A terrace doesn’t need a major makeover to take on a completely different atmosphere. Orchids instantly introduce a new look filled with colour. While they’re best known as houseplants, some varieties can also be placed outdoors. It’s an easy way to give your terrace or balcony a tropical touch.

Create a tropical terrace with orchids

 

A strong foundation

The basis of a tropical terrace starts with creating the right conditions. A tropical feel naturally emerges when light is filtered. Think of a pergola, shade sail or taller plants that soften direct sunlight. This not only makes the space more comfortable for you, but is also essential for orchids, as they are not typical terrace plants. However, as long as they are kept in the shade and the temperature doesn’t drop below 10°C, they can be placed outside. This makes orchids suitable from late spring through to early autumn.

 

Orchids suitable for outdoor use

Orchids come in a wide range of colours, so make the most of that. For a tropical terrace, opt for a vibrant mix. It’s worth noting that not every orchid is suited to outdoor conditions, but there are surprisingly many that thrive outside:

• One of the most suitable is the Dendrobium Nobile, a robust variety with clusters of flowers that grow along the stems.
• The Oncidium orchid enjoys plenty of light, moderate watering and slightly higher humidity, making it well suited to both indoor and outdoor environments. Place it in a patio or conservatory so it receives enough light without being exposed to full sun.
• Paphiopedilum also performs well outdoors during summer. As with Oncidium, it’s best positioned in a patio or conservatory to avoid direct sunlight.
• Several orchids can be placed outside temporarily in spring and summer, including Cymbidium, Dendrobium and Cambria-type orchids. Moving them outdoors can even encourage bud formation.
• There are also garden orchids such as Dactylorhiza and Epipactis. These varieties generally tolerate full sun, provided they have constant access to moisture. Ideal locations include areas near a pond. Without one, it’s better to place them in partial shade.

Also read: Patio proof orchids: these orchids can go outside

Vary height and structure

A tropical feel is created through variation in height and foliage. Combine large-leaved plants with lower, more compact varieties and allow them to overlap slightly. Grouping plants rather than spacing them apart adds depth to the terrace. Orchids work best as accents – place them at eye level, for example on a side table or in a hanging pot, so their flowers can truly stand out.

 

An orchid is the number one gift for Mother’s Day. This is evident from research conducted in the Netherlands, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. It’s not surprising, as orchids offer many advantages over, for example, a bouquet of flowers. In this article, you’ll discover what makes them so popular – and we’ll share tips on how to present an orchid as a gift.

 

The orchid: the number one Mother’s Day gift

Generally, mothers tend to be very busy, which is exactly why an orchid makes such a thoughtful present. Unlike a bouquet of flowers, which often wilts within a week, an orchid lasts much longer. In fact, it can bloom for weeks or even months. When the plant produces new buds and flowers again, it becomes a lovely reminder of Mother’s Day.

Orchids are also relatively easy to care for. With occasional watering and a spot in indirect sunlight, the plant will thrive. This makes it a considerate gift that doesn’t add extra demands to an already busy schedule. Another advantage is the wide variety of colours available, so there’s a good chance you’ll find one in your mother’s favourite shade.

 

Gift ideas with orchids

Have you chosen a beautiful orchid for your mother? Then it’s time to present it in style. Here are a few ideas:

• Place the orchid in a terracotta pot and write your mother’s name on it with chalk.
• Put the plant in a decorative pot, choose one or two ribbons, and tie them into a bow around it.
• You can also wrap the orchid. For example, use cellophane so the plant remains visible while still being protected.

 

 

Finally, you could create your own orchid arrangement. It might sound challenging, but it’s actually quite simple – even if you’re not an experienced florist.

 

 

Also read: How to effortlessly create a stunning orchid arrangement

Looking for original Easter decoration ideas? This year, why not opt for an orchid arrangement instead of traditional Easter branches? Yellow mini orchids are a perfect match for Easter. Simply pour some clay pebbles into a decorative bowl, place the orchids on top, add a layer of orchid bark, and you’ll have a stylish and eye-catching Easter arrangement! It really is that easy.

Also read: How to decorate an Easter table that instantly brings joy

 

DIY orchid arrangement for Easter

This Easter orchid arrangement is simple to make yourself, yet it looks anything but basic. It’s sure to become the centrepiece of your Easter celebrations. And once Easter is over, you can happily keep it on display, as it fits beautifully with the spring season.

Necessities

• A decorative bowl, preferably with an Easter theme
• Clay pebbles
• Several yellow mini orchids
• Orchid bark (potting mix)

 

Step-by-step guide

Start by adding a layer of clay pebbles to the bowl. This helps prevent the orchids from sitting in water, which could cause the roots to rot. Next, place the mini orchids on top. Fill in the sides with orchid bark to help keep the plants stable. If you like, you can add a layer of moss over the base to hide the pots and create a more natural look.

Take a look at this video for a visual guide to creating your Easter orchid arrangement:

@orchidsinfo

A simple but stunning Easter arrangement anyone can make! #easterarrangement #orchidarrangement #diyeasterdecor

♬ Cafe Music – Oleg Kirilkov

Need a bit more inspiration for your Easter table? Then be sure to check out this video as well:

@orchidsinfo

Just add yellow orchids and it feels like spring! #yelloworchids #eastertable #easterdecor #springtablescape

♬ chest pain by malcolm todd – Sir Malcolm Tott | Fan Account

Step into a luxury hotel and you’ll immediately notice the calm, harmony and refinement – often enhanced by orchids. These plants are a favourite in high-end interiors, and for good reason. Orchids have long been associated with elegance and exclusivity. Their perfect shapes and soft colours create a sense of balance and serenity. Curious how to bring that same hotel chic interior into your own home using orchids? Read on for three tips.

A hotel chic interior with orchids

 

Choose a statement orchid

Orchids come in an incredible range of colours, so make the most of it. Instead of opting for the classic white variety, consider something more striking, such as a deep purple or a speckled orchid. A bold choice can instantly elevate your interior and give it a more distinctive, luxurious feel.

 

 

Opt for a distinctive pot

The pot or vase your orchid sits in makes a significant difference. Avoid plastic or glossy white finishes, and instead choose materials like ceramic, natural stone or tinted glass. Playing with contrasts can create a more visually interesting arrangement. Height and placement are equally important. Rather than simply placing an orchid on a table, experiment with pedestals, wall shelves or combinations with other decorative objects. Varying height and texture adds depth and creates a more dynamic and stylish composition.

 

 

Combine with luxurious elements

Pair orchids with other elements that exude luxury, such as soft textiles, warm lighting and natural materials. Think linen curtains, wooden accents, dimmable lighting and subtle fragrances. This creates a harmonious space that feels like a hotel chic interior, while still remaining personal and inviting.

 

 

Caring for an Orchid

Orchids are not only beautiful but also highly practical. They have a long flowering period and require relatively little maintenance. For hotels – and for your home – this means your space can look consistently polished and elegant without demanding much effort. The combination of aesthetics and durability makes orchids an ideal choice.

 

Also read: The best orchid care tips

Did you know you can turn an orchid plant into a bouquet? Most people think of an orchid purely as a houseplant in a pot, but you can style it in a surprisingly different way. By placing the plant in a vase and removing the stakes and clips, you create a loose, natural look that resembles an elegant bouquet rather than a traditional potted plant.

 

Turning an orchid plant into a bouquet

The most well-known orchid is the Phalaenopsis, also known as the moth orchid. This variety is perfect for styling as a bouquet. Its long flower stems, carrying multiple blooms, create a rich and graceful effect.

Start by choosing a tall vase that complements your orchid. Place the orchid inside the vase while keeping it in its plastic nursery pot. It’s best to use a vase with a narrow neck, although the base of the orchid must still fit through the opening. If the vase is very deep, you can place something inside it to raise the orchid slightly, allowing the flowers to sit higher and be shown off properly.

To create the bouquet effect, carefully remove the stakes and clips from the orchid. Loosen the clips one by one, to avoid damaging the flower stems. Once the support is removed, the stems will gently arch and fall more naturally. This gives the orchid an airy, playful appearance – exactly what you want when recreating the look of a bouquet.

 

A bouquet that lasts extra long

Styling your orchid this way gives this classic houseplant a modern and creative twist. It’s perfect for a dining table, a sideboard or as a striking feature in the hallway. An added bonus is that orchids bloom for months, meaning this bouquet will last far longer than a traditional cut-flower arrangement!

 

Also watch this video:

@orchidsinfo

A simple way to turn your orchid plant into a bouquet! #orchidplant #diyorchidarrangment #homedecorideas

♬ Little Things – Adrián Berenguer

Also read: How to brighten up your hallway with orchids

Secret Safari is Histor’s Colour of the Year 2026. A soft green shade with a refreshing lime-green undertone. This trend colour brings a sense of calm, while its subtle sunny undertone also adds energy to a space. The shade feels contemporary, elegant and expressive, without being loud. Curious about how to use Histor’s Colour of the Year 2026 in your interior? Read on for inspiration with Secret Safari.

Also read: The Dulux Colours of the Year 2026: The Rhythm of Blues

 

Histor Colour of the Year 2026

Secret Safari is soft yet confident. Distinctive, yet balanced. New, yet also very natural. It’s a beautiful yellow-green shade that brings both the calm and the strength of nature into the home. Gentle enough to soothe, yet lively enough to lift your mood.

 

Secret Safari inspiration

What makes Histor’s Colour of the Year 2026 so special, is its versatility. This trend colour works beautifully with a wide range of styles and palettes, whether you use Secret Safari as a main colour, a secondary shade or an accent. A helpful guideline here is the 60-30-10 rule: 60% of the room is defined by a base colour, 30% by a secondary shade and 10% by an accent colour. This ensures that each colour has its place and creates a stylish, well-balanced whole.

 

 

Also read: Interior, flower & plant style trends for 2026

Thursd – an online floral magazine for flower & plant enthusiasts – revealed the Floral Trend Colour of the Year 2026. Crimson Nocturne is a deep, muted crimson with a touch of cocoa. It has a sense of quiet luxury, elegant and grounded, with an almost musical depth. Crimson Nocturne represents passion, reflection, and authenticity. Want to discover how to incorporate the Thursd Floral Trend Colour of the Year 2026 into your interior? Read on for inspiration!

 

Thursd Floral Trend Colour of the Year 2026

Crimson Nocturne is not simply a colour, a tint, a hue, it’s an atmosphere, a pulse even, of how flowers connect us to life’s deepest emotions. A deep, velvety tone that holds weight, maturity, and mystery. “Not what you see, but what you feel: this tone invites us to slow down, reconnect with authenticity, and don’t forget to walk your path,” Regine Motmans explains.

 

Crimson Nocturne inspiration

The colour palette joining the Thursd Floral Trend Colour 2026 carries the name Crimson Movement. It consists of red, various shades of pink, caramel and various shades of green. Passion Red celebrates energy, creativity, and love for flowers. When paired with Crimson Nocturne, it becomes a dialogue between intensity and depth. It’s timeless and luxurious!

 

 

Soft Pink is gentle and comforting, and brings tenderness into the palette. It softens the power of Crimson Nocturne and adds romance and light.

 

 

Rosy Pink is young and confident, and bridges passion and playfulness. It adds a fresh, modern touch that brightens and balances the darker tones.

 

 

Golden Caramel is warm and grounded, and adds a hint of sunlight and earth. It connects the palette to nature and brings a feeling of comfort and timeless beauty.

 

 

Nature Green is the symbol of life and renewal, it represents growth and balance. This colour pairs beautifully with the reds to create harmony between emotion and nature.

 

 

Forest Teal is mysterious and calming, it’s the quiet depth of the palette. It gives contrast and sophistication, echoing the stillness of nature after dusk.

 

 

Also read: The Dulux Colours of the Year 2026: The Rhythm of Blues

Cloud Dancer is the trend colour we will be seeing everywhere in 2026. The Pantone Color Institute has named white as the Colour of the Year 2026, as it creates space for new ideas and stimulates creativity. Curious about how to incorporate the Pantone Colour of the Year 2026 into your interior without it feeling cold or dull? In this article, you’ll find inspiration and practical tips – including the perfect way to add a touch of Cloud Dancer to your home with orchids.

Pantone Colour of the Year 2026

Cloud Dancer is a light, almost floating shade of white that radiates calm and clarity. In a time of constant change and sensory overload, this hue acts as a conscious moment of pause. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of Pantone, describes Cloud Dancer as a “blank canvas”. It’s a colour that lets go of the old and makes room for fresh concepts. “An airy white hue that opens up space for creativity, allowing our imagination to drift so that new insights and bold ideas can emerge and take shape,” says Pressman.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone, adds: “In times of change, Cloud Dancer helps to maintain focus. It is a deliberate statement of simplification that creates freedom from external distractions and enables clarity.”

 

Cloud Dancer in your interior

Wondering how to incorporate the trend colour of 2026 into your interior without it feeling cold or boring? The minimalist nature of Cloud Dancer makes the possibilities endless. According to the Pantone Color Institute, we will mainly see this colour paired with pearl tones and neutral shades. Think soft pinks and yellows, as well as gentle pastel versions of blue, green and orange.

 

 

Of course, these combinations are not prescriptive. You could also choose to design your entire interior in white. By using different shades of white and combining them with wood, ceramics and the greenery of orchids, you can still create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

 

 

Or, alternatively, pair Cloud Dancer with one of today’s other major trend colours, such as blue!

 

 

Also read: The Dulux Colours of the Year 2026: The Rhythm of Blues

Curious about the style trends for 2026? The Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland has developed four style trends for 2026, together with Tuinbranche Nederland, iBulb, INretail and Bureau Nijman + Van Haaster. All four are based on the current zeitgeist but are all different. Keep reading to get inspired!

Style trends for 2026

 

Nostalgic Lens

The Nostalgic Lens style trend revolves around uncomplicated times gone by. The cottage style is making a comeback, with a fresh and cheerful twist. Bright pastels, handicrafts, hand-painted ceramics, delicate flowers and checks set the tone. It feels rustic, cosy and homely. Grandma’s kitchen is a major source of inspiration. We see the shapes of dishes, bowls, pans and jugs replicated in other utensils and objects. Pieces of furniture also often have a nostalgic edge. The materials used are ceramics, old glass, enamel, zinc, wood, leather, cotton, linen, raffia and wicker.

 

 

This ‘nostalgia with a twist’ is also reflected in flowers and houseplants. Fruits and vegetables are appearing in arrangements and Biedermeier design is back with a vengeance. Plant lovers are increasingly focusing on small flowering plants and bulbs in pots.

The Nostalgic Lens colour palette consists of white and fresh pastels like pink, purple and mauve. These colours alternate with different shades of green. Bright accent colours like red, orange and blue complete the cheerful and contemporary colour scheme.

 

 

Unexpected Encounter

Anything goes – that’s the essence of the Unexpected Encounter style trend. The excitement we seek in everyday life is translated into interiors that reflect an almost fairytale-like world. Eye-catchers play an important role and highly contrasting surrealistic objects are combined. The materials used are full of contrast and unexpected. We are misled, for instance, by materials that seem to be other materials, like ceramics that look like marble. Transparent and semi-transparent objects also make an appearance. In terms of designs, the possibilities are abundant. Figurative designs are often used to create an alienating effect. Dégradé effects are also common. Together, these ingredients result in a surrealistic look & feel.

 

 

Nothing is what it appears to be and flowers and plants have a magical look & feel. So, don’t be surprised to see a contrasting bouquet of Calla and hanging Amaranthus – or bouquets in sugary pastels that are deceptively sweet. We see the same elusive effect in plants and plant arrangements. Leaves have ‘unusual’ colours like yellow and pink, and we see whimsically contrasting plants. In a nutshell, the arrangements colour outside the lines and tell a story whose meaning is not entirely clear.

Besides shape, colour is the most important product ingredient of this trend. The colour palette consists of extremely bright colours that also appear watery, such as neon pastels in mint green, purple, yellow and orange.

 

 

Intriguing Decor

The Intriguing Decor style trend is all about friendliness – creating inviting spaces where you are welcomed by playful designs with rounded shapes. Smooth and glossy objects contrast beautifully with warm, rich colours that appear to embrace you. Soft, large patterned rugs and carpets ensure a comfortable setting. A wide variety of patterns catches the eye, especially checks. Intriguing Decor shapes are rounded and embracing, with a snug, homely feel. To keep things visually interesting, they are alternated with clean lines and smooth surfaces. Materials with a warm, friendly touch dominate: braided cord, bouclé, wood, glazed ceramics, velvet, irregular glass and carpets with a short to medium pile. Patterns range from checks to smudges and textured motifs.

 

 

Bouquets are mostly colourful and often have an unruly shape and different heights. Monochromatic bouquets, i.e. with different flowers all in the same colour, also attract one’s attention. With plants, exciting leaf colours play a major role, like those of Cordyline, Croton, Coleus and Gynura.

The Intriguing Decor colour scheme revolves around exciting colour combinations: light/dark, cool/warm – anything is possible. We see powerful and warm colours like aubergine and russet alternating with shades of pink and green, as well as exceptions like pale yellow and bluish purple.

 

 

Orbit Revive

The Orbit Revive style trend focuses on the consequences of advancing technology. Just as in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, we find ourselves on the eve of technological breakthroughs. This gives us a sense of looking into the past as well as the future. This ‘vintage futurism’ can be seen in interiors in a combination of retro Space Age and modern organic design. Iconic design classics have returned and James Bond himself seems to have had a hand in the decadent, luxury interiors. Round shapes, fluffy textures and a touch of metallic all stand out. Materials are varied, but many items have an industrial look. Shiny surfaces and chrome are also frequent features. Patterns include geometric block compositions, dégradé effects and organic blot shapes.

 

 

In terms of flowers and plants, the ‘80s are the main source of inspiration. This means bouquets that are one-sided, with a clear height difference. This trend also includes dried flower arrangements. Plants often have colourful, dark or shiny leaves. Botanicals are combined with various leaf colours in plant dishes.

This colour palette is dominated by natural shades, from light nudes to warm brown. Various shades of green, from yellowish green to olive green, offer a fresh contrast. Colours like deep pinkish red, orange, silver and chrome provide a surprising accent.

 

 

Also read: One plant, endless possibilities: 3 ways to style orchids

Curious about the Colour of the Year 2026? According to Dulux, it’s blue. But not just any blue: three indigo shades have been selected under the theme The Rhythm of Blues. Free Groove, Slow Swing and Mellow Flow are the blue shades of the year. They give you the flexibility to create spaces where you can unwind, feel cosy, or enjoy a sense of complete freedom – or all three! Want to discover how to incorporate the Dulux Colours of the Year 2026 into your interior? Read on for inspiration!

The Dulux Colours of the Year 2026

 

The Rhythm of Blues features three indigo tones: Free Groove, a lively blue; Mellow Flow, an airy light blue; and Slow Swing, a meditative dark blue. Together, they form a blue colour family that is both calming and space-transforming. Whether you’re refreshing your living room, giving your home a makeover, or looking for playful decorative touches, there’s a shade of blue for every room and every mood.

 

The Rhythm of Blues inspiration

The most obvious way to bring The Rhythm of Blues into your home is, of course, by painting a wall – or even an entire room – in blue. It can create a wonderfully atmospheric look! But if that feels a little bold, you could start with a smaller addition, such as a few beautiful blue accessories.

 

 

And did you know that various types of orchids come in shades of blue? They’re also a great way to bring the Dulux Colour of the Year 2026 into your home!

 

 

By adding blue orchids to your interior, you can achieve big impact with very little effort.

 

 

Also read: One plant, endless possibilities: 3 ways to style orchids