Inside a NYC Apartment Transformed by Plants and LBE Design Ceramics

Inside Angelo Ferro’s LBE Collection

Angelo Ferro has been an LBE Design collector since 2021, curating a home that feels both elevated and personal through his love of plants and ceramics. Based in New York City, Angelo is the Co-founder of PlayAbly.ai, where he brings his passion for gaming to life. His apartment, a modern high-rise with sweeping views of Manhattan, is grounded by greenery and thoughtful design—drawing inspiration from the relaxed, sun-soaked vibe of his California roots.

Whether he’s misting his plants in the morning or selecting the perfect ceramic pairing, Angelo’s space is a calm, design-forward escape from the energy of the city—and a testament to how a well-loved collection can shape the feeling of home.

I first discovered LBE Design through Leon & George while researching the best plants and planters for my apartment in New York City. I wanted high-quality plants that would also complement my space aesthetically. What drew me to Leon & George was that their plants not only looked beautiful but also came in stunning planters. At the time, I didn’t realize these planters were from LBE Design—but those were the ones that first caught my eye!

My first LBE planter was for my pink rubber tree. I chose it because of its sleek white planter and black legs, which perfectly matched my media console. I knew exactly where I wanted it in my apartment, and the design fit seamlessly with my space.

When designing my apartment, I opted for mostly white furniture but wanted to incorporate pops of color. Coming from California, where my wardrobe was full of bright colors, I noticed that the standard New York aesthetic leaned toward black. I kept the white-and-black theme for my planters, but the plants themselves brought in a fresh touch of greenery that made my apartment feel alive.

My favorite piece is my pink rubber tree—the first plant I purchased from Leon & George and my first LBE Design planter. When I first started, I wasn’t sure if I’d be a good “plant daddy,” so I began with just one. As that plant thrived, my confidence grew, and my collection expanded. Now, I have over a dozen plants, most of them housed in LBE planters. The pink rubber tree stands out because of its striking color, beauty, and the fact that it marked the beginning of my plant journey.

I live in a high-rise with an incredible view of Manhattan, but without plants, the space felt a bit too corporate—like an office. Adding plants completely transformed the atmosphere, making my apartment feel more inviting and relaxing. New York City is so fast-paced, and I wanted my home to be a calm oasis. The greenery, combined with photos of palm trees that remind me of California, helps me achieve that warm and tranquil vibe.

I maintain a cohesive aesthetic by sticking to white and black planters, which complement my apartment’s decor. While I don’t have specific plant-and-planter pairings, I like keeping the color scheme consistent to create a clean and modern look.

Every morning, I mist my plants and check their watering sticks to see if they need water. It’s a simple but mindful routine that helps me start my day while making sure my plant babies are happy and thriving.

LBE planters instantly elevate any space, no matter your design style. If you're just starting out, pick a planter that complements your existing decor—it’ll enhance your room effortlessly.

Start with one plant and see how it makes you feel—then build from there. I keep all of my plants in plastic grow pots for easier maintenance. It helps with watering, and when they outgrow the pot, I simply size up to a larger grow pot. I’ve found that most LBE planters can accommodate two grow pot sizes, so the same ceramic piece can work for years. And when the plant finally outgrows the planter? That’s the perfect excuse to get a new one—and add another plant to the collection.

I draw a lot of inspiration from palm trees, summer weather, and the carefree atmosphere of California. Growing up, I loved wearing shorts year-round, and I wanted to bring that warm, relaxed vibe into my New York apartment. I’m also a big Swiftie, and the aesthetic of Taylor Swift’s Lover album—the pink and blue cotton candy skies—has influenced my design choices. The combination of plants, colors, and textures in my space helps create that dreamy, lighthearted energy that reminds me of home.