This $37 Houseplant Transformed Harrison Ford's '80s Living Room Into an 'Indoor Jungle' – It's The Secret to Bringing Vibrancy Into a Neutral Space
A verdant plant acts as a focal point in archival photos of Harrison Ford's Los Angeles living room from 1981 (and it's easy to recreate his look today)
Monstera, or 'Swiss Cheese Plants,' are one of the most vibrant options for bringing a pop of greenery to your home. They are affordable, grow quickly, and are easy to care for, making them the perfect option for serving as a focal point. Harrison Ford demonstrates this was the case even in the '80s.
Archival photos of the actor's Los Angeles home in 1981 show a gorgeously neutral living room. It featured white painted walls, white ceilings, and massive bay windows to fill the space with light. A white shag rug and white painted fireplace completed the bright look. All of this neutrality brings attention to the one colorful accent: the bright green monstera plant on the mantel.
Harrison Ford in his Los Angeles home, 1981
Recreate Harrison's Look at Home
This Ford-inspired Monstera has large leaves that instantly add life to a brightly lit room at home. It is easy to care for and classic, with greenery that will thrive in your home for years to come.
Store your monstera in a gorgeous oversized pot like this one. It adds a stunning, aged feel to any home.
This ultra-soft area rug comes at an incredibly accessible price. It would be a beautiful addition to any living room.
Guests will fight over this chic and surprisingly comfortable bamboo armchair. Simply decorate with a bold cushion for a sophisticated and cozy arrangement.
Harrison Food keeps candlesticks on his mantelpiece for a stylish look. The intricate design make them feel like a genuine antique at a great price.
This beautiful and sturdy teak coffee table would be gorgeous in any space. It would be the perfect pair with a white rug.
As Harrison Ford's home shows, decorating with plants is a proven way to uplift a living space. Emma Fell, Head of Horticulture at Hillier Garden Centres, advises: 'Choosing houseplants that suit each room makes them easier to care for and more likely to thrive. With the right placement and a little regular attention, houseplants can bring lasting beauty and a calm, welcoming feel to your home.'
Furthermore, growing and caring for a monstera is an especially astute choice. 'If you’re looking to make a statement in a living room or an open-plan space, Monstera (Swiss cheese plant) is a brilliant choice. Its large, glossy leaves instantly add impact and create a relaxed, indoor jungle feel.'
Harrison Ford vacuuming his living room in 1981
As the placement in Ford's home shows, positioning is everything. While you want to make sure it's striking, it's also important that the location benefits the plant to create thriving greenery. Emma recommends: 'Monsteras enjoy bright, indirect light and a warm spot away from harsh sunshine, which can scorch the leaves. Water when the top layer of compost feels dry, and feed during spring and summer to support healthy growth. Given the right conditions, it’s a rewarding plant that quickly becomes a focal point.'
Houseplants are more than simple accessories; the right choice and placement can make or break a design.
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