In tropical countries of lush natural beauty, where the divide between indoors and outdoors can be as simple as a gauzy curtain, inspiration for interior design often comes from nature. Such is the case in Laos, at the La Residence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang.
Nestled in the hills of northern Laos, the hotel is surrounded by bougainvillea, frangipani, palms and banana trees. Banana leaves are used to make temporary vases, filled with the many fallen frangipani blooms.
A large banana leaf is rolled into a cone, with the stem connected to the cone with a straight pin. The wide end is placed down as a base and a single blossom is placed in the small opening at the top.
Banana plants abound in Hong Kong, which is home to many other large-leafed flora that can provide alternative vase material. Many varieties of small flowers can also be placed in a leaf vase.