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If You Buy One Thing…..

Make it this faux palm from Rockett St George…. I’ll tell you why in a minute. But first:

faux fern from rockett st george at kws madabouthehouse.com

When I started this blog, way back in 2012 I did a certain amount of research before I began: Google: What is a blog? Google: Where do I get one? Google: How do I upload an image? Google: How often should I publish?

And I quickly discovered a common thread; that all blogs start out full of good intentions with lots of posts – sometimes two a day (back then) and such is their enthusiasm that they quickly fill the internet with all their content and ideas. Then, usually three months in, the ideas start to slow down. And the torrent becomes a trickle.

faux fern from rockett st george at kws madabouthehouse.com

And so begins the Winter of the Blogger’s Discontent. The depressing realisation that only your Mum is reading. That you are slogging your guts out having ideas, writing them, getting pictures, editing them and all for very little return. And so, one day, you decide to skip a post. And then because no-one seemed to notice you skip another.

And suddenly two months have gone by and you’ve only done one post. And the blog is quietly laid to rest. Often, these days in favour of instagram which is more immediate and fun. And less writing.

faux fern from rockett st george at kws madabouthehouse.com

So I determined that I would not fall into that trap. I was going to find a way to blog every day. Thus 365 Objects of Design was born. It ran every single day for two years – numbered. Then in year three it began to appear between other posts and I took the numbers off.

Over the last year or two it has felt wrong to publish posts that are purely about shopping. With no value other than this is nice buy it. I have tried to find companies that are interesting to write about, or could help us learn about design or which have a story to tell. Basically to find something to justify said object of design’s place on the page. Although sometimes it is just about an amazing piece.

faux fern from rockett st george at kws madabouthehouse.com

But the truth of the matter is that we still go shopping. Sometimes for clothes, sometimes for shoes and sometimes it’s the house’s turn for a little retail therapy. And so the post has remained. But now it has changed. Now it’s about finding that one thing that is just perfect.

And this, my friends, is that thing. For this week anyway. I bought this faux lyca palm about three months ago. And, as you can see, from the pictures it has been working its way round the house.

faux fern from rockett st george at kws madabouthehouse.com

Now it’s not just that it’s a great prop, which it is. But I also really like it in every room it goes into. Especially at the moment (don’t mention the weather but….) when outside is looking more like a dried up crisp than a green and lush oasis. At least this one won’t wilt. Doesn’t need water and makes me feel all jungly and tropical.

It mostly lives by the shower next to the tall (real and wilting) plant and the fake Monstera on the other side. That way I can pretend I live in a lush tropical paradise when I get into the shower for the fourth time that day (that’s not true I remember the water shortages of 1976, but you know what I mean). It makes me feel cooler just to look at a marble shower surrounded by plants.

faux fern from rockett st george at kws madabouthehouse.com

This is the one thing I have bought recently that was totally worth it. So, as I said, if you buy one thing….

 

Faux Green Lyca Palm from Rockett St George for £35

 

Kate Watson-Smyth

The author Kate Watson-Smyth

I’m a journalist who writes about interiors mainly for The Financial Times but I have also written regularly for The Independent and The Daily Mail. My house has been in Living Etc, HeartHome and featured in The Wall Street Journal & Corriere della Sera. I also run an interior styling consultancy Mad About Your House. Welcome to my Mad House.

10 Comments

  1. Would you do a post Kate on indoor plants that are relatively impossible to kill, but still look lush? (I know, it sounds like I’m asking for water to be turned into wine….but there must be some!)

    My green-less thumbs have had success with Fiddle Leaf Figs, Zanzibar Gems and I believe Mother in Law’s tongue is pretty hard to neglect to the point of destruction.

    I love the idea of faux plants and the quality ones look super realistic nowadays, but – I kind of feel embarrassed for admitting this! – I still remember Oprah’s little rant on fake flowers and it always kind of stuck with me. Not because I think we should all aspire to be like Oprah, but because it resonated with me that it’s nice to have natural beauty around you in your home.

    I know, I know, I’m missing out on a year-round rainforest. Regardless, do you know of any great indoor plants that do well being left (mostly) to their own devices? Thank you! And thanks for continuing to invest the time in blogging and being so generous with your knowledge. I’ve learnt so much in the short time I’ve been a subscriber.

  2. Misread that as ‘Lycra Palm’. Love your blog – and who has time to read all the blogs one subscribes to? But yours is always there with advice – for the real world, inspiring ideas and photos, and fun! Keep up the good work!

  3. Oh Kate, I always read your blog. Ever since I found you a couple of months ago, you’ve been a highlight of my day. A lovely dose of self indulgence and lots of fab inspiration and advice. One item I have seen in a couple of your pix is something I would love to own: a white coffee pot with a black lid and eyes that looks like a bird… where did you get that? It really made me smile 🙂 Thank you!

  4. I love reading your blog. Thank you for your witticisms, transparency and really wonderful content. It’s a joy to read, thanks.

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