Rachana (@plantistan on Instagram) calls herself a “Brooklyn-based plant junkie,” and her large loft-like space in Brooklyn sports over 300 plants in under 1000 square feet. In the eight years she’s owned this large apartment, she’s filled it with not just greenery, but also warm colors and rich textures.

Recently, Rachana’s self-proclaimed plant addiction has turned to hoya plants, tropical vines native to Asia with flowers shaped like stars (that seem to have a loyal following on Instagram). It’s an obsession that has required her to get creative with storage: “the shelves are packed and the curtain rods are now plant rods,” she admits.

My Style: Bohemian/Eclectic/Maximalist/Verdant/Autumn colors: browns, copper, reds, and greens.

Inspiration: My mother. My parents are immigrants from Kathmandu and I grew up in a warm, colorful house filled with Nepali art and plants inside and out. My space is a second generation twist on that with a little NYC in the mix.

Favorite Element: Natural light/high ceilings.

Biggest Challenge: The last few years I developed a serious hoya plant obsession. I have grow lights, hygrometers, and multiple humidifiers throughout just for my hoyas, plus I installed several shelves to free up floor space. The biggest challenge is to find more vertical solutions because the shelves are packed and the curtain rods are now plant rods. Actually, the biggest challenge is to stop engaging in eBay bidding wars to obtain the rarer ones.

What Friends Say: They love the greenery.

Biggest Embarrassment: Too embarrassing to tell.

Proudest DIY: Copper plant shelf—my father and I made it after inspiration online. Also, my balcony garden in the summertime where I grow a bunch of veggies and herbs.

Biggest Indulgence: Marble countertops (and eBay plant bidding wars).

Best Advice: Express yourself and do not try to copy what everyone else has. Spending $6,000 on a couch does not mean you are a style queen. My stuff is from markets, antique shops, travels, and some regular old stores.

Dream Sources: Restoration Hardware, ABC Carpet & Home.

ENTRY
Wooden Console – Find Home Furnishings (Gowanus)
Gold Mirror – IKEA
Gold Framed Wall Art – Flea markets
Capiz Pendant Lamp – West Elm

LIVING ROOM
Red Chair – Family heirloom
Borchelu Persian rug — Esalerugs
Brown Leather Sofa — Ralph Lauren (at steep discount)
Mirror – New Orleans
Large Print – Rico (Gowanus home shop)
Coffee Table – TJ Maxx
Plant Stands and Planters – Flea markets, antique shops, street curbs
Big Red Planters – Jamali Garden, NYC Flower District
3 Copper Planters – H Potter
Plants – Anywhere and everywhere

KITCHEN
Copper Farmhouse Sink – Sinkology
Pendant Lamps – Restoration Hardware
Bar Stools – Houzz
Frida Print – Sister Golden calendar

PLANT ROOM
Shelf – Restoration Hardware
Various Artifacts/Trinkets – Kathmandu and flea markets
Coat Rack – Daffy’s

PLANT ROOM 2
Grow Lights – Gardeners Supply, Vermont
Plants – Mostly hoya cuttings from collectors in Florida and on eBay
Bookcases – Gothic Cabinet Craft
Red Stool – Avon flea market

BEDROOM
Copper Plant Shelf – DIY
Brown Velvet Curtains – IKEA
Headboard – West Elm
White End Table – Gothic Cabinet Craft

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