Last year we experienced the fiddle leaf fig tree movement, making an appearance in every on trend home and décor magazine around the world. Before that, the succulent stole the show with its hardy nature and water saving qualities. This year, the plant that’s putting its roots down in décor, is not only a fruit producing tree but is also one that doesn’t require much maintenance, it is the humble olive tree.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BP4O1NjBKwJ/
The olive tree has inspired artists such as Van Gogh and it is wonderful to see how this plant is now inspiring the world of décor. According to Olive Oil Times, these are just a few of the big names in décor that are embracing the indoor olive tree trend:
Joanna Gaines, a host of HGTV’s popular Fixer Upper program, is a huge advocate of bringing the olive tree inside. If Gaines were to pop-in on you, she’d more than likely turn up with a potted olive tree than a bunch of flowers. According to Gaines, you can add a little farmhouse charm to any room with an indoor olive tree.
American interior designer Nate Berkus has embraced the trend for indoor olive trees for quite a while. Berkus’s partner, Jeremiah Brent (also a designer) idolizes trees as houseplants. The couple’s Los Angeles home is awash with olive trees in old Indonesian pots. Prior to moving to Los Angeles; Berkus’s New York apartment housed an olive tree on an occasional table.
English architect Ian Simpson is another devotee of the indoor olive tree. Simpson welcomed olive trees in his home well before the current trend began. The architect created an indoor garden in his Manchester penthouse apartment and graced it with 30 olive trees imported from Tuscany.
“I really like the sound of it. It has quite a Mediterranean look and could be very interesting in the right space. An olive tree would look wonderful in a home that has a Mediterranean theme or Tuscan decor. They can also be a great option for filling the gaps in a room with limited furnishings.” – Richard Brunton, art director at NZ House & Garden magazine
Not only are olive tree’s making an appearance in more and more homes but they can also be found in trendy hotels. Guests at The Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay are welcomed by eight 200-year-old olive trees that adorn the hotel’s lobby. In the UK, Gusto new Nottingham restaurant is decked out with indoor olive trees.
Olive trees make great indoor plants as they are pretty low maintenance and add a beautifully rustic Mediterranean feel to a space. Dwarf varieties of olive trees are best for interiors unless your home is large with tall ceilings. Even dwarf varieties can reach a height of around 6 feet.
Although these are usually fruit producing trees, don’t expect a bumper crop of olives; most potted olive trees won’t bear fruit. Olive trees that may produce fruit indoors are the Arbequina, a slow growing “weeping” olive tree, and the Picholine.
For more information on growing your own olive tree, click here.
Sources:
https://www.aol.com/article/2016/03/02/trend-alert-olive-trees-for-indoor-decorating/21321704/
https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil-basics/indoor-olive-trees-trending/55347
http://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/news/a7953/olive-tree-decor/
- London International Olive oil Competitions 2018 - December 15, 2017
- 3 Chocolate & Olive Oil Recipes For Heart Health - December 8, 2017
- 10 Awesome Local Olive Oil Packaging Designs - November 24, 2017