Need a low-cost, no-hassle floral feature for your home? Take a tour of the Kew Gardens Orchids Festival and be inspired as you explore the vibrant colours of Thailand's botanical beauty.
Running until March 11th the 2018 festival promises to immerse visitors in Thai culture and oriental blooms. Perfect inspiration for some exotic home interior updates!
A Vanda orchid tunnel, orchid arches, handcrafted Thai umbrellas, Thai afternoon teas and more will form quite a spectacle in and around the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Weekend visitors will also get to savour Thai street food and live music.
After hours flowers
Exclusive Thai-themed experiences will also be available at Kew After Hours, running from 6pm to 9.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Thai cocktails, massages and spa treatments, dancers, traditional dress and even vegetable carving will be on offer, as well as all the orchid displays dramatically illuminated.
Houseplant heaven
Orchids have long been a favourite interior accent for upmarket restaurants and hotels. These oriental blooms add natural elegance to contemporary spaces, are easy to look after and flower for extended periods.
Dining room
A group of orchids provides a striking centrepiece for these dining tables. The simplicity and structure of the white and pale yellow blooms works perfectly with the warm greys and clean lines of the décor. Click on the image above for more photos of this stylish four bedroom house with views across Hyde Park.
Entrance hall
These vibrant pink orchids add a splash of colour to the entrance hall of this SW20 house. Feature lighting brightens the enclosed space while mirrored surfaces enhance the visual impact of the flowers.
Lounge
This lounge benefits from a trio of orchids. Showing their versatility, here they add a fresh touch to the rich fabrics and ornate lighting of this luxurious three bedroom apartment, currently on the market with our Park Lane office.
Here, three orchids add a sculptural touch to the lounge area of this artistic open-plan house in SW15. A variety of vase displays and pot plants add life and colour to this neutral interior.
Head over to our Home Inspiration page for thousands more interior photos. Search by style, colour, feature or room!
Blooming orchids: caring for your plant
Let's face it, we've all bought supermarket orchids and been left with a stick in a pot. Thankfully, Kew also provides tips and advice on keeping your plants flowering regularly. Here are a few highlights:
- Moth orchids are one of the easiest varieties to look after – a great beginner's choice
- Allow your plant to dry out between waterings and then water from the top
- Use rainwater if possible – especially if you live in a hard water area
- Moth and slipper orchids prefer a minimum temperature of 15°C
- Once flowering is over, cut the spike (stem) around 3cm from its base
