Every home has areas that are often overlooked, where dust tends to gather and design takes a back seat. These spaces could be a dim hallway, a bare staircase landing, an awkward corner near the bathroom or a narrow balcony that rarely gets used.
Although these areas often go unnoticed, they can transform the mood and energy of a whole house. Interior designers often say that adding greenery is the quickest way to bring life to dull spaces.
“Plants breathe character into dead zones,” says interior stylist Mary Wanjiru. “They soften sharp corners, add texture, and instantly transform the atmosphere of a room.”
Peter Munene, a plant enthusiast, says that many home-owners don’t realise the potential of their unused corners.
“People often overlook verandas, hallways, washrooms, staircases, kitchens and even cupboards," he explains. “With the right plant in the right spot, these spaces can become cosy, vibrant and deeply personal.”
A variety of plants at Grand Plants and Pots nursery located along Eastern Bypass near Kamakis on August 30, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation
Mr Munene, who owns a plant nursery along the Eastern Bypass in Ruiru, takes BD Life through the most neglected spaces in a house and explains which plants to put where and how a single plant could transform its appearance and breathe new life into it.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are often overlooked in terms of décor, yet they already offer two conditions that many plants love: humidity and a stable temperature.
Mr Munene suggests cacti, succulents or aglaonema (Chinese evergreens). Cacti and succulents thrive in bright, well-ventilated bathrooms because they store water in their tissues and require infrequent watering in a fast-draining mix.
“If your bathroom is not very light, aglaonema is a better choice as it tolerates low light and appreciates the humidity from showers. It also has glossy, patterned leaves that can make a plain bathroom look more interesting,” he says.
Cactus plant pictured at Grand Plants and Pots nursery located along Eastern Bypass near Kamakis on August 30, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation
When placing a plant in the bathroom, he recommends ensuring that it isn’t constantly splashed with water, rotating it monthly for even growth, and cracking a window or running the fan after showers to prevent mildew and leaf spotting.
Kitchens
Due to their bright task lighting and opportunities for regular hand watering, kitchens are excellent places for growing plants. Even small areas, such as the shelf above the sink or a corner of the counter, can accommodate plants.
Herbs such as basil, rosemary and mint thrive with four to six hours of bright light. Keep the soil of basil plants evenly moist and harvest them by pinching above a leaf node to encourage bushiness. Rosemary prefers more sunlight and should be allowed to dry slightly between watering. Mint tolerates partial shade and enjoys consistently moist soil. It is best contained in its own pot to prevent it from spreading too much.
“Aloe vera likes sunny windowsills. It thrives in bright light, in gritty soil and requires thorough but infrequent watering. In addition to its clean, architectural appearance, aloe vera’s cooling gel is useful for treating minor kitchen burns,” he says.
Dumb Cane plant pictured at Grand Plants and Pots nursery located along Eastern Bypass near Kamakis, in Ruiru on August 30, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation
Cupboards and shelving
Cupboards with open shelves or glass fronts are perfect for compact plants that thrive in gentler light. Spider plants adapt to a range of conditions and enjoy moderate light and evenly moist soil. Their arching leaves add movement, and plantlets can be rooted for propagation. Mini succulents provide structure and come in various forms. Air plants (Tillandsia) are also a perfect choice since they require no soil at all.
“Display them on small stands or in cups. Mist them several times a week or soak them for 15 to 20 minutes weekly. Allow them to dry completely before returning them to their spots,” says Mr Munene.
He adds that good airflow is essential for plants in cupboards. “Avoid keeping them sealed behind doors for extended periods and clean the shelves to prevent condensation build-up.”
Hallways and staircases
These transitional spaces are perfect for sculptural, vertical plants that guide the eye and create rhythm.
“Large plants like rubber plants or fiddle leaf figs thrive in these areas and help create a natural flow,” advises Munene.
Fan Palm tree pictured at Grand Plants and Pots nursery located along Eastern Bypass near Kamakis on August 30, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation
A rubber plant (Ficus elastica) thrives in medium light and can tolerate occasional dryness, making it an ideal choice for corridors with intermittent sunlight. Its broad, deep green or burgundy leaves offer a sense of luxury and help to visually 'anchor' long walls. The fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata), on the other hand, prefers bright, indirect light, making it ideal for a stairwell window or landing.
“Ensure stable temperatures for both plants, water only when the top few centimetres of soil are dry, and rotate them so the crowns grow evenly. Use heavy wide-based planters or pot stands to prevent them from tipping over on stairs,” says Mr Munene.
Work-from-home corners
Even a simple desk can benefit from having a live plant. Research consistently shows that indoor greenery is linked to improved focus and lower stress levels, making it ideal for home offices. For busy homeowners, Mr Munene recommends the snake plant and the ZZ plant.
“Both plants brighten dark corners while requiring very little maintenance. They are also mildly toxic if chewed, so keep them out of reach of pets and children,” says Mr Munene.
Placement and design tricks
“Light, humidity and space are essential factors that determine whether a plant thrives. If you notice your plant bending towards the window, it’s asking for more light,” explains Munene.
Mr Munene leaves home-owners with one key principle: “Never leave a dead corner empty. Add a plant. It will soften the space, lift the mood and make the house alive.”
