How to Style Your Space with Food and Plants (and Why It Works So Well Every. Single. Time.)
- bhauzinger
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
If you've ever scrolled through Airbnb listings or Pinterest-worthy brand shoots and thought, “Why does this space feel so cozy and fresh?”—chances are, it was styled with two simple ingredients: plants and food.
These natural, everyday items bring life, warmth, and personality into your photos—whether you're styling a short-term rental, prepping for a branding session, or photographing interiors for a product shoot.
Today, we’re diving into the why and how of styling with greenery and snacks—and how to use them strategically to create scroll-stopping images.
Why Plants Instantly Elevate a Space
When it comes to interior styling photography, plants are your secret weapon. Here’s why they work:
They add movement and texture. A trailing pothos, a spiky snake plant, or a soft bunch of eucalyptus adds visual depth and breaks up hard lines.
They bring in natural color. Even the most neutral spaces feel warmer and more inviting with a touch of green.
They suggest care and freshness. A healthy plant signals a well-tended home—and builds trust in short-term rental photos.
They help create lifestyle context (especially in photographs). A plant in the bathroom? Peaceful and spa-like. A hanging fern in the kitchen? Organic, cozy and homey.
I learned all these tips from a interior designer and she knows her stuff! If nothing more, use real plants to style your airbnb or rental for the photoshoot.
Tip: I know maintaining live plants can be tricky with a STR, so my suggestion would with use real plants for the photoshoot and then swap out with artificial ones, or include plant maintenance to the cleaning routine.
How Food Adds Warmth, Color & Context
Food tells a story. In photography, it’s not just about what's in the frame—it’s about how the viewer feels when they look at the image. That’s where food styling shines.
Use food to:
Create a mood. A steaming mug of coffee, fresh bread, or seasonal fruit makes the space feel alive and ready to be lived in.
Add some pops of color (and if you know me you know I ADORE color). Think oranges in a bowl (bonus if the bowl is blue), lemons on the counter, a leafy salad—color creates contrast and draws the eye.
Communicate abundance and care. When someone sees food in a photo, it feels welcoming. It whispers, “You're home. You're taken care of here."
This is especially important in short-term rental photography, where you're selling not just the space, but the experience. (This is what you need to do to stand out, in any case!)
How I Use These in My Own Photography Work
As a Vermont-based photographer specializing in short-term rentals, branding photography, and interior styling, I always encourage my clients to think about how their space is used. From Airbnbs in the Mad River Valley to rustic farmhouses near Stowe, a touch of greenery and a tray of breakfast croissants goes a long way.
Here’s what I often bring or suggest for shoots:
Small potted herbs (thyme, rosemary, basil)
A vase of local blooms or foraged stems
Fruit bowls or breadboards for kitchen scenes
A charcuterie board for branding shoots (yes, it works every time)
Local Vermont snacks, like maple syrup, Cabot cheddar, or apples in the fall. Need help deciding?! Alpine Arrivals does it for you.
Pro Tip: We offer the option to bring a stylist on for your shoot, which I highly recommend! They can see what will work well in a second, and bring their artistry to plan design, charcuterie boards, and so much more!
Tips for Using Plants + Food Without Clutter
The key is to keep it intentional and seasonal:
Don’t overcrowd. One plant per scene is often enough.
Stick to complementary colors. Greens pair well with earthy tones, woods, whites, and even bold blues.
Think about shape + scale. Use tall plants to fill empty corners and low bowls or trays to style tabletops.
Rotate based on the time of year. Fresh berries and lemonade in summer, apples and cider in fall, evergreens and candles in winter.
The best part if that we can always play around with what is in the composition. I shoot tethered to my iPad so we can see images large and in real time. Game changer!
Let’s Make Your Space Feel as Good as It Looks
Styling with plants and food isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making people feel something. It’s how you tell the story of your brand, your rental, or your product.
And when that story is told visually and beautifully, your space gets booked, your content gets noticed, and your business grows.
Let’s turn your space into someone’s dream stay.
Ready to Elevate Your Airbnb Photography?
If you want your listing photos to do more than show rooms — if you want them to tell a story guests can feel — human elements are one of the most effective tools you can use.
You can learn more about my Airbnb and short-term rental photography services here.
