How to Integrate a Living Tree into Your Interior

Bringing a tree indoors isn’t just a design choice—it’s a way to reconnect people with nature. Whether it’s in a home, a busy office, or a public space, a living tree adds something no artificial décor ever can: a quiet, grounding presence that grows and changes over time.

But for a tree to truly thrive indoors, it needs more than just a nice corner. Light, space, care, and thoughtful placement all matter. Here’s how to do it right, whether you’re designing a living room, a reception area, or a coworking space.

1. Pick the Right Tree for the Right Place

Every space has its own scale and rhythm. A high-ceilinged lobby or open-plan office can handle a tall, architectural tree like a fiddle-leaf fig or a bay laurel. Smaller rooms, like meeting pods or reading nooks, benefit from compact trees—think olive, lemon, or even a dwarf pomegranate.

In public areas, it’s best to go for hardy, low-maintenance species that can tolerate a bit of neglect or varying indoor climates.

Tip: Choose trees that respond well to pruning. This helps keep them in proportion to the space and gives you more control over their shape.

2. Let the Pot Be Part of the Design

The planter should work with the space—not just hold the plant.

In sleek, modern interiors: go for matte ceramics or concrete pots
In warm or textured settings: terracotta, stone, or even handmade clay planters feel right
For eco-conscious designs: try upcycled wood or recycled materials

Always make sure the planter has proper drainage and is big enough—trees don’t like cramped roots. A pot that’s 20–30% larger than the root ball is a good starting point.

3. Light Is Everything

Natural light is the number one factor in keeping a tree healthy indoors. South or southwest-facing windows are ideal. If the tree’s going into a space with poor natural light—like a hallway, lobby, or some offices—install full-spectrum grow lights and set them on a timer for 10–12 hours a day.

Don’t count on “shade-tolerant” species to survive in dark corners. Even the most forgiving trees still need light.

4. Think About Comfort and Care

Trees are living things, and just like people, they don’t love dry air, sudden drafts, or constant movement. Place them away from air vents, radiators, and automatic doors.

Some trees (like citrus or olive) prefer cooler winters, so in mixed-use buildings or seasonal spaces, this can actually be an advantage.

In workplaces or public interiors, choose low-maintenance varieties or hire a plant care service to keep them healthy—especially if the space gets busy or the temperature varies.

5. Use Trees as Design Tools
Trees can do more than just look good. Use them to:

Divide space naturally in open floor plans
Mark a transition between zones (like between a lounge and a meeting area)
Soften geometry in modern interiors with hard lines and cold materials
Frame views or create focal points in the room
Invite people in—nothing warms up a space faster than something living and green

In public interiors, trees create pause points—places where people naturally slow down, gather, or simply breathe for a moment.

Final Thought

A living tree isn’t just décor—it’s a living part of your interior. Whether in a home, an office, or a public space, it creates a connection to nature that we desperately need in our urban lives. When chosen well and cared for properly, a tree can live for years—quietly shaping the mood and rhythm of the space it grows in.

If you’re planning a space and want help selecting the right tree—or figuring out how to make one thrive in a tricky spot—feel free to get in touch. I’m happy to help you bring something truly living into your design.