[nickh]

Plants are fantastic, by the way. They make the room feel much more natural and alive, and less institutional and synthetic.

My favourite plant is Pachira Aquatica. It's more commonly known as the Money Tree. They're hearty, improve oxygen levels, inexpensive, look great, and are low-maintenance.

I have three small ones like this:

http://www.freshtopiary.com/mas_assets/full/DT-1024MT.jpg

and one huge one that's about 5 feet tall:

http://twitpic.com/3tbacn

I found the huge one at Ikea for $40.