“Let’s brighten up your living room today” – Tanya Olsen
A splash of bold colour can liven up any space, but the real secret to a vibrant indoor garden is mixing textures, leaf patterns, and a variety of hues. Tanya Olsen, third-generation owner of Royal City Nursery and Professor in the Horticulture Apprenticeship program at Humber College, shares expert tips on how to combine different plants to create a dynamic, eye-catching display—perfect for brightening up even the darkest, grey months.
Check out our YouTube video on ‘Houseplants To Brighten Your Home’ (4 minute watch) or scroll to continue reading.
With its stunning blend of pink, cream, and green, the Stromanthe ‘Triostar’ is a true showstopper. Its elongated leaves unfurl in a painterly mix of colours, while the deep magenta undersides create a dramatic contrast. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and adds a soft yet vibrant energy to any space.
Chinese Evergreens (Aglaonema) are beloved for their uniquely patterned foliage and lush texture. With leaves streaked in silver, red, pink, or green, they offer a variety of options for adding depth and dimension to your plant collection. Their adaptability and low-maintenance nature make them perfect for both beginners and seasoned plant lovers.
For those who love bold, moody tones, the ZZ ‘Black Queen’ is a must-have. Its deep, almost ink-black leaves have a glossy, sculptural appearance that creates a striking contrast when paired with brighter plants. This tough-as-nails beauty thrives in low light, making it an excellent option for adding drama to darker corners of your home.
Snake plants are celebrated for their upright, architectural form, and the ‘Flame’ variety adds an extra spark of personality. Its bold, golden-yellow edges mimic the look of flickering flames, creating a striking visual impact. Low-maintenance and eye-catching, this plant brings both structure and style to any space.
If you’re looking for plants that bring an explosion of colour and movement, Calatheas are a perfect choice. With their mesmerizing patterns, rich purples, greens, and pinks, and velvety or glossy leaves, they add an undeniable vibrancy. Bonus? These plants move their leaves in response to light, making them feel almost alive in your home.
The ‘Rubra’ Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica ‘Rubra’) is a powerhouse of colour and texture, with deep burgundy leaves that bring richness and warmth to any space. Its thick, glossy foliage adds a structured, sculptural element, making it an excellent anchor plant in an indoor arrangement. Whether styled as a statement piece or paired with plants of contrasting textures, its bold presence elevates any room. Plus, it’s incredibly hardy and adaptable, thriving in a range of light conditions with minimal care.
By thoughtfully mixing bold colours, striking patterns, and unique textures, you can transform your indoor space into a vibrant, dynamic oasis—just like you would in your outdoor garden or on the patio. Whether it’s the rich burgundy of the ‘Rubra’ Rubber Plant, the dramatic contrast of the ZZ ‘Black Queen,’ or the painterly hues of the Stromanthe ‘Triostar,’ each of these plants brings something special to the table.
The key is to experiment—play with different leaf shapes, colour contrasts, and placements to create a layered, eye-catching display. No matter the season, these plants will keep your home feeling lively, fresh, and full of personality. Our team of experts is here to help you pick the perfect plant for you and your home.
About Tanya Olsen:
Tanya is a third-generation garden centre owner and landscape designer.
Teaches Horticulture Apprenticeship at Humber College in Ontario, Canada.
Has a weekly segment on CTV news.
Has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.
YWCA Woman of Distinction.
About Royal City Nursery:
Guelph, Ontario’s only third-generation, full-service garden centre! We specialize in creating custom outdoor living spaces and unique solutions for all your garden, landscape, and seasonal decorating needs! At our new greenhouse, located between Guelph and Cambridge, we are the garden centre of choice for discerning homeowners, landscapers, and designers.
