Styling Plants at Home with 5 Cats 🙀

Like many of us, once the pandemic hit, my house became a lush, green oasis filled with a thriving plant collection. But three years ago life had a surprise in store for me: a stray cat, a litter of kittens, and suddenly, I was sharing my home with five curious and energetic cats who were absolutely bonkers for my plants. The past few years have been a lesson in balance — keeping my plants, my cats, and my sanity all intact.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding enough sunlight. All the prime spots with great natural light were in the main living areas where I couldn’t keep the cats out. That left me with my lower-light office as the only cat-free zone for my plants. Sadly, many of them didn't survive the transition, but I’ve managed to keep the most meaningful ones along with a few low-light species that have adapted well to the new situation.

I'll post a YouTube video giving you a behind-the-scenes tour of my personal houseplant collection, but here, I want to dive into how I create an organic, botanical feel in my home despite the challenges of living with five cats. Whether you have pets or not, these are some fun ways to incorporate plant vibes into your space, even if you have a certified black thumb.

1. Macramé Hanging Baskets
   Hanging baskets have become a lifesaver for me. They keep plants safely out of paw’s reach, and they also add vertical interest to my rooms. It’s a great way to maximize space while ensuring my plants still get the light they need. The combination of greenery and textured macramé brings a soft, boho feel that I love as well.
   
   

2. Wall Planters
   Wall planters have transformed my gallery wall and I am truly obsessed. The unexpected pop of green life among the art pieces adds a fresh, botanical feel that gives my kitchen so much character. It’s a simple way to level up a space without sacrificing any surface area, and the cats barely notice the plants since they’re off the ground. Shop wall cones.
   
   
   

3. Greenhouse Solutions
   One of my favorite hobbies is my orchid collection, and the thought of my cats chewing up one of my beautiful plants was too much to bear. My solution? A small indoor greenhouse I found on Amazon. It keeps my orchids safe and adds a fun botanical flair to my office. The greenhouse allows me to display my plants so that I can enjoy them and keep them safe.
   
   
   

4. Cat-Free Plant Zones
   My office has officially become a no-cat zone. I keep the door closed and this gives me a dedicated space to relax among my precious plants without worry. It’s become a cozy retreat and quiet space to work, because you just get more done without a cat running across your keyboard every 5 seconds. Shop catnip.
   
   

5. Dried Flowers
   For areas where the light is just too low for live plants, I use dried flowers. Lavender is my favorite. I grow it, dry it, and place small bundles in vases throughout the house. Not only does it look pretty, but I can also pinch off a flower when I’m stressed and enjoy its calming scent all year round. It’s an easy way to create an organic feel to the spaces that aren't plant friendly. And it doesn't add anything to my plant care routine!  Shop smudge wands.
   
   
   

6. Botanical Essential Oil Blends
   Another way I create a plant-inspired atmosphere is through scent. I wanted to have one of those homes that just smelled nice all the time, so I have diffusers in every room (only God can judge me). After experimenting with different combinations, I crafted my own signature “house scent”: a delicate blend of rose, jasmine, lavender, and vanilla. It’s a small luxury that makes walking through my front door feel like stepping into a serene garden. This idea was inspired by luxury hotels — their lobbies always smell like heaven and feature stunning floral arrangements. 
   
   
   

7. Artificial Plants in the Right Spots
   While I’ve never been a huge fan of artificial plants, I've come to deeply appreciate their practical function. There were a few places in my home where I really wanted plants, but realistically they wouldn't thrive, and artificial plants stepped up to save the day. My bathroom, for example, has artificial vines draped over my vanity. The room is too dark for most live plants, but the faux greenery adds warmth and texture. I also keep an artificial plant on top of my bookcase, where the cats used to jump and knock over pots. Now, the space still has a pop of green without too much worry or mess. 
   
   
   

8. Plant-Themed Wall Art
   Art plays a big role in my plant-inspired décor. I’m drawn to Impressionism, especially flower still life pieces, and they’re heavily represented in my art choices. Art is such a classy way to bring your home to life and extra brownie points if the art is of plants and flowers. My advice: find the art style that speaks to you and seek out plant-themed pieces within that aesthetic to create an intentional look and give your space personal style.
   
   
   

9. Botanical Coffee Table Books
   Finally, books have become one of my favorite design elements. I swapped out many of my tabletop plants for beautiful gardening and houseplant books. Not only are they safe from the cats, but they also bring a "light academia" vibe to my home. Plus, it’s a practical choice since my book collection has outgrown my shelves... Shop children's books.
   
   
   

If you’re struggling to balance your plant life with your pet life, I hope these ideas give you hope. There are so many creative ways to bring the beauty of nature into your home without the stress. Let me know which ideas resonate with you, and don’t forget to check out my YouTube video for a tour of my personal houseplant collection!

Join me in the Facebook group, No New Plants, and share your plant-styling ideas with us. I love seeing your creativity at work. 

💚
-Brooklyn