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For every product I write about, I first look at whether it meets certain sustainability criteria. I come across so many products for houseplant lovers, but before I decide to feature them, I want to know what boxes they tick.
I can tell you now that I will never feature concrete planters. I am often tempted to, but when you read about the environmental impact of concrete, there is little justification for choosing to use it for home decor.
I’m also committed to not featuring plastic, mass-produced products. There are plenty of designers, crafters and artisans out there making beautiful planters. And if that gets a bit too expensive, there’s always the most sustainable choice of buying pre-loved and pre-owned plant paraphernalia.
So when I had a look at what designers Mélisande and Philippe were offering to plant lovers, I decided to write about them … again.
If these planters look familiar, it might be because we have already featured products by the same makers before.
But it’s really hard not to revisit their store every now and then, just to see what other quirky designs Mélisande and Philippe come up with.
Here’s what French store Minimum Design has going for it:
Their planters are made from a fully biodegradable material (a mixture of recycled wood and bioplastic made from corn). This material gives the planter the look, feel and unique smell of raw wood.
They work on demand, so every product is made especially for one particular buyer. Producing on demand allows Mélisande and Philippe to conserve resources and produce responsibly. There’s no overstock waste.
When you order their pots, you can choose whether you want it to come with a drainage hole or not. This is customization at its finest. That means you don’t have to use a plastic pot if you choose the planter with drainage. If the plant you want to display in these Scandinavian-inspired designs is already in a plastic liner, then you can choose a model without any drainage.
My personal favorites from their current collection are definitely the Aztek design – with its geometric stamps and sleek lines, and the Japan model – with vertical minimalist lines perfect for showcasing houseplants with long stems and voluminous tops. I think a ponytail palm would look amazing in this planter.
Before I wrapped up this post, I looked up Hossegor in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the part of France where the design studio is located. Wow! It all seemed to come full circle. Golden beaches, pastel-colored buildings strewn about and a general sense of serenity. I’m not denying the Scandi influences of Mélisande and Philippe’s work. But maybe, just maybe, there’s a little bit of French Atlantic inspiration in the mix.
Most of the planters are available in three or four sizes. Have a look at their Etsy shop or their website.
Photos via Minimum Design
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