Staging a House

Between the front door and a large window, Binetti uses the dark purple foliage of this cordyline (figure A) to stand out against the freshly painted white walls of the living room. "It takes the place of the fact that there aren't any artwork, wallpaper and window coverings," she says. (Note: Cordyline is sensitive to chill, so don't place this plant near an outside door where winters are cold.)

The creamy-white leaves of a variegated umbrella plant (Schefflera) (figure B) can be used to brighten up dark corners.

Using fragrant plants adds freshness and personality and that all-important homey feeling to an open house. Although cyclamen and gerbera daisies have colorful flowers, they don't offer fragrance. Plus, gerbera daisies dry out quickly and should be used only if someone will be around to keep them well watered. Instead, Binetti uses hyacinths to add a spring-flower scent.

For additional color, consider bromeliads and African violets. Bromeliads are unique plants whose leaves form reservoirs where water is stored (figure C). They are very forgiving and can survive in an empty house without a lot of care. African violets offer a variety of flower colors and come in small pots that are great for windowsills.

What to do with an empty table? Binetti adds polished rocks to a colorful plate and places it next to a lamp where they can glisten in the light and add interesting texture to the table. African violets are flowering houseplants that thrive next to a table lamp. They are also small enough to fit onto a small table.

To showcase a bar in the kitchen as an entertainment area, Binetti places a bottle of wine and some wine glasses here. Then she uses recycled wine corks as a mulch to dress up a planting of hyacinths and bromeliads. "Not only do the corks hide the pot, but it adds a really neat texture."