Interior Design for Beginners: Decorating with Plants
A course by Ale de la CerdaArchitect
A course by Ale de la Cerda, Architect
Learn to observe and understand plants by designing interior spaces that connect with nature
Discover the wonderful world of plants and learn to connect with it through design alongside architect Alejandra de la Cerda. She is the cofounder of the architecture firm Polen and of Lenpo, a studio specialized in bringing people and nature closer together. The aim of her work is to enhance the quality of life within spaces using plant-centric designs.
In this course, Alejandra teaches you how to understand plants from both a functional and aesthetic point of view and use them to transform interior spaces. For the final project, plan a design project centered around plants for a space of your choice, from the analysis, sketches, and layout to the selection of plants and materials based on environmental conditions, your objectives, and desired style.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 26 downloads
The world of plants
14 minutes, 36 seconds
The substrate
8 minutes, 51 seconds
How to identify and control pests?
8 minutes, 0 seconds
Live the space
4 minutes, 43 seconds
Identify the space: information and measurements
3 minutes, 25 seconds
The style
9 minutes, 18 seconds
What's included in this course?
Begin the course by getting to know Alejandra, who tells you about how she developed a deep connection with plants, discovered her passion for design, and cofounded Polen and studio Lenpo. She also introduces you to some of her work and shares her artistic influences.
Continue with an overview of the materials you need for the course and learn some basic concepts about plants, their characteristics, and the factors you need to consider to give them the perfect balance of light, water, and nutrients.
Next, see how to create substrate for your plants, which is the root of their existence. Alejandra shows you the most common components and how to mix them before teaching you to recognize pests and diseases and how to treat them.
Shift your focus from nature to design and find out how to analyze the space you chose for the final project. Discover how to select the right plants based on the conditions they need, and then define the overall style.
Now it's time to get designing! Make a mood board with materials, colors, textures, and elements of style. Use the information you compiled earlier to create a layout divided into areas and decide how you want to arrange the plant pots and other accessories.
Once you're satisfied with your layout, the only thing left to do is set up your space. Alejandra wraps up the course by giving you some tips on plant care and maintenance. Now you know how to create a personal oasis wherever you go.
What is this course's project?
Plan a plant-centric interior design project for a space of your choice.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Architects, designers, and anyone with a passion for plants and design who wants to explore, learn, and get their hands dirty!
Requirements and materials
No prior knowledge is necessary to take this course, just a good dose of imagination and a passion for plants and design.
For the design portion, you need paper, pencil, a tape measure, colored pencils or markers, and a design program if you decide to create a digital layout. As for working with plants, you need scissors, a trowel, a light meter (optional), a moisture meter, a watering can and a spray bottle, basic components for creating substrate (tezontle, pumice stone, compost, and coconut coir) and a pesticide you can easily make at home.
Reviews
- 4 months ago
Excelente! lo recomiendo. Muy dinámico, didáctico y con mucha información.
- 4 months ago
está bien estructurado, me gustó
- 5 months ago
Me pareció un curso muy útil y bien explicado!
- 6 months ago
¡Me encantó! Cada concepto básico está tan bien explicado que es fácil interiorizarlo. Se hace llevadero, ameno y te quedas con un montón de tips para aplicar.
- 8 months ago
Curso completo ,bem estruturado. Adorei
Throughout her career, she has worked with brands like Google, Twitter, Grupo Maquarie, Uber, Eli Lilly, and the United States Embassy. Her design work has also been displayed at Design Week México, WantedDesign New York, and Caravana Americana, and been featured in magazines like Architectural Digest, Ambientes, Gatopardo, and VOGUE.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Presentation
- Influences
- U2
The plants
- The world of plants
- Basic factors
- The substrate
- How to identify and control pests?
- U3
Space
- Live the space
- Identify the space: information and measurements
- The style
- U4
Let's do it!
- Materials and mood board
- How to make an outline by zones
- Select plants
- Flowerpots and accessories
- Space styling
- How to keep your plants happy?
- FP
Final project
- Interior Design for Beginners: Decorating with Plants
What to expect from a Domestika course
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FAQs
Interior landscaping involves designing and decorating indoor spaces with plants and natural elements to enhance aesthetics, functionality, and well-being. It helps create relaxing environments, improve air quality, and bring nature indoors.
The course is aimed at people with intermediate knowledge; it’s perfect if you already have basic plant or design skills but want to deepen your expertise in professional interior landscaping and pest control.
You’ll learn how to analyze spaces, select plants and materials, design indoor gardens, apply plant design principles, prevent and manage pests, and create functional, beautiful environments tailored to different needs and styles.
You’ll need a notebook, pencil, tape measure, compass, digital camera or smartphone, basic gardening tools, pots, soil, and access to indoor plants. Using software like AutoCAD is recommended but not required.
Choose species that tolerate low light, like snake plants, pothos, or ferns. Assess your space’s orientation and track light hours to place plants where they’ll thrive.
Yes, the course covers how to spot pests like aphids and whiteflies, use home remedies like garlic extract or soap, and distinguish pests from beneficial organisms for sustainable control.
Styles like wild, relaxed boho, and minimalist are explored, teaching you how to pick and group plants, choose materials, and create personalized spaces based on trends and preferences.