“Design is rooted in nature. We are instinctively inspired to create by creation itself.”
This is the starting place for Donen Kemnitz, principal designer at Favorite Design Co. In the world of interior design, she says we often try to mimic the outdoors through a carefully curated palette of earth tones, botanical patterns, or the rugged texture of stone. However, there is no substitute for the real thing. "Plants bring an organic authenticity to a space in a way that only they can," Kemnitz says. "You can take a plain, empty, and even boring room, introduce a few living elements, and suddenly you’ve created instant interest."
Being a designer means Kemnitz’s own home serves as her constant muse. It is the one place where she has complete creative freedom to experiment with her personal style and reflect her family’s journey. In a household where both she and her husband, Matt, run small businesses while raising two teenagers, downtime is a rare and precious commodity. "Our favorite thing to do together is simply being outdoors," Kemnitz shares. "We love being in the quiet, together."
This desire for a peaceful sanctuary led them to look upward—specifically, to a neglected balcony. When they bought the house, the space was far from inviting. The tile was lifting, and the railing was wobbly and peeling. Still, the view was undeniable. It was the perfect vantage point to watch Hill Country thunderstorms roll in or catch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve, but the environment didn't encourage anyone to linger.
The couple decided to move the balcony to the top of their "to-do" list. They replaced the old tile with two shades of travertine in a diamond pattern and commissioned a sturdy new railing from a local welder. Add in plush outdoor furniture, a soft rug, and cozy pillows, and the structural transformation was complete. But it still lacked that "special something."
"The final and most important thing was adding plants," Kemnitz explains. "We wanted flowering plants that would add some color, and we had two blank walls that we wanted to act as a backdrop to plants that could double as art.” So she consulted with the experts at Hill Country African Violets and Nursery, who suggested a climbing rose and a mandevilla. By training them up trellises, the plants became a vibrant, ever-changing mural. A beautiful hibiscus was added to act as a mini-tree, grounding the space. "It’s now a favorite place for Matt and me to have a cup of coffee or talk while watching the sunset.”
Like many people these days, Kemnitz works primarily from home, so she finds that being surrounded by nature fuels her creativity. "When I’m meeting with clients and looking at materials, having plants in the studio gives the space a certain warmth," she says. This is why Kemnitz usually encourages a "plant in every room" approach. "Try a small potted ivy in the bathroom, or a large bowl filled with living moss on your kitchen island," she suggests. "Or a fern planted in something repurposed on your dining table, like my fern in an ironstone tureen.” The point, she says, is to invite interest.
To create professional-level depth, Kemnitz recommends layering. Use taller plants in corners to create height, and tuck smaller pots nearby to create visual layers. She also advises playing with the materials of the containers themselves. Terracotta and concrete are her go-tos for a grounded, earthy feel, while neutral white pots provide a clean, modern edge.
If you’re tight on floor space, Kemnitz suggests looking up. Hanging plants from the ceiling can draw the eye upward, making a room feel more dynamic. She recalls a recent kitchen project featuring wall-to-wall windows. While the natural light was amazing, the lack of wall space meant there was nowhere to hang traditional artwork. "Instead, we hung a really interesting plant from an antique pulley in a beautiful, earthy pot," she says. "Instant art!"
For those who fear they lack a green thumb, Kemnitz offers words of encouragement. She recommends starting with hardy varieties, like ivy or the classic African violet. Fiddle leaf figs are also excellent options for those wanting the impact of a tree with relatively straightforward care requirements.
There’s also help out there. "Two of my favorite online plant experts are Happy Happy Houseplant and Chantel Gray,” Kemnitz says. For assistance closer to home? “Turn to your local experts at Hill Country African Violets. They can help you with recommendations and care. They’ve never steered me wrong!”
When we incorporate plants, we do more than just decorate. We breathe life into our spaces, creating a home that grows just like we do.
SIDEBAR:
Donen Kemnitz, founder and lead designer of Favorite Design Co., believes your home should be your greatest muse. Her playful yet thoughtful approach focuses on turning houses into personal sanctuaries that tell a family’s unique story. Whether she’s reviving a neglected balcony with "living art" or layering interior spaces with warmth and texture, Donen’s signature style blends nature-inspired elements with functional design. By collaborating closely with clients, she ensures every room becomes an inspiring, authentic retreat, truly making your home your favorite place to be.
favoritedesignco.com | 210-315-0239
Resources
hcavandnursery.com | 830-249-2614 | 32005 IH-10 W.
happyhappyhouseplant.com, @happyhappyhouseplant
channygrayhome.com, @channygrayhome
“Design is rooted in nature. We are instinctively inspired to create by creation itself.”