tip: It’s a succulent, so it’s happy even if you go on vacation and forget about it.

Why Plants Matter

Beyond the aesthetics, plants do so much for our mental and physical well-being. Research shows they reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even help you focus—probably why I keep adding them to every room I design. They’re not just décor; they’re partners in creating a home that feels alive and connected to the world around us.

So, whether you’re starting with a single Pothos or ready to commit to a statement-making Olive Tree, these plants are your ticket to a space that feels rooted, calm, and inspired. At Studio Lee, we believe that design isn’t just about what you see—it’s about how you live. And bringing a little bit of the outside in? That’s a design choice that never goes out of style.

Now, go find your plant soulmate and watch your home (and mood) thrive!