Leaf Inspired

From delicate fronds to bold tropical prints the leaf speaks a language that is both timeless and deeply symbolic. Its Shape is displayed across fabrics, wallpaper, and framed art in endless variations. Across cultures and centuries, leaves have represented renewal, growth, and the full cycle of life and we return to them again and again. In the world of decorating, I’ve always had a soft spot for leafy motifs, especially the sweeping drama of palm and banana leaves. So, when a homeowner chose a large-scale banana leaf print as the inspiration for her Monticello model living room, I was super happy to help. The fabric brought a sense of lush movement to the space and echoed the rhythm of Florida’s subtropical charm. As fall tiptoes to Florida, there is a shift in light and a hint of a whisper of cooler air, making the banana leaf print in soft blues, greyish tones and tans feel especially fitting. It bridges the seasons, offering a touch of the tropics with just enough warmth to welcome autumn indoors. Let’s peek into the living room of this Monticello courtyard villa to see how a single leaf pattern helped shape a space that feels both vibrant and grounded somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  Leaf Print
It all began with the leaf print of bold banana leaves sweeping across the blue background of two accent swivel chairs. The pattern was lush and lively, with hints of tan, grey, and brown tucked into the foliage. Those earthy tones turned out to be the perfect bridge to the one piece that had to stay, the recliner. The recliner had been purchased long before the rest of the room took shape, and its rich brown fabric became the unexpected anchor. As the design unfolded, that brown proved to be just the right note, harmonizing beautifully with the leaf print and tying together the other fabrics in the space.

  •  Two Swivel Chairs
I always recommend a pair of swivel chairs when they’re positioned on either side of the television. A customer favorite is the “Kaylee” swivel rocker by Best Home Furnishings because it is super comfortable for everyone and surprisingly versatile. For the price and the comfort level these chairs are always a win!

  •  Rug
The rug we chose is a soft wool blend in a mix of blues, whites, and crèmes. It’s gentle underfoot and naturally resistant to stains which is a smart choice for a space that sees daily life. What I loved most was how the varied blues complemented the printed chairs without competing for attention. The 8’ by 11’rug added depth and fully anchored the room. A larger rug is always the better choice because it defines the space, keeps furniture grounded, and most importantly, allows homeowners to walk across it without catching an edge. In a home where comfort and flow matter, avoiding trip hazards is just as important as choosing the right color palette.

  •  Focal Wall
The large focal wall was the natural spot for the TV, and in most cases, mounting it directly to the wall creates the cleanest look. Without a full entertainment unit, a wall-mounted TV still needs something to visually anchor it, otherwise, it can feel like it’s floating in the space. To ground the setup, the homeowner chose a ninety-inch console that fits the wall beautifully. It adds balance, fills the scale of the room, and provides a sense of structure beneath the screen. The console doesn’t just support the design, it completes it, turning a blank wall into a welcoming part of the living room.

  •  Candle Sconces
The homeowner fell in love with the hanging wall sconces featured in the photo, so we ordered them from an online retailer and installed a pair on either side of the TV. This focal wall can be tricky and finding pieces that complement the television without competing for attention can be a challenge. These candle sconces struck just the right balance. Their shape and finish add warmth without overwhelming the space, and the Luminara candles offer a realistic, flickering glow that is controlled by remote.

  •  Large art
The wall to the right of the TV is the first to greet you as you step through the foyer, so we wanted it to make a memorable impression. Large scale art is always a strong choice for a space like this. It commands attention and sets the tone for the room. The homeowner selected a stunning watercolor of a great blue heron by artist Gene Rizzo. At 56 inches high and 40 inches wide, it’s a piece with presence.

  •  Basket
Beneath the large blue heron painting, we placed a tall, slender basket from Pottery Barn that adds texture and function to the space. It’s woven from seagrass and so generously sized that it reads more like a small piece of furniture than a simple accessory. This piece is perfect for storing extra accent pillows and cozy throws and it brings a natural element to the room that coordinates with the artwork above.

  •  Coffee Table
In the center of the room, we placed a set of glass and metal stacking tables that bring beauty and function. Their sleek design fills the space without overwhelming it, and they’re just the right size for holding a drink, a snack, or a favorite book.

  •  Lamps
The lamps are crafted from blue/green glass with a subtle metallic glaze that catches the light in the most captivating way. As daylight shifts or evening settles in, the finish reveals a spectrum of colors with hints of gold, soft teal or smoky bronze. With each glance you see something new as the finish quietly changes with the rhythm of the day.

  •  Buffett niche
In the Monticello model, I love placing a substantial buffet along the niche wall opposite the windows. It’s a natural spot for a statement piece, and even better it’s a perfect place to add a large reflective mirror. That’s exactly what we did. We chose the Grand Palais mirror, a generously sized piece that fits perfectly above the buffet and just below the crown molding. Its arched shape and scale give it the presence of a window, and the way it catches and bounces light across the room is transformative.

  •  Accessories
The homeowner wanted accessories but not too many, so we placed a large orchid arrangement on the buffet with some family photos and a lamp. The coffee table received two books, a eucalyptus permanent botanical and a gold sphere. This left plenty of room for drinks or snacks when guests arrive.
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