It's Faux...Green?

I must admit I am not a fan of fake plants. I know how hard it is for some to keep a plant alive and the easy solution seems to be a plastic or silk replica but really...really? I remember one of my teacher's in design school saying that Interior Designer's only use plants to cover mistakes in design! So I grew to despise fake ivy above cabinets, hated dusty ficus trees in corners and loathe fake flowers atop tables. Then I started a business in Real Estate Staging! One of the most difficult decisions I had to make when I became a Stager was what to do about the green factor. Houses with plants feel more like home and even I have pots with beautiful succulents that require little water and add life to a room...however, all plants will die in a staging project that lasts for months when no one is around to water and care for it. I had to bite the bullet and admit that there is a time and place for faux greenery (shocking as it might be)! I also intentionally purchased several plants and flowers in the faux catagory for my business...oh, the horror! My advice to you is to use these faux creations with clear reasoning. Are you selling your home and need something low maintenence on the dining room table? Do you kill every real green plant you buy? Do you want something pretty in your powder room that does not require weekly watering or fresh replacements? My first choice would be au natural...try succulents from the Palm Room in Ballard. Go to your local Nursury and talk to an expert about what you want and the type of maintenence it requires. Swansons in Ballard is great for this! Finally, if you must, try to purchase faux greenery from a quality standpoint: if it is cheap it will look cheap. Fidalgo's and Pottery Barn have some great options for faux greenery and flowers but use these sparingly unless you are staging a home for sale. Also, consider a dried arrangement with the addition of live greenery. Going to your local flower market can inspire a whole new creation and utilizing dried elements with your fresh flower selections can save $$$. The final word? Use caution, use sparingly and please don't put fake ivy above your cabinets because there is "nothing else to put there!" and good luck!