The Floral Decor Accessory David Bromstad Avoids At All Costs

Jun 15, 2023

Fake flowers and plants can provide a low-maintenance and cost-effective alternative to the real thing, but interior designer and TV personality David Bromstad doesn't buy into it in home décor. When asked about the one furniture item or accessory that he thinks no one should have in their home, Bromstad shared his honest thoughts. "Vases and pots filled with fake flowers and plants. One of the things I despise. Real flowers and plants bring life into a space and for very little investment," he said (via Huffington Post).

There are endless hacks out there about what type of faux flowers to buy and how to make them look as realistic as possible because, when done well, fake plants can be long-lasting and serve their purpose with little maintenance. However, Bromstad is right. They ultimately lack authenticity and won't be able to provide the natural beauty, fragrance, and intricate details of real ones.

In addition to being low maintenance, people love to have fake flowers in their homes because they can be allergen-free and cost-effective in the long run. They also provide flexibility. Some people and pets may have allergies or sensitivities to pollen or specific plant species. In such cases, artificial plants are better to have in the home. Fake house plants and flowers also offer design flexibility, since they are available in various styles and you can always choose plants that fit right into your décor without worrying about them growing or changing over time.

Still, they often lack the unique qualities and variations found in their real counterparts, which can reduce their visual appeal and affect the overall ambiance of your home décor. Their low maintenance level doesn't make them immune to wear and tear, either. Fake plants and flowers are still prone to fading and other appearance issues, requiring some upkeep. Since this is to be expected, real flowers and plants are generally the better options to devote your efforts.

Real plants will always be beneficial for your home decor. Their presence in the home has been associated with increased well-being and cognition, reduced stress, and improved overall health. Their natural beauty, from their colors to their textures, can create a lively, inviting atmosphere, while fragrant plants like jasmine or lavender can also refresh a space and create a sense of calmness in people.

As Bromstad said, real flowers bring a piece of the natural world into your home, fostering a sense of connection to nature. This can have an all-around positive effect on those in your home, from the sense of satisfaction derived from taking care of live plants to simply enjoying the above benefits. While you'll need to switch out your flower arrangements more frequently, it provides an opportunity for variety and gives you the chance to update your décor with the seasons or specific occasions in your life. Real flowers and plants can also provide sentimental value when they are given and received.