Last week, our design team headed to the Atlanta Market—one of the most influential design events in the country—to look ahead at what’s next for luxury hospitality, Class A office spaces, and emerging office design trends. Our goal was to gather inspiration that translates directly into the environments you manage, design, and care about.
Leaning on classic and enduring design first, we build elements of new trends in a way that is unique to each building, each client and each brand. The Atlanta Market offered an incredible array of new products, and we returned to Chicago inspired and eager to bring fresh ideas to our clients’ spaces.
Staying ahead of these movements is critical because the definition of a premier workplace is constantly evolving. For our clients, incorporating these emerging office design trends is not merely about decoration—it is a strategic investment in tenant satisfaction and asset value. In a market where occupants are seeking deeper connection and comfort, a space that feels curated and current can be the deciding factor in lease renewals and daily engagement. We track these shifts so that your properties dont just keep up, but lead with confidence.
What we saw during our visit confirmed something we believe deeply—design is becoming more intentional, more emotional, and more rooted in familiarity. We left thinking about three things:
1. Vintage Nostalgia
There’s a growing desire for pieces that feel storied and timeless rather than overly trendy. Vintage-inspired finishes, heirloom silhouettes, and subtle nods to the past are making a strong return—especially in holiday décor. When paired with lush greenery, these elements create warmth, authenticity, and a sense of place that feels both elevated and inviting.
Expanding on this in the context of broader office design trends, we are seeing a shift away from the sterile, ultra-modern corporate aesthetic. Incorporating storied elements—even if they are new reproductions—adds a layer of psychological comfort known as resimercial design. By blending the durability of office furniture with the soulfulness of vintage aesthetics, workplaces can foster a sense of history and stability that grounds employees in an increasingly digital world.
2. Classic Colors, Refined
Neutral palettes and traditional hues are taking center stage again. Think rich greens, warm ivories, soft metallics, and restrained contrast. These classic color stories provide longevity, allowing seasonal installations to feel elegant rather than fleeting.
This return to tradition aligns perfectly with sustainable office design trends, where the focus is on creating spaces that do not need to be overhauled every few years. A refined, classic backdrop allows companies to evolve their branding or seasonal decor without clashing with the permanent architecture. It signifies a move toward quiet luxury in the workplace—environments that feel expensive and thoughtful through texture and tone rather than loud, temporary gimmicks.
3. Red Is Back
Perhaps the boldest takeaway: red has officially re-entered the conversation. From deep burgundy to true, saturated crimson, red is showing up with confidence—particularly in holiday design. Used intentionally, it delivers drama, energy, and a sense of celebration without overwhelming a space.
Current office design trends favor boldness in communal areas. We are seeing these deep crimsons and burgundies utilized effectively in lobbies, collaborative breakout zones, and social hubs to stimulate conversation and energy. When balanced with the neutral palettes mentioned above, red becomes a sophisticated power move rather than a distraction.
Bringing These Trends to Your Space
We returned to Chicago inspired and eager to bring these fresh ideas to our clients spaces. By leaning on these enduring design principles, we can build elements of new trends in a way that is unique to each building and brand.
If you are thinking about refreshing your interiors or want to explore how these office design trends can revitalize your workspace, we’d love to continue the conversation.
Contact us for more information or to request a quote. Get Started Today
The Subtle Choice That Separates Premium Properties From the Rest
Walk into a truly high-end building—whether it’s a Class A office tower, a five-star hotel, or a flagship corporate headquarters—and you’ll notice something immediately.
The space feels intentional. Curated. Polished.
And while architecture, lighting, and furnishings all play a role, there’s another element quietly reinforcing that sense of quality: the plants.
In interior landscaping in Chicago, top-tier properties consistently avoid what many casually refer to as “grocery store plants.” This isn’t about snobbery or price alone. It’s about standards, longevity, brand perception, and the realities of maintaining living elements in demanding environments.
This article explores why high-end properties make this distinction, what “grocery store plants” actually represent in commercial settings, and how thoughtful interior landscaping can support premium experiences—especially in hospitality Chicago environments.
What Are “Grocery Store” Plants, Really?
The term “grocery store plants” isn’t meant literally.
It’s shorthand for plants that are:
Mass-produced for short-term enjoyment
Grown quickly with minimal root development
Intended for residential, low-stress environments
Sold without consideration for long-term performance
These plants are designed to look good now—not to perform consistently in lobbies, offices, or hospitality spaces with artificial lighting, temperature swings, and constant foot traffic.
In contrast, the interior landscaping at Chicago’s best and busiest commercial buildings, source plants specifically grown for that environment, with established root systems and long-term resilience.
What you dont see matters. Commercial-grade plants are grown with established root systems to survive indoor environments.
Why This Distinction Matters in High-End Properties
High-end properties operate under a different set of expectations.
In luxury environments:
Details are scrutinized
Inconsistencies are noticed
Maintenance failures reflect poorly on the entire brand
Using short-lived or inappropriate indoor plants introduces risk—risk that premium properties simply can’t take.
Brand Perception Starts at the Floor Level
Guests and tenants may not know why a space feels elevated—but they feel it.
Plants communicate:
Care
Investment
Permanence
Professionalism
When plants look temporary or stressed, they undermine the perception of quality.
This is especially true in hospitality spaces in Chicago, where lobbies, lounges, and public spaces are extensions of the brand experience. Grocery store plants—no matter how healthy they look on day one—rarely hold up under these expectations.
Longevity vs. Instant Gratification
One of the core reasons high-end properties avoid grocery store plants is longevity.
Mass-market plants are grown for quick turnover:
Shallow root systems
Lightweight soil
Short production cycles
In commercial interiors, these traits lead to:
Faster decline
Higher replacement rates
Inconsistent appearance
Professional interior landscaping prioritizes plant selection of those that are grown slowly and intentionally—plants that settle into a space and improve over time rather than decline.
The Maintenance Reality High-End Properties Understand
Plant Maintenance Is Not Optional
Premium properties don’t just install plants—they maintain them at a high standard.However, plant maintenance can only go so far if the plant itself isn’t suitable for the environment.
Grocery store plants often:
React poorly to artificial lighting
Struggle with consistent watering schedules
Show stress quickly in public spaces
No amount of expert care can turn a short-term retail plant into a long-term commercial performer.
This is why interior landscape designers select plants specifically grown for interiors—and back them with design-aware maintenance.
Maintenance is more than watering. It’s preserving the design intent and protecting your investment.
Consistency Matters More Than Individual Plants
High-end properties think in systems, not individual pieces.
They evaluate:
How plants look across the entire building
Whether installations age evenly
How replacements integrate visually
Retail plants introduce inconsistency. When one fails quickly and another survives, the visual rhythm of the space breaks down. In luxury environments, inconsistency reads as neglect.
Hospitality Chicago: Where the Stakes Are Highest
Hotels are among the most demanding environments for interior landscaping.
In hospitality Chicago, plants must:
Perform under constant visibility
Withstand photography and social media
Align with brand refresh cycles
Remain flawless in high-traffic areas
A struggling plant in a hotel lobby isn’t just a maintenance issue—it’s a brand issue.
This is why luxury hotels avoid grocery store plants entirely. They invest in interior landscaping that prioritizes reliability, aesthetics, and long-term performance.
In hospitality, consistency is key. A flawless installation reinforces the guest’s perception of the entire brand.
The Design-First Perspective
Another key difference: high-end properties treat plants as design elements, not accessories.
Design-forward interior landscaping Chicago approaches consider:
Scale and proportion
Texture and contrast
Relationship to architecture and furnishings
Grocery store plants are chosen for availability—not for how they complete a space. Designers and property teams working at a high level understand that plant selection is as intentional as furniture or lighting.
Risk Management in Premium Properties
High-end properties are conservative about risk—but not about quality.
They avoid grocery store plants because:
Replacement cycles are unpredictable
Appearance degrades unevenly
Maintenance costs increase over time
Ironically, retail plants often cost more in the long run due to frequent replacement and reactive care.
Professional plant maintenance paired with commercial-grade plants reduces risk and stabilizes long-term costs.
Why Some Buildings Still Use Retail Plants
So why do grocery store plants still show up in commercial spaces?
Typically because:
Plants were added as an afterthought
Budget was prioritized over longevity
No design partner was involved
These choices often occur in spaces without a long-term interior strategy.
High-end properties, by contrast, view plants as part of the building’s identity.
How High-End Interior Landscaping Is Sourced
Professional interior landscaping Chicago providers source plants differently.
They look for:
Established root systems
Proven indoor performance
Specimens grown specifically for interiors
This sourcing process is invisible to guests—but essential to consistent results.
The Role of Plant Maintenance in Protecting Design
Retail plants often require emergency fixes instead of proactive care—creating stress for property teams and inconsistent results.
Building Managers: Why This Matters to You
For building managers, plant choices affect:
Tenant perception
Guest experience
Operational efficiency
Vendor relationships
Choosing the right interior landscaping partner in Chicago means avoiding short-term solutions that create long-term headaches.
High-end properties don’t gamble on plants. They plan for performance.
The Hidden Cost of “Saving” on Plants
Cutting corners on plants often leads to:
Frequent replacements
Increased labor
Visual inconsistency
Complaints you shouldn’t have to manage
In premium environments, these issues erode trust—internally and externally.
That’s why high-end properties consistently avoid grocery store plants, even when budgets allow for them.
Amlings’ Perspective on Interior Landscaping
At Amlings, we work with some of Chicago’s most demanding environments.
We understand that:
Plants are brand ambassadors
Maintenance is part of design
Shortcuts always show
Our interior landscaping approach is design-first, maintenance-driven, and built for longevity—especially in hospitality Chicago and Class A commercial properties.
If you’re managing or designing a high-end property, your plant choices matter more than you think.
Consider Amlings interior landscaping services to ensure your indoor plants support your brand, your standards, and your long-term goals.
Not sure if your current plant program is meeting high-end expectations?
Contact Amlings to learn more about interior landscaping Chicago leaders trust—and how professional plant maintenance protects premium spaces.
When plants are treated as design elements, they elevate the architecture rather than cluttering it.
Final Thought: Quality Is Never Accidental
High-end properties avoid grocery store plants for the same reason they avoid cheap finishes or poor lighting. Because quality shows. And shortcuts always surface.
If your space is meant to feel elevated, your plants must be, too. Let’s make sure they are.
Contact us for more information or to request a quote. Get Started Today
The start of a new year is one of the few moments when property managers can pause, zoom out, and evaluate what’s truly working—and what quietly isn’t.
For professionals in Chicago property management, these early-year evaluations are critical. They set the tone not just for operations, but for how tenants, guests, and owners perceive the property for the next 12 months.
One area that often gets overlooked until there’s a visible problem?
Office plants in Chicago commercial spaces and the broader interior environment they shape.
This guide walks through what property managers should evaluate at the start of every year—strategically, practically, and visually—with a special focus on the indoor plants Chicago buildings depend on, the design behind interior landscaping, and the role of biophilia in modern commercial properties.
First impressions happen in seconds. Does your lobby planting signal intention and care, or is it merely an afterthought?
1. Overall First Impressions: See Your Property Like a Tenant
Before diving into spreadsheets or contracts, start with a walkthrough.
At the beginning of the year, property managers should evaluate:
Lobbies and entry points
Common areas and amenities
Elevator banks and corridors
Tenant-facing spaces
Ask yourself:
Does this space feel intentional or tired?
Does it reflect the level of property we want to position?
Would this impress a prospective tenant seeing it for the first time?
Indoor plants often play a starring role in these impressions. Healthy, well-placed greenery signals care. Neglected plants signal the opposite—immediately.
2. The Condition of Your Office Plants
Evaluate Health, Not Just Presence
Many properties technically “have plants,” but the real question is whether those plants are helping or hurting perception.
At the start of every year, evaluate:
Leaf health (yellowing, browning, thinning)
Overall fullness and growth patterns
Soil condition and surface treatments
Evidence of inconsistent care
In Chicago property management, poorly maintained office plants are one of the fastest ways a space can feel neglected—especially in high-traffic Class A buildings.
If plants are no longer enhancing the environment, it may be time for a refresh or a new interior landscaping approach.
Healthy greenery is an asset; struggling plants are a liability. Look for vibrancy, fullness, and consistent growth this year.
3. Are Your Office Plants Still the Right Design Fit?
Design evolves—even if renovations haven’t happened recently.
Early-year evaluation should include:
Do plant selections still complement finishes and furnishings?
Do containers feel current or dated?
Has tenant mix or building branding changed?
The office plants Chicago properties rely on should match the level of investment made elsewhere in the space. Outdated planters next to new finishes create visual friction tenants notice immediately.
4. Consistency Across the Property
One of the most important yearly evaluations is consistency.
Property managers should assess:
Are some areas beautifully maintained while others are ignored?
Does the plant program feel cohesive across floors and amenities?
Do older installations clash with newer spaces?
Consistency is a hallmark of strong property management among Chicago teams. A unified interior landscaping strategy ensures every tenant-facing area supports the same message: this building is cared for.
5. Vendor Performance and Communication
The beginning of the year is an ideal time to evaluate vendors.
For plant and interior landscaping partners, ask:
Are issues addressed proactively or reactively?
Do you hear from them before you notice problems?
Is communication clear, professional, and timely?
With indoor plants, proactive maintenance and communication are just as important as design. A vendor who understands commercial environments makes your job easier—not harder.
6. Contract Timing and Scope
Many plant service contracts renew annually or on multi-year cycles. Early-year review is essential.
Evaluate:
Is the scope still appropriate for the property’s needs?
Are you paying for outdated installations?
Is there room to improve quality or design?
7. Tenant Expectations Have Changed—Has Your Interior?
Tenant expectations continue to rise.
Office environments are now expected to feel:
Welcoming
Comfortable
Elevated
Human-centered
This is where biophilia becomes especially relevant.
Biophilia—the concept of connecting people with nature—has moved from a buzzword to an expectation in many commercial spaces. While not every property needs dramatic installations, thoughtful office plants in Chicago offices support these expectations in a subtle but powerful way.
8. Functional Role of Plants in the Space
Plants aren’t just visual elements—they’re functional tools.
At the start of the year, evaluate how plants are used to:
Define zones in open layouts
Improve acoustics
Create privacy without walls
Guide movement and wayfinding
Strong interior landscaping enhances how a space works, not just how it looks.
Beyond aesthetics, use interior landscaping to define zones, improve acoustics, and meet tenant expectations for a human-centered workspace.
9. Are You Protecting the Value of Your Investment?
Plants are living assets.
Without proper care, they decline—and so does the value they bring to your property.
Early-year evaluation should consider:
Replacement frequency
Long-term maintenance strategy
Whether current care standards meet expectations
For Chicago buildings, meticulous upkeep of indoor plants is not a luxury—it’s what protects the original investment and the building’s reputation.
10. Alignment With Ownership and Asset Goals
Property managers often act as the bridge between daily operations and long-term ownership goals.
Ask:
Does the current interior environment support leasing strategy?
Does it reinforce the building’s class and positioning?
Are there opportunities to elevate perception without major renovation?
Updating the office plants within Chicago properties can be one of the most efficient ways to enhance perceived value.
11. Seasonal and Annual Planning
The start of the year is also the right time to plan ahead.
Consider:
When seasonal updates may be needed
How spring growth impacts interior plant care
Whether certain spaces could benefit from redesign
Planning early allows property management teams in Chicago to stay ahead—rather than reacting later.
12. Professionalism Behind the Scenes
Finally, evaluate how seamlessly your plant partner works within your building.
This includes:
Understanding dock access and building logistics
Coordinating with engineering and security teams
Providing proper documentation and COIs
A professional interior landscaping partner should operate as an extension of your team, not a disruption.
Great interior landscaping requires great partners. Choose a team that operates as a seamless extension of your building’s operations.
Why Office Plants Matter More Than Ever
At the start of every year, property managers face dozens of priorities. Yet few elements are as visible—and as quietly influential—as office plants in Chicago commercial buildings.
They shape first impressions. They reflect standards. They communicate care.
Invest in Amlings’ Services
If you’re evaluating your property for the year ahead, now is the time to elevate your approach to office plants and interior landscaping.
Consider Amlings interior landscaping services to ensure your office plants in Chicago reflect the quality, professionalism, and care your property deserves.
Learn More or Start the Conversation
Not sure if your current plant program is meeting expectations? Curious how design-forward plant care could support your goals?
Contact Amlings to learn more about office plants Chicago property managers trust and how interior landscaping can protect and elevate your building year-round.
Final Thought: Start the Year With Intention
The best property managers don’t wait for complaints—they anticipate what tenants will notice next.
Contact us for more information or to request a quote. Get Started Today
When someone walks into your building—whether they’re a tenant, a guest, a client, or a prospective employee—they start forming opinions instantly. Before they read signage. Before they speak to a receptionist.
They notice the details.
And more often than not, the details they notice first have everything to do with indoor plants in Chicago commercial spaces—or the lack of care around them.
For business owners and property managers, this can be uncomfortable. You’re managing dozens of priorities, vendors, and moving parts. Yet the subtle cues—wilting leaves, dated planters, dust-covered foliage—can quietly undermine everything you’ve worked to build.
This article breaks down the specific details tenants and guests notice before you do, why they matter so much, and how thoughtful interior landscaping can help your property feel intentional, elevated, and cared for at every level.
The Unspoken Language of Interior Spaces
People may not consciously say, “The plants look neglected,” but their brains register it immediately. Healthy, well-designed greenery communicates:
Professionalism
Attention to detail
Long-term investment
Pride of ownership
Poorly maintained or outdated plants communicate the opposite:
Neglect
Cost-cutting
Inattention
A space past its prime
This is why indoor plants Chicago property managers rely on are never just decorative. They’re part of how your building speaks for itself.
Detail #1: The First Green Thing They See
Entry Moments Matter More Than You Think
The lobby is where perception is set. Guests may only spend a few minutes there, but those minutes carry weight.
Tenants and visitors immediately notice:
Statement plants near entrances
Large planters anchoring seating areas
Greenery framing reception desks
If those plants are thriving, the space feels alive and welcoming. If they’re tired, sparse, or mismatched, the entire lobby can feel off—no matter how beautiful the architecture.
Consistency is key. Tenants notice when the lobby is polished but the corridors are forgotten. Symmetrical, well-placed greenery at elevator banks creates a cohesive visual experience across every floor of your property.
Detail #2: Consistency Across the Property
One of the most common mistakes in commercial interiors is inconsistency.
Tenants notice when:
The lobby looks polished, but side corridors don’t
Common areas feel intentional, but conference spaces feel forgotten
Older planters linger next to newly renovated finishes
This visual disconnect creates friction. It signals that updates happened in pieces—not as a cohesive vision.
Strong interior landscaping ties spaces together. It creates rhythm, continuity, and balance throughout the building—whether it’s a Class A office property or a hospitality environment.
For property management Chicago teams, this consistency protects the overall brand of the building.
The unspoken language of detail. Tenants might not explicitly say the plants are dusty, but they register neglect subconsciously. Meticulous maintenance ensures your greenery looks vibrant and intentional, not tired.
Detail #3: The Condition of the Plants (Not Just Their Presence)
Here’s the truth: It’s often better to have no plants than poorly maintained ones.
Tenants and guests notice:
Brown leaf tips
Dusty foliage
Sparse or compacted soil
Outgrown or misshapen plants
They may not comment—but they notice.
This is why professional care is essential. Indoor plants require ongoing attention, not occasional fixes. Meticulous maintenance ensures plants enhance the space instead of quietly detracting from it.
Detail #4: Containers That Match the Space
Outdated or generic planters are one of the fastest ways to age a space.
Even healthy plants can feel wrong if:
Containers clash with finishes
Materials feel dated
Scale is off for the room
Tenants notice when planters feel like an afterthought instead of part of the design story.
A design-forward approach to interior landscaping considers containers just as carefully as the plants themselves—matching architecture, furniture, artwork, and brand identity.
More than just a pot. Outdated containers can age a space instantly. We select planters that harmonize with your furniture and finishes, ensuring the greenery feels like an integral part of the interior design story.
Detail #5: How Plants Guide Movement and Use
People may not articulate it, but they respond to how plants shape a space.
Well-placed greenery:
Softens open layouts
Creates subtle separation
Improves wayfinding
Enhances privacy without walls
This functional role is a key reason indoor plants in Chicago offices continue to be a priority—even as layouts evolve.
When plants feel intentional, spaces feel easier to navigate and more comfortable to occupy.
Detail #6: Whether the Space Feels Current—or Stuck
This doesn’t mean redesigning constantly—but it does mean reassessing periodically.
Strategic updates to your interior landscaping can refresh a space without major construction, helping properties stay competitive in a crowded market.
Functional beauty. Who says you need walls to create privacy? Strategic interior landscaping guides movement and creates comfortable separation in open-plan offices—without blocking the light.
Why This Matters for Business Owners
For business owners, especially those welcoming clients or recruiting talent, interior perception is inseparable from brand perception.
Healthy, intentional greenery supports:
Trust
Credibility
Employee satisfaction
Client confidence
Investing in indoor plants in Chicago is not about trends—it’s about aligning your environment with the values you present externally.
Why This Matters for Property Management Chicago Teams
For property managers, the stakes are even higher.
Your building’s appearance affects:
Tenant retention
Lease renewals
Market positioning
Your professional reputation
Plants are one of the most visible—and quietly powerful—signals of how well a property is cared for.
Professional interior landscaping doesn’t add work to your plate. It removes friction by ensuring details are handled proactively, consistently, and at a museum-quality standard.
The Risk of Ignoring the Details
When interior greenery is overlooked, the consequences compound:
Small issues become noticeable problems
Once-beautiful spaces feel neglected
Tenants compare your building to others
In competitive markets, these details influence decisions long before anyone asks for pricing or proposals.
How Amlings Approaches Interior Landscaping Differently
At Amlings, we believe plants should never feel incidental. We approach indoor plants within Chicago properties on with a design-first mindset that includes:
Thoughtful plant and container selection
Seamless integration with architecture and finishes
Meticulous, proactive maintenance
Clear communication with property teams
Our goal is simple:
Make your space look better—and keep it that way.
Elevate Your Space with Amlings
If tenants or guests are noticing details before you do, it may be time to rethink your interior plant strategy.
Partner with Amlings to invest in indoor plants and interior landscaping that protect your brand, elevate your space, and make every first impression count.
Inquire about Amlings interior landscaping services today and experience the difference design-forward greenery can make.
Learn More or Start the Conversation
Not sure where to begin? Curious how your current plant program measures up?
We’re happy to help.
Contact Amlings to learn more about indoor plants in Chicago and how thoughtful interior landscaping can transform your property—without disrupting your operations.
Final Thought
The smallest details often speak the loudest. When plants are healthy, intentional, and beautifully maintained, they tell tenants and guests everything they need to know—before a single word is spoken.
Make sure your space is saying the right thing.
Contact us for more information or to request a quote. Get Started Today
A space that once felt fresh, intentional, and elevated suddenly feels… tired. Nothing obvious has changed. The finishes are still beautiful. The furniture still works. The layout still makes sense.
And yet, something feels off.
More often than not, the issue isn’t architecture or furniture—it’s the interior landscaping.
In markets like Chicago, where design expectations are high and competition is constant, interior landscaping plays a powerful role in how a space is perceived over time. When plant programs stay static while design trends evolve, they can quietly age an otherwise well-designed environment.
This article explores how interior landscapes age, the signs designers and property teams should look for, and how thoughtful updates—rather than full renovations—can restore sophistication and impact.
Interior Landscaping: The Most Overlooked Design Element
Plants are often treated as “finished touches,” added after architecture and interiors are complete. But unlike furniture or lighting, plants are living elements.
They grow.
They change.
They respond to care—or lack of it.
This is why the indoor plants within Chicago spaces require ongoing attention, not just installation and routine care.
When interior landscapes aren’t periodically reevaluated, they can unintentionally date a space faster than almost any other element.
How Interior Landscaping Can Age a Space
Plant Selections That Reflect a Different Era
Every decade has its plant trends.
What once felt modern and safe can begin to feel predictable or stale:
Overused species placed everywhere
Plants chosen purely for survival, not design impact
Lack of variety in texture, form, and scale
Design-forward office plants and hotel lobby plants today emphasize layered compositions, intentional focal points, and a balance between reliability and interest.
If your plant palette hasn’t evolved, it may be signaling a time for a change.
Containers That No Longer Match the Architecture
Containers are one of the fastest ways interior landscaping can age a space.
Common red flags include:
Generic shapes and finishes
Containers chosen decades ago with limited options
Scale that no longer fits renovated layouts
Interior designers know that vessels should feel as intentional as lighting fixtures or furniture. In Chicago commercial spaces, outdated planters can undermine even the most thoughtful interiors.
Why Designers Notice It Before Clients Do
Designers are trained to see cohesion—or the lack of it.
Clients and guests may not say, “These planters feel dated,” but they feel the disconnect. Designers see:
Missed opportunities for impact
Visual noise instead of clarity
Elements that no longer support the narrative of the space
This is especially critical in property management in Chicago, where interiors must appeal to tenants, guests, and ownership simultaneously.
Without design-aware maintenance, interior elements that were meant to elevate the room eventually become visual noise that undermines the narrative of the space.
Office Plants That Age Instead of Elevate
The Problem With “Set It and Forget It”
Many commercial spaces still rely on office plants installed years ago and maintained just well enough to survive. But survival is not the same as relevance.
Outdated office plants often show up as:
Sparse or leggy growth
Imbalanced proportions
Plants that no longer suit current lighting conditions
Without design-driven plant maintenance, even healthy plants can make a space feel tired.
Hotel Lobby Plants: Where Aging Is Most Visible
Hotel lobbies are some of the most demanding environments for interior landscaping.
They are:
Highly visible
Constantly photographed
Closely tied to brand perception
When hotel lobby plants feel dated, guests notice immediately—even if subconsciously.
Common issues include:
Plants that no longer match brand positioning
Displays that feel static instead of curated
Maintenance that prioritizes survival over presentation
In hospitality, interior landscaping should feel as current as the guest experience itself.
Maintenance Isn’t Just Care—It’s Design Preservation
One of the biggest misconceptions about plant maintenance is that it’s purely horticultural. In reality, strong plant maintenance is what preserves design intent over time.
Design-aware plant maintenance includes:
Pruning for shape, not just health
Refreshing soil and surface materials
Rebalancing compositions as plants grow
Maintenance of interior landscaping is where design either lives on—or slowly erodes.
Why This Matters for Interior Designers
Designers are often brought in for renovations, refreshes, or tenant improvements—but interior landscaping is frequently assumed to be “handled.”
When it isn’t reevaluated, designers risk:
New finishes paired with old plant programs
Beautiful spaces undermined by dated greenery
Missed opportunities to elevate the final result
Revisiting the interior landscaping in any space allows designers to complete the story—not just add a part of it.
Why This Matters for Chicago Property Management Teams
For property managers, aging interiors impact:
Leasing success
Tenant satisfaction
Competitive positioning
Plants that quietly age a space can affect perception long before complaints arise. Regular evaluation of interior landscaping, office plants, and hotel lobby plants helps protect the long-term value of the asset.
Signs Your Interior Landscape May Be Aging Your Space
Ask yourself:
When were these plants and containers originally selected?
Do they still reflect current design standards?
Has the surrounding space evolved while the plants stayed the same?
If the answer raises hesitation, it may be time to rethink the plant strategy—not remove plants, but reimagine them.
How Interior Landscaping Can Be Updated Without Renovation
The good news? Updating interior landscaping doesn’t require construction.
Effective updates may include:
Introducing new plant varieties for contrast
Replacing dated containers
Rebalancing scale and placement
Elevating plant maintenance standards
For Chicago commercial buildings, these changes often deliver outsized impact with minimal disruption.
Amlings’ Design-Forward Approach to Interior Landscaping
At Amlings, we approach interior landscaping as part of the design—not an afterthought.
We work with:
Interior designers and architects
Property management teams
Class A office building teams
Hotel and restaurant owners
Facilities management
Our philosophy is simple: Design first. Maintenance always.
From office plants to hotel lobby plants, we ensure living elements evolve with the space, not against it.
If your interior landscape may be aging your space, now is the time to address it.
Contact Amlings interior landscaping services to refresh, elevate, and future-proof your interiors with design-driven greenery.
Learn More or Start the Conversation
Not sure where to begin? Curious how your existing plant program could be reimagined?
Reach out to Amlings to learn more about interior landscaping Chicago designers trust—and how thoughtful plant maintenance can extend the life of your design.
Final Thought: Let Your Landscape Evolve With Your Design
Interior design never stands still. Your plants shouldn’t either.
When interior landscaping evolves alongside architecture and interiors, spaces stay refined and memorable. If your space feels older than it should, your plants may be part of the problem.
Let’s fix that—together.
Contact us for more information or to request a quote. Get Started Today
Technology is changing everything about how we live. From the way we communicate, work, and design, to the way we understand life inside buildings, the digital revolution is absolute. However, amidst the algorithms and data sets, there is a twist that most people don’t see coming.
We often assume that as technology advances, our environments will become colder, starker, and more robotic. The reality is quite the opposite. As AI gets smarter, our interiors are becoming more human. We are entering a new era where interior design and AI converge to create spaces that finally catch up to the way we actually live and feel. At the center of this shift is a ground for more sensory ambiance, achieved by incorporating plants.
For architectural designers and facility managers, this represents a fundamental change in how we approach spatial planning. It is no longer a choice between high-tech and natural. The future is a seamless blend of both.
The intersection of interior design and AI allows for spaces that are both technologically advanced and deeply organic.
How AI Is Helping Us Work With Nature
As technology advances, humanity begins to crave green, organic, natural environments more than ever before. This craving isnt just aesthetic; it is biological. Fortunately, artificial intelligence is evolving into an instrument that helps us satisfy this need rather than distracting us from it.
AI in interior design acts as a bridge between the built environment and the natural world. It allows architects and designers to map light patterns with precision, measure acoustics, analyze traffic flow, and predict exactly how people will use a space. When these AI models run the data, the results consistently confirm what biophilic designers have always known: people need nature.
The data is irrefutable. Plants are essential to our living environment. By leveraging interior design and AI, we can move beyond guessing where a plant might look good to knowing exactly where it will thrive and where it will provide the most benefit to the occupants.
We often talk about smart buildings in terms of HVAC efficiency or security systems, but the concept is expanding. Technology is pushing interior landscaping into a new era. We are moving toward a time where nature is an integrated part of our living environment, not just a choice to opt in or out of.
This is where interior landscaping technology truly shines. Biophilic design is being integrated with technology in ways that have never been seen before.
Interior landscaping technology like smart sensors ensures plants thrive by alerting teams before issues arise.
The Tools of the Trade
Modern tech-driven plant design utilizes sophisticated tools to ensure the health of the installation and the comfort of the humans inhabiting the space. These innovations include:
Precision Hydration: Advanced sensors track plant hydration levels in real-time, eliminating the guesswork of watering schedules.
Adaptive Lighting: Artificial lighting systems adjust automatically based on the season and time of day to mimic natural circadian rhythms for both plants and people.
Optimized Airflow: AI analyzes air currents to ensure airflow is optimized around plant placement, maximizing air purification and plant health.
Predictive Species Selection: Data analysis predicts which species will thrive in which specific part of a building, reducing plant mortality and maintenance costs.
Proactive Monitoring: Remote monitors alert horticulture teams of subtle environmental changes before humans would ever notice them.
AI Powered Insights: Mapping Emotional Topography
While AI still has a long way to go and certainly does not replace the human touch, it serves as a powerful instrument to help us. Designers still need to analyze design, creating a sense of cohesion and using their instinct to create emotion in a space. However, interior design and AI together can reveal the hidden layers of a buildings usage.
AI can map the hot spots of human behavior within a commercial footprint. It can identify:
Where people gather socially.
Where energy dips during the day.
Where stress peaks for employees.
Where the design feels flat or uninspiring.
The Organic Solution to Data Problems
Once these issues are identified through data, the solution is rarely more screens or more concrete. Guess what often solves those issues? Organic form, texture, color, and overall other forms of life.
Designers are using these tech tools to reveal the emotional topography of a space. Horticulture is what brings the solution to life. This creates a perfect partnership between nature-inspired interiors and AI-driven planning.
Many companies across Chicago have always been design-first, intuition-first, and people-first. These values remain paramount. But as technology evolves, so does the way we create and maintain interiors.
The integration of interior design and AI helps inform critical decisions that used to be based solely on intuition. AI now helps inform:
Light Simulation: Understanding how natural and artificial light interacts with the space throughout the year.
Room Usage Patterns: Analyzing how high-traffic areas degrade over time versus quiet zones.
Ideal Plant Species Selection: Matching the biological needs of specific plants with the micro-climates of the building.
Environmental Stress Points: Identifying areas with drafts or temperature fluctuations that could harm greenery.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Balancing the energy load of the building with the cooling and air-purifying benefits of plant life.
This transition from raw data to visual delight is what defines the modern era of tech-driven plant design.
Tech-driven plant design utilizes data to predict which species will thrive in specific building areas.
The Hybrid Future: Human + Nature + Technology
The future of interior environments isnt cold or robotic. It is a hybrid ecosystem. We must imagine a world where AI in interior design facilitates a deeper connection to nature.
Imagine walking into a lobby where:
AI-managed living walls stay perfectly hydrated without human intervention.
Lobby plants thrive under lighting that adjusts automatically to simulate a passing cloud or a sunset.
Seasonal designs are informed by predictive environmental data, ensuring the decor always matches the mood and the climate.
Smart containers constantly monitor soil health, sending data back to the care team.
Horticultural teams receive alerts on their devices before a leaf ever yellows.
This is where high-design commercial interiors are heading. AI is not misleading us away from nature, but deeper into it.
A Partnership for Unforgettable Spaces
The truth is simple: AI makes design smarter, and plants make design human. Together? They make spaces unforgettable.
Amlings bridges the gap between interior design and AI, ensuring that technology serves the natural environment.
Technology will keep evolving along with our horticulture practices, and Amlings will continue to bridge them. We are committed to bringing thoughtful, living design into Chicagos most iconic properties in a way that honors both innovation and nature.
The future isnt just high-tech. It is high-touchpoint, and life will always be part of the story.
Transform Your Space Today
Are you ready to embrace the future of interior design and AI? Dont let your building fall behind.
Purchase Amlings professional interior landscaping services today and let us bring the intelligence of nature to your workspace.
If you arent sure where to start, that is okay. We are here to guide you through the new era of tech-driven plant design.
Contact us for more information or to request a quote. Get Started Today
Chicago moves in seasons as dramatically as its skyline shifts from dawn to dusk. In summer, the city feels alive—lakefront trails glowing, parks overflowing with vibrant color, and streets buzzing with palpable energy. But when winter arrives, Chicago becomes something else entirely: muted, gray, wind-soaked, and quiet.
For nearly six months of the year, natural greenery disappears from sight. The outdoors goes bare, leaving a void in the visual landscape. This stark contrast is why indoor plants matter here more than almost anywhere else. Across Class A office buildings, luxury hotels, corporate headquarters, and landmark properties, greenery becomes the visual and emotional counterbalance to Chicagos longest season.
For architectural designers and facility managers, understanding the benefits of indoor plants is not just about aesthetics; it is about psychological survival and spatial vitality. Where the external world freezes, interior landscapes step in to restore warmth, color, and vitality.
The Psychology of Green: Indoor Plants and Mental Health
In a winter city, biophilic design—the concept of connecting building occupants more closely to nature—is essential. This is particularly true in our region, as Chicagoans spend more time indoors in winter than in any other season.
The connection between indoor plants and mental health is well-documented and profound. Research in biophilic design shows that exposure to living plants can fundamentally alter the human experience within a built environment. When the world outside is monochromatic, bringing nature inside acts as a neurological salve.
Reducing Stress and Increasing Calm
The presence of greenery has been shown to significantly reduce stress. In high-stakes environments like corporate headquarters or busy hotel lobbies, the passive viewing of plants can lower cortisol levels and create a sense of calm and grounding. This green effect is crucial for maintaining a positive atmosphere when the weather outside is hostile.
Boosting Cognitive Performance
Beyond relaxation, the benefits of indoor plants extend to cognitive function. Studies suggest that biophilic environments increase focus and productivity. For office managers looking to maximize output during the sluggish winter months, green interiors offer a passive yet effective solution. Furthermore, natural elements have been linked to heightened creativity, making them indispensable in design studios, ad agencies, and collaborative workspaces.
Improve Your Workplace Wellness Today Are you ready to harness the power of biophilic design? Consult with Amlings Interior Landscape to create a custom plant program that boosts productivity and well-being in your facility.
Natural Ways to Combat Winter Blues in the Workplace
Chicago winters desaturate the world outside, leaving behind a palette of silver, charcoal, and white. This lack of color can lead to a collective dip in mood, often referred to as the winter blues. Interior landscaping offers one of the most effective natural ways to combat winter blues in a professional setting.
Restoring the Color Palette
Inside, greenery becomes essential by returning color, texture, and natural form to the environment. While the city is dominated by glass, marble, and steel—especially in iconic buildings like the Aon Center, the Wrigley Building, and the Hancock—plants reintroduce the softness and vibrancy that humans crave.
By providing soft, seasonal color and unique plant varieties, we can improve overall mood. A burst of green becomes a seasonal anchor in a city known for its architectural skyline. It reminds visitors and tenants that even in the coldest months, life continues.
Integrating greenery offers natural ways to combat winter blues, providing a vital visual counterpoint to Chicagos gray winter skyline.
Design Meets Climate: A Strategy for Indoor Plants for Winter Season
With over 125 years in Chicago, Amlings Interior Landscape understands something many national providers overlook. Implementing indoor plants for winter season requires more than just picking pretty flowers; it requires a design-first, horticulture-driven approach that fits Chicagos unique climate rhythm.
The Logistics of Winter Greenery
Our winter-specific plant strategy is rigorous. It includes:
Cold-resistant delivery logistics: Moving tropical plants in sub-zero temperatures requires specialized care to ensure they arrive without thermal shock.
High-performance evergreen species: We select plants that maintain vibrancy despite lower light levels and drier indoor air.
Seasonal rotations: We adjust designs based on light changes, heating shifts, and fluctuating traffic patterns within the building.
Long-term maintenance programs: Our goal is museum-quality presentation year-round, ensuring that plants never look tired or withered.
This strategic approach ensures that winter interior landscapes carry more weight and successfully fill the emotional and visual gaps left by natures retreat.
Expert Care for Chicago Winters Dont let the cold compromise your interior design. Contact Amlings for specialized winter plant maintenance and installation services designed for the Chicago climate.
Architectural Depth: Texture and Form in Winter Interiors
For architectural designers, the benefits of indoor plants go beyond biology—they are tools of spatial definition. In winter, when natural light is scarce and flat, plants add necessary depth and complexity to interior architecture.
Evergreens for Stability
We utilize evergreens for stability and depth. These robust plants anchor large atriums and lobbies, providing a sense of permanence when the outdoor landscape feels fleeting and frozen.
Orchids for Elegance
To contrast the heavy winter coats and gray skies, we use orchids for elegance and architectural shape. Their precise, sculptural blooms complement modern minimalist designs and add a touch of sophisticated fragility that elevates the space.
Biophilic Texture
Moss walls are increasingly popular for adding biophilic texture without requiring the floor space of large potted plants. These installations are particularly effective in corridors and conference rooms, where they serve as acoustic buffers and visual focal points.
Blooming Displays
Strategic blooming displays act as highlights within a room, drawing the eye and guiding movement through a space. These design risks elevate the space, turning a standard lobby into a destination.
From moss walls to sculptural orchids, selecting the right indoor plants for winter season adds critical texture and elegance to commercial interiors.
Holiday & Seasonal Displays: Winters Most Transformative Design Moment
While the benefits of indoor plants are year-round, the application of greenery peaks during the holidays. Holiday décor carries a special kind of magic in Chicago; these installations transform spaces into destinations.
In a city where winter dominates, seasonal installations set the tone for experience—helping buildings feel welcoming, warm, and alive. This is not just decoration; it is placemaking.
Curating a Story
Our design team curates holiday moments that feel elegant, sophisticated, and site-specific. We move beyond generic garlands to create story-telling décor that reflects the brand identity of the property. Whether it is a towering tree in a light-filled atrium or subtle, frost-inspired accents in a boutique lobby, these displays for luxury environments act as a major draw for tenants and visitors alike.
Make Your Space a Destination Planning for the holidays starts early. Schedule a Consultation with Amlings to design a site-specific holiday display that transforms your property into a winter landmark.
The Essential Nature of Winter Greenery
For more than a century, Amlings has helped Chicago properties navigate the beauty and challenge of living design in a climate with extreme contrast. But in winter, our goals become even more meaningful.
Our work revolves around bringing color, life, and biophilic calm to the heart of the city. We believe that with a touch of green, we can make all the difference in how people experience the built environment. Every installation is crafted to bring beauty and warmth to winter-worn interiors.
Embracing the Greenery
The benefits of indoor plants in Chicago are multifaceted. They are psychological anchors that reduce stress and improve focus. They are aesthetic tools that combat the gray monotony of the season. They are improved air quality and acoustic dampeners. But most importantly, they are a reminder of life.
As we face another long winter, the value of indoor plants and mental health cannot be overstated. By integrating indoor plants for winter season and utilizing natural ways to combat winter blues, architects and facility managers can create spaces that nurture the human spirit even when the wind chill drops below zero.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Dont let the winter season dull the vibrancy of your property. Experience the full benefits of indoor plants with Chicagos most experienced interior landscape partner.
Contact Amlings Interior Landscape Today to request a proposal for winter plant rentals, ongoing maintenance, or custom holiday design. Let us bring the outside in, when you need it most.
Step inside any high-end lobby, hotel, or Class A office building and you will notice something that sets the tone long before the architecture or the art does: the plants. This is intentional living design that instantly signals care, sophistication, and atmosphere. While many elements contribute to the aesthetic of a space, a luxury plant installation is one of the quietest, most powerful ways to elevate a space.
Despite its ubiquity in the world’s most exclusive properties, not many understand the craft behind it. Most visitors walk through the final product without realizing the choreography, decision-making, and design intelligence it takes to create an interior landscape that feels both effortless and high-end. Whether you are an architect, a facility manager, or a designer, to understand what truly defines a luxury interior design installation, you have to look beyond the leaves and into the process.
At Amlings, we believe that luxury greenery is used to reveal something the architecture already wants to express. It is a discipline that marries horticulture with biophilic interior design, creating spaces that breathe.
True luxury interior design uses biophilic elements to counterbalance architectural scale and soften modern materials.
It Begins With the Architecture: The Foundation of Luxury Interior Design
Every luxury plant installation starts with a reading of the space. In the world of high end interior design, one cannot simply place greenery into a room without context. At Amlings, this is where the design narrative forms. Before a single plant is selected, we study how the building moves.
This initial phase is critical because luxury interiors speak with intention. Any plant installation worthy of that space must respond to the architecture with the same level of intentionality. We ask many questions revolving around daylight, how a room looks and feels at different hours of the day, and the materials that create an emotional tone.
The plants, in a sense, become part of the buildings vocabulary. The structure tells us what it needs:
Height: To counterbalance tall ceilings.
Softness: To warm cool materials.
Boldness: To anchor a vast lobby.
Color: To spark vitality.
Form: To guide movement.
In luxury interior designs, the goal is to create a seamless integration where the botanical elements feel inevitable. By analyzing the bones of the building, we ensure that the resulting installation enhances the architects vision rather than distracting from it.
In luxury interior designs, every plant is selected individually for its sculptural quality and natural architecture.
Curating Nature: Why Plants Are Selected Like Sculpture
There is no catalog approach in high-end work. In standard interior landscaping, plants might be treated as commodities—interchangeable and uniform. However, in the realm of luxury interior design, the plants chosen for these spaces are curated with the eye of a designer and the experience of a horticulturist.
They are selected individually. This selection process is rigorous. Each specimen is inspected for its natural architecture. Our experts look for specific traits that define quality:
The symmetry of its leaves.
The strength of its root system.
The fullness of its canopy.
The sculptural quality of its branches.
Luxury installations demand presence. A tree that stands in a five-star hotel lobby must hold its own against grand staircases, contemporary art, and soaring windows. Conversely, a set of orchids placed in a minimalist reception area must offer elegance without overwhelming the space.
The goal in biophilic interior design is always balance—plants that complement, not compete. These botanicals are sourced from premium growers in Florida, California, and Hawaii, where climate and horticultural expertise allow for strong, vibrant specimens that can adapt to interior environments. It is a highly selective process, and it shows.
Containers Are Architecture: The Vessel as a Design Element
In luxury plant design, containers are as important as the plants themselves. They are not merely functional pots; they are part of the interior design element with their own identity. When executing a luxury interior design project, the container’s style, tone, shape, and finish determine how a design lives within the building.
The interplay between the vessel and the environment is where design and horticulture intersect. A luxury installation is composition, and each element depends on the next. Consider the impact of material selection:
A matte ceramic vessel can bring softness to a modernist space.
A glossy, sculptural container can transform a simple plant into a statement piece.
Neutral, earth-toned stone can ground a room with quiet confidence.
The stakes are high. The wrong container can cheapen a space, while the right one can elevate it instantly. This attention to the physical vessel is what separates standard office greenery from true high end interior design.
The installation itself is a study in timing and coordination. For high-end properties, this work often takes place during quiet hours: early mornings, late evenings, or carefully planned windows when building activity is minimal.
The hallmark of a luxury interior design service is invisibility regarding the process. Luxury tenants and guests never see the behind-the-scenes choreography, only the finished result. Our crews navigate loading docks, freight elevators, long hallways, and marble surfaces with precision.
The goal is zero disruption and zero evidence that an installation ever occurred. Plants are unwrapped and acclimated gently. Containers are placed and repositioned until the design feels inevitable. Every angle is evaluated, and every leaf is adjusted.
Every detail matters. Installations are always overseen by the design team; there is no drop-and-go . The design isnt finished until it looks like it was always meant to be there. This quiet precision ensures that the introduction of biophilic architecture elements feels seamless and magical to the end-user.
Precision is key. Our teams operate during quiet hours to ensure zero disruption to your property.
Atmosphere Changes Instantly: The Power of Biophilic Interior Design
When the final plant is placed, the transformation is unmistakable. Suddenly, the space has depth, and the air feels different. This is the transformative power of luxury interior design when it embraces nature.
The changes are both physical and psychological:
Light: Becomes softer.
Acoustics: The acoustics shift, dampening echoes in large spaces.
Behavior: People who walk through the space slow down just a bit.
Emotion: A lobby that once felt cold becomes warm; a corporate office that felt sterile becomes grounded.
A hotel entry that felt rushed becomes calm and welcoming. This is the true power of biophilic design at the luxury level. It doesnt shout; it whispers. And yet, the effect on emotion is profound.
Especially in dense urban environments like Chicago, these installations take on an even deeper role by providing contrast, reintroducing life, and restoring balance to architecture dominated by steel and glass. Biophilic architecture connects the occupants to the natural world, providing a respite that is essential for modern wellness.
Maintenance is stewardship. We ensure your installation looks as flawless after a year as it did on day one.
Luxury Lives in the Maintenance: Stewardship of Living Art
A luxury plant installation only remains luxurious with consistent, expert care. Plants are living art, and living art evolves. This is why maintenance in high-end environments is less about upkeep and more about stewardship.
The most beautiful luxury interior designs will fail without this crucial component. Amlings horticultural technicians visit properties with the same level of attention found in museums or five-star hospitality. They do not simply water plants; they curate them.
They clean, shape, hydrate, groom, and monitor each plant.
They anticipate issues before they occur.
They protect the investment and preserve the designs integrity.
The goal is simple: the installation should look as flawless after a year as it did on the day it was installed. This long-term commitment is what ensures that high end interior design retains its value and impact over time.
Luxury Plant Installations Are Living Statements
At their core, luxury installations are about identity. They express who a building is and how it wants people to feel. Whether incorporating biophilic architecture into a new build or refreshing an existing space with luxury interior design, these elements create a sensory experience that lingers long after someone leaves.
By choosing Amlings, you are choosing a partner who understands that the difference between a good space and a breathtaking one often lies in the living details.
Dont settle for ordinary. Let Amlings bring the sophistication of luxury interior design to your property.View Amlings Design Services
Choosing the right plant service company can redefine how people feel the moment they walk through the door of your business. Whether you manage a bustling corporate headquarters, a luxury hotel, or a high-end retail space, the atmosphere you create speaks volumes before a single word is exchanged. Thoughtful design elevates brand perception and transforms a buildings ambient value.
However, achieving this requires more than just buying a few ficus trees. There is an art to selecting the right horticulture partner—someone who helps your space breathe, feel alive, and actually reflect who you are as a brand. As a facility manager or business owner, you need a guide to navigate this decision with confidence. This article provides a comprehensive look at what you should expect from a top-tier plant service provider and how to distinguish true partners from mere decorators.
Analyze the Portfolio: Design vs. Decoration
When vetting an indoor plant care business, the first and most important filter is a company’s portfolio or website. This is where you separate the visionaries from the vendors. You need to ask yourself a critical question: Do you feel anything when you look at their work?.
A great plant service provider tells a story through imagery, demonstrating design intention rather than simply placing greenery in empty spaces. In the world of commercial interiors, there is a distinct difference between designing and decorating. If a providers portfolio looks like they have just dropped plants in random corners, they are not designing. If the space looks generic—like it could be any lobby anywhere—that company is merely decorating.
Seeking Editorial Quality in Office Plant Services
Reputable providers showcase work that is tailored, with installations that feel integrated into the design narrative of the building. When you open their website and scroll through their past projects, ask yourself:
Does this look like us?
Does this make me feel something?
Does the design look intentional?
You want a provider whose work looks editorial. Your business is unique, and your office plant services should reflect that uniqueness.
Ready to transform your space? Amlings doesnt just decorate; we design environments that breathe. Schedule a design consultation for your commercial space. Contact Amlings Today
Moving Beyond Buzzwords: True Biophilic Design
Many companies claim to know biophilic design—the art of reconnecting people with nature in built environments. However, in the marketing materials of many an indoor plant care business, this term is often used loosely. To make sure the company isnt just throwing around a buzzword, you need to dig deeper.
A genuine biophilic plant service provider considers the holistic impact of nature on your interior environment. They dont just look for floor space to place a pot; they analyze the physics and psychology of the room.
The Elements of an Experience
When discussing your project, listen to the language the provider uses. A team that truly understands biophilia will discuss:
Light Dynamics: How light moves through a space and how it interacts with foliage.
Acoustics: How greenery affects acoustics and dampens sound in open-concept offices.
Emotional Impact: How color and texture shape emotion and employee well-being.
Architectural Harmony: How nature integrates with architecture, rather than fighting it.
If a potential provider talks only about watering schedules and low-light plants, they are selling you maintenance, not an experience. You need to look for a team that talks about how a space feels.
Operational Precision: The Logistics of Class A Buildings
Managing greenery in corporate offices, luxury hotels, and Class A buildings requires far more than horticultural knowledge. It demands operational precision and professionalism. This is particularly true if you are looking for a trusted office plant service in Chicago, where high-rise logistics can be complex.
A residential gardener cannot simply walk into a secure corporate HQ. You must choose a company trusted for maintaining high-end installations year-round. The difference between a seamless installation and a chaotic disruption lies in the providers familiarity with building operations.
Navigating the Back of House
Look for plant maintenance services that are intimately familiar with:
Security Protocols: Navigating check-in procedures and badge access.
Loading Docks: Understanding height clearances and scheduling deliveries.
Freight Elevators: Booking and utilizing service elevators without disrupting tenants.
Property Management: coordinating effectively with building management teams.
Engineering Requirements: Working with building engineering regarding HVAC and water sources.
Tenant Relations: Handling tenants with opinions and specific needs.
You must choose someone who understands the rhythm of Class A buildings and is capable of handling Certificates of Insurance (COIs), specific access windows, schedule changes, and everything else that comes with high-traffic environments. If a plant service company cannot navigate these logistics, your install can become chaotic, reflecting poorly on your facilities team.
Need a partner who knows the ropes?
Amlings is trusted by Chicago’s premier properties to handle complex logistics with ease.
While you, as the client, do not need to be a horticulturalist, your provider absolutely must be. Ask about their horticulture, but dont worry—you dont need to be an expert. Every interior has its own rhythm of light, humidity, and airflow, and ignoring these factors is the quickest way to waste money on dead plants.
Your provider should understand the science behind plant performance and long-term health. A reliable indoor plant care business will be transparent about their sourcing and science.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
To vet the quality of their plant maintenance services, ask the following:
Sourcing: Where do their plants come from?. Do they work with reputable growers in Florida, California, or Hawaii?.
Rotation: How often do they refresh or rotate plants to ensure top visual quality?.
Specialization: Do they specialize in complex features like plant walls, moss walls, or living installations?.
Pay attention to their enthusiasm. If the company gets excited talking about plant health, root systems, or how light affects leaf structure, you have found a good one. This passion translates directly into the longevity and beauty of your installation.
Avoid greenwashing by choosing an indoor plant care business that prioritizes real botanicals and sustainable containers.
Sustainability: Avoid Greenwashing
In the modern corporate world, sustainability is part of responsible design. An ethical commercial plant service company should demonstrate ecological care through natural design. This authenticity reflects positively on your building values and brand reputation.
However, you must be wary of greenwashing —claiming sustainability without the practice to back it up.
What to Look For
To ensure your office plant services align with your ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, look for companies that:
Use Sustainable Containers: Utilizing recycled or eco-friendly materials.
Avoid Disposable Decor: Stepping away from cheap, disposable items that end up in landfills.
Prioritize Real Botanicals: Choose real botanicals over fake plants whenever possible.
Focus on Longevity: Focus on long-term health, not just short-term aesthetics.
If everything in their portfolio is artificial, overly glossy, or plastic-forward, that is not biophilia—it’s just set dressing. A true partner helps you make choices that are good for your image and the planet.
Curious about our green initiatives?Contact Us to learn how Amlings incorporates sustainability into every design.
Communication: The Key to a Lasting Partnership
The best plant service providers act as an extension of your facilities team. The plants are the product, but the service is the relationship. A provider should communicate proactively, notifying you by building consistency through trust.
You should never have to chase your vendor to find out why a palm looks brown. A great plant maintenance services provider:
Predicts Issues: Tells you before something becomes a problem.
Proactive Replacement: Suggests replacements before you notice a decline in quality.
Seasonal Awareness: Offers seasonal upgrades to keep the space fresh.
Consistent Contact: Checks in regularly.
Reliability: Never disappears after the install is complete.
If communication feels easy, the partnership will be too. This peace of mind is invaluable for building managers juggling dozens of other vendor contracts.
The Amlings Difference
The punchline is simple. Selecting a plant service provider is ultimately about aligning with a partner who understands your space, your brand, and the story you want to tell.
When design, sustainability, and care come together, your interiors become environments that feel alive in every detail. You are choosing someone who understands not just one aspect, but the synergy of Design, Plants, People, and Commercial Environments .
A great provider will help your space breathe. And thats the whole point.
Elevate Your Business Environment Today Dont settle for generic decoration. Partner with Amlings, the plant service company that combines design artistry with operational excellence.
Plants in an office are never just plants. They shape how people feel, focus, and interact. A carefully placed living wall softens the sharp lines of corporate interiors, while seasonal greenery transforms lobbies into places that feel alive, connected to the rhythms of the city outside.
But greenery in commercial spaces isn’t only about aesthetics. Research shows that biophilic design—bringing natural elements indoors—reduces stress, improves air quality, and increases productivity. In a city like Chicago, where winters are long and gray, these benefits are more than luxuries; they’re necessities for well-being.
At Amlings Interior Landscape, we design, install, and care for plants with the same attention architects give to steel or stone. Our work is about more than placement—it’s about creating an environment that evolves with the people who move through it every day.
The science backs it up. Research from the International Living Future Institute and the American Society of Interior Designers shows that biophilic design—integrating natural elements into the built environment—can reduce stress by up to 15%, increase productivity by as much as 6%, and improve overall well-being. The World Green Building Council also reports that workers in spaces with natural light and plants experience 30% fewer sick days. In a city like Chicago, where daylight is scarce in winter and high-rises dominate the horizon, those benefits aren’t just aesthetic—they’re essential.
Close-up photo of a plant walls greenery.
But at Amlings, biophilic design is not a formula. It’s a philosophy. Our designers think like architects, considering sightlines, light, and flow. Every installation—whether a dramatic living wall in a corporate lobby or a collection of desk plants in a tenant suite—is tailored to reflect the property’s architecture, brand, and culture. We curate species that thrive in Chicago’s indoor climate and pair them with containers that echo the building’s material palette, creating a cohesive, elevated look that complements the surrounding design.
For more than a century, we’ve partnered with Chicago’s most distinguished office buildings, hospitality brands, and property managers to bring nature indoors with precision and care.
And just like people, plants need ongoing care. Each project is nurtured through regular maintenance, thoughtful seasonal updates, and expert horticultural support. That’s how greenery continues to thrive, even in high-traffic spaces where other details fade with time.
Our horticultural specialists provide proactive, museum-quality care—monitoring soil, light exposure, and moisture to keep every plant healthy and flawless. It’s this attention to detail that allows greenery to endure, even in the busiest corporate settings. For property managers and owners, that consistency protects not just the investment but the impression. A single wilted leaf can change how a space feels; our job is to make sure every detail remains impeccable.
Beyond the visual impact, greenery contributes to the operational and cultural health of a workspace. Plants naturally filter air pollutants and balance humidity—making interiors healthier for employees and guests alike. The U.S. Green Building Council notes that biophilic enhancements can contribute to LEED credits and sustainability goals, while simultaneously improving employee satisfaction and retention. In today’s workplace, where hybrid work has reshaped how people engage with offices, environments that feel inviting and human-centered have become a competitive advantage.
Chicago may be defined by its skyline, but it’s the living details inside that give workplaces their pulse. When light catches the curve of a leaf or a burst of green brightens a lobby corner, something subtle happens—spaces become warmer, more inspiring, and more alive.
At Amlings, we bring that life to every project. With design-forward thinking, meticulous workmanship, and a century of horticultural expertise, we help Chicago’s most iconic buildings embody the quiet power of nature. Because when spaces thrive, so do the people within them.
In fact the hidden value of green isn’t hidden at all—it’s felt every day.
