How to create a calming ‘nature nook’ with indoor plants. Advice from Hilton Carter

Creating a Personal Nature Nook: A Small Space Solution for Wellness at Home

Dreaming of a peaceful retreat at home but short on space? Interior and plant stylist Hilton Carter suggests that all you need is a corner to create what he calls a “nature nook” – a tiny sanctuary designed to calm the mind, body, and spirit.

Carter, who has hosted plant-focused specials for HBO and PBS and authored six books including his latest, “Unfurled: Designing a Living Home,” believes these small wellness spaces improve a home both emotionally and aesthetically.

“It’s an escape from the chaos of the world,” says Carter, who discovered his own connection to plants about a decade ago while feeling overwhelmed by his work as a freelance filmmaker in Los Angeles.

A chance visit to a garden-themed café in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, became a turning point. “I was all knotted up, and I walked in there and felt a change. It felt like a vacation,” he recalls. Shortly after, Carter moved to New Orleans and purchased a fiddle-leaf fig tree he named Frank, marking the beginning of his plant journey.

Today, at 46, the Baltimore-based stylist lives with his wife and two children among approximately 150 house plants, with another 200 in his studio. Frank, now 14 feet tall, remains a living reminder of his transformation. However, Carter emphasizes that creating your own nature nook doesn’t require such an extensive collection – as few as five plants can provide significant emotional benefits.

When creating a nature nook, Carter recommends starting with site selection. “There is no minimum or maximum size,” he explains. “The important thing is how lush you decide to make it.”

Lighting assessment comes next. A corner with a south-facing window receiving eight hours of daylight offers different possibilities than a north-facing window with limited light. For spaces with insufficient natural light, Carter suggests investing in quality grow bulbs that provide both plant nourishment and aesthetic warmth.

“Find those companies that make beautiful grow bulbs. Some have two-color tones, some replicate daylight and others make warmer lights that make the space inviting but still help plants thrive,” Carter advises.

Seasonal changes also affect natural light conditions, with winter potentially providing more brightness due to leafless trees outside. Plant enthusiasts should bring this lighting information when visiting plant shops for recommendations.

Comfort is essential for any functional nature nook. “Bring in some sort of accent chair facing whatever direction is going to provide you with joy: facing out the window, where the joy is having that sun caress your face, or facing in if you’re reading,” Carter suggests.

Being realistic about plant maintenance is crucial. A beautiful initial setup will quickly deteriorate without proper care, making the space uninviting rather than rejuvenating.

Personalization makes a nature nook particularly effective. Carter often asks clients about favorite vacations or special locations, incorporating plants that evoke those happy memories. “Think about your happy place,” he advises. “Get a sense of what you want to replicate and where you want to be transported to.”

Plant selection should consider both aesthetic appeal and personal meaning. The glossy contrast between a burgundy Ficus elastica and a Monstera ‘Thai Constellation’ creates visual interest, while ferns and Norfolk pines might evoke memories of the Pacific Northwest.

Even containers play a significant role, with Carter noting that “a beautiful terracotta planter that fits the space’s vibe will evoke emotion and set the mood of the nook.”

Practical considerations shouldn’t be overlooked. Future plant growth, ceiling and window height, and floor protection all require planning. Safety is another priority: “Do you have pets? Do you have kids? What kinds of plants will thrive and keep them safe?” Carter emphasizes.

Once established, consistency helps maximize the benefits of a nature nook. Whether enjoying morning coffee there or reading in the evenings, regular use of the space can be transformative.

For Carter, the impact of surrounding himself with plants extends beyond aesthetics. “I’m much more patient, more kind, considerate and I’m a better listener because of plants,” he reflects. “I think I’m entirely a more loving individual than before.”

This growing wellness trend demonstrates that creating a restorative space at home doesn’t require extensive square footage or elaborate renovations – just a corner, some thoughtfully chosen plants, and the intention to create a personal sanctuary.