Nicole Kidman’s Anti-Minimalist Greenhouse Reinvents Victorian Conservatories – Her 'Vertical Layering' Is Pure Magic
Channeling true apothecary maximalism, Nicole's glasshouse combines climbing foliage with tiered greenery for beautiful results
How is it possible to make a Victorian feature feel new again? Nicole Kidman may have found the answer: Look up.
The greenhouse, seen on the set of Practical Magic, is filled with plants; however, they aren't all taking up space on the floor. Golden Pothos and variegated ivy climb the pillars, flowering Chinese Lantern plants sit on raised wooden staging, and smaller plants are arranged on shelves – encouraging us to plant higher.
While most Victorian glasshouses follow a clean, conventional aesthetic, Nicole's more maximalist greenhouse idea makes this feature feel exciting again. Using the walls, pillars and shelves leaves more floor space to move around, while making the most of the height of these older glasshouses.
To get the same look, start with a few terracotta planters at different heights, like this similar design from Target, and use them to lift your planting scheme off the floor.
Shop the Nicole Kidman-Inspired Edit
I love Nicole's idea of using weathered terracotta pots to bring greenery into a greenhouse. They look like aged clay but are easier to arrange on shelves, helping turn the walls and higher levels of a glasshouse into part of the planting scheme.
Terracotta never really goes out of style, and this planter is a good reminder of why. Its earthy finish would look beautiful in any greenhouse or add more depth and color as the garden moves into fall.
These natural clay pieces are glazed to withstand the elements, so they can stay outside as the seasons change. I also like the idea of bringing one indoors for the colder months, where its earthy finish would work just as well in a living room.
Few greenhouses have the presence of a vintage French one like this. It’s certainly an investment, but the kind of structure that only gets better with age and could become a real focal point in the garden. Take it from Nicole, who has already led the way.
You don’t need a greenhouse to bring a little Victorian character to the garden. Made from cast iron with an aged black-brown finish, this wall-mounted piece has an old-fashioned feel that makes us rethink how we store things outdoors.
A floral pillow is an easy way to bring that Victorian garden feel into an outdoor space. This aqua design features vintage blooms and is woven from weather-resistant fabric, so it can handle outdoor life while still feeling inviting.
'Having a decent area to work and display your plants and crops is essential in any kind of greenhouse, whether it’s a working house or used more for entertaining and relaxing,' says Tori Tomlin, director at White Cottage Greenhouses. 'Staging, at table height, is needed to allow you to easily work with and display your plants.'
This greenhouse finds the perfect balance by varying container garden heights. Trailing greenery brings the eye upwards, while flowering plants on higher shelves stand out against the surrounding foliage. It also keeps smaller plants from getting lost among larger pots on the ground.
'Shelving can help you to maximize the space in your greenhouse and is specifically needed for trailing species,' Tori explains. 'Using staging and shelving of different levels also enhances the beauty of your greenhouse. Plants are elevated, and precious species can be seen and displayed clearly.'
Plus, there are practical benefits to following Nicole's lead. Once plants are spread across several levels, you need to consider light and airflow throughout the room. Plants positioned higher up can receive stronger sunlight, while dense planting can restrict air circulation below.
'Maintaining the right balance of light, heat, ventilation, shading and even humidity in the greenhouse can transform the growing environment so that near-perfect conditions are met at all times,' Tori says. 'Computer control of these systems is available to ensure the ideal balance for your plants and your guests.'
Lighting can help during darker months, both for using the greenhouse and for keeping plants growing when natural light is limited. 'As well as lighting the interior for working, artificial light in a greenhouse helps with plant growth,' Tori adds. 'Artificial light can support plants when natural sunlight is insufficient. This can extend daylight hours, improve plant productivity, and help enable year-round production.'
If you have a similar Victorian greenhouse, or you're working with a smaller garden, the lesson remains the same. Use the pillars, shelves, and staging to bring plants off the floor, and suddenly your familiar structure will have a very different feel.
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