When Sarah opened the doors to her second fitness studio in Brisbane last month, she knew the vibe had to be just right. The first location had been successful, but this time she wanted something different – a space that felt both energising and peaceful.
“My first studio was all about that high-energy, industrial look,” Sarah told us. “But for this location, we’re in a more residential area with clients who come for both intense workouts and gentler movement classes. The atmosphere needed that balance.”
The Designer’s Touch: Ditching the Spikes
Sarah’s stylist, Emma, had a clear vision from the start.
“People come to fitness spaces feeling vulnerable enough already,” Emma explained. “The last thing you want is to be surrounded by sharp, pointy plants that subconsciously make you feel on edge.”
Taking this on note, the team at Designer Plants recommended focusing on soft, welcoming artificial plants with rounded leaves and flowing forms, like artificial Monstera, Philodendron, and Banana Palms. The goal was to create a space that felt both sophisticated and nurturing – somewhere clients would feel comfortable pushing their limits without feeling intimidated by their surroundings.
The Plant Selection: Lush, Bold and Inviting
With the help of our team, Sarah chose a thoughtful mix of statement pieces and accent greenery that worked beautifully with the studio’s neutral colour palette and natural light.
Here’s how she brought her indoor greenery design ideas to life:
- Grand Artificial Potted Traveller’s Banana Palm Tree (120cm): The showstopper. Its broad, dramatic leaves create instant tropical luxury without overwhelming the space – perfect for any studio wanting stylish serenity.
- Split Leaf Philodendron (120cm): Adding architectural interest with distinctive cut leaves while maintaining that soft, organic feel Emma envisioned.
- Potted Artificial Long Yucca Grass (75cm): Bringing texture and subtle movement. Despite being a “grass,” this UV-resistant choice has soft, flowing blades that fit perfectly into the studio’s calming aesthetic.
- Artificial Money Plant (Monstera) in Decorative Pot (180cm): The studio’s hero piece. Positioned at reception, its height and iconic split leaves make an impressive first impression – a great example of artificial monstera banana palm combinations working in harmony.
- Premium Artificial Monstera Deliciosa Tree (100cm): Tucked near the stretching area, offering a lush, grounded feel without eating into floor space.
To anchor the plants, we introduced her to our range of white planters with rounded edges. The clean lines paired beautifully with the studio’s modern fit-out.
Sarah admitted, “I would have gone with square ones out of habit, but the curved shapes really do make the whole place feel more welcoming.“
Creating Depth and Dimension
What really makes the space sing is how Sarah used smaller 75cm Yucca Grass plants in key locations across the studio. These accent pieces added height variation and textural depth right at eye level – especially valuable when clients are on the floor doing mat work.
“It’s all about layering,” Emma said. “Tall statement plants pull the gaze upward and surround you with nature, while the mid-height greenery makes it feel deliberate and thoughtfully designed.”
The Results: A Space That Feels Right
The transformation has been more than just aesthetic. Clients constantly comment on how calming and different the space feels from other gyms.
“We’ve had people tell us they can literally breathe better here,” Sarah laughed. “Which is kind of the dream for a fitness studio!”
By using the best artificial plants for fitness studios, Sarah created functional zones without needing walls or dividers. The reception area feels open and inviting. The workout zone is energetic but grounded. And the cool-down space is genuinely soothing.
And the best part?
There’s no watering, pruning, or sad-looking foliage to worry about. The premium artificial plants from Designer Plants maintain their perfect appearance year-round, even in low-light corners of the studio.
“I’m not exactly blessed with a green thumb,” Sarah confessed. “So, knowing these will look exactly this good a year from now is pretty much priceless.”
Get The Look
Want to recreate Sarah’s calming, stylish studio vibe in your own space? Here’s everything she used:
- Grand Artificial Potted Traveller’s Banana Palm Tree – 120cm
- Split Leaf Philodendron – 120cm
- Potted Artificial Long Yucca Grass – 75cm (UV Resistant)
- Artificial Money Plant (Monstera) in Decorative Pot – 180cm
- Premium Artificial Monstera Deliciosa Tree – 100cm
- White Rounded Pots
Not sure which artificial plants would work best in your space? Contact our team for a free consultation and let us help you create your own perfect green sanctuary.
Let us help you design a wellness space that looks good, feels right and stays perfect year-round
