During January, in particular, I'm constantly looking for ways to refresh my space — literally and figuratively. Decluttering tips, storage hacks, revitalizing home scents, trendy new pillow covers ... you name it, I want to try it. Plus, a new space goes hand in hand with a new year, so it's a fitting time to make the switch.
Scientifically speaking, though, there's actually one great home decor tip that reigns high above the rest, for it quite literally refreshes your home and even the air in it. It's also said to improve your mental health, particularly during the darker, colder months of the year, and can even make you feel quite accomplished if you manage to pull it off. No, it's not a purchase from one of the best home decor brands. It's ... wait for it ... buying plants.
Indeed, among other benefits, indoor gardens are believed to reduce stress, increase productivity, and even help you recover faster from illness. And from a decor perspective, a little greenery really does go a long way in livening up a space. I know how dreary January can be, so I've been on the lookout for home hacks that combine the need for mid-winter dopamine hits with the new-year rush on health and wellness. At first, it seemed like it may have been an impossible task. But now, I think I've found the holy grail guidance I've been searching for.
@houseplusplant ♬ Misty - Lesley Gore
This now-viral DIY from @houseplantplus is the answer to my deep-winter prayers. Using a simple tension rod shower caddy purchased off Amazon, a few LED plant lights, and a pack of cable zip ties, the creator managed to craft the perfect "grow tower" that fits in the corner of her room.
It's the perfect meeting of form and function. She gets the benefit of indoor gardening without needing to spend hundreds on a hydroponic garden, while also taking advantage of the plants as added decor. And she doesn't need to worry about limited sunlight during the darker months of the year; that's what the plant lights are for! It's truly such a genius idea. Now if only I had a green thumb ...
Create your own 'grow tower'
Price: $39.99
Was: $49.99
You won't be using this in your shower, obviously, but it is worth noting that each shelf has a strong load-bearing capacity of 9 pounds. Important when you're talking about plants. Plus, it's waterproof!
Price: $23.96
Was: $29.95
These lights trick your plants into growing big and tall by imitating the solar spectrum. Plus they're stick-on, so you can easily tack them onto the shelves of your shower-caddy-turned-grow-tower.
Price: $3.59
Was: $9.99
Use these zip ties for a little extra security, whether that's reinforcing the weaker areas of the shower rod or locking the plant pots in place (in case any curious cats come snooping around).
Other indoor garden essentials
Price: $19.99
Was: $20.99
Put your plants on a pedestal with this cute wooden stands from Amazon. If you're not using them for your grow tower, they'd work equally as well as a base for a centerpiece on your kitchen island.
Price: $58
I've had my eye on this bust pot for weeks. It's perfection. So long as doesn't weigh too much, I'd love to see this on one of your tower shelves.
Price: From $13.92
If you'd like to keep your pothos from doing its pothos thing all out over your floor, this mini trellis should help excellently in the early months. Funky and inobtrusive.
Price: $16
Any respectable indoor gardener needs some indoor gardening tools. This set features a trowel, spade, and rake that are perfect for precision plant care in small pots and spaces (the longest tool is still under 11").
Price: $36.99
This large terracotta plant pot is covered in a reactive glaze that gives each piece a unique look. And the green isn't too shabby either.
Price: $18.99
These shears look so sleek — the next generation of gardening tools! Can everything come in this lovely mint colorway?
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