There used to be little debate when it came to the kind of houseplants Mesa County homeowners preferred. For the finishing touches they provide, the gracious choice was always the live variety. Artificial greenery and florals were easily dismissed as “fakes”—regarded as second-rate solutions in home décor.

A lot has changed since then—principally in the advances made by the artificial foliage makers. This month’s realtor.com commentary (“Real vs. Fake Plants: Which is Better for Your Home?”) provided a timely update. Today’s Mesa County homeowners aren’t just wondering whether they can “get away” with fake plants. Because recent years have seen marked improvements in manufacturing techniques, the low-maintenance option has been steadily gaining favor.

To address the issue, author Kayleigh Roberts queried interior design professionals on how they determine which to choose. The answer depended on the homeowner’s situation, determined by practical questions like how frequently the owner plans to be absent, whether or not “curious pets” would be on the prowl, and whether or not the home is to be staged for sale (in that case, faux would probably get the nod).

Even so—and even given the fact that artificials have “improved by leaps and bounds”— when it comes to the question of whether they can pass as the real thing, experts admitted that they can almost always tell the difference. But for certain specific examples, that has been getting harder and harder. Some examples demonstrate the point: pictured were a faux amaryllis, lemon cypress, and a striking silk orchid.

Real or not, the addition of plants is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to provide pops of color that add interest to any interior space. When your own Mesa County home is being prepped for market, it’s one of the simple touches that create a warm, inviting environment. Call us for more dependable ideas!