Herbs as Houseplants

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Have just about finished redecorating new house in mainly various whites for the walls with some gray on some woodwork (sorry I know Mumsnet hates the gray white look!) anyway this thread is about houseplants - would like houseplants but wondering …

Is it too crazy to think We could just do herbs and ornamental fruits as houseplants? The locations are largely downstairs - a very light and airy south-facing kitchen-diner, a bright south-facing conservatory (would particularly like plant ideas for the conservatory that can be dramatic and nice) and a north-facing lounge which is fairly bright somehow and had a lovely sill.

Any suggestions? Would love for perennials, and herbs mainly but as I say citrus, olive or bay maybe in addition?

Which herbs do well as indoor Perennials? And would they grow sufficiently big to actually look good?

Herbs generally will look a bit messy so depends if you’re ok with that. Some are perennial some aren’t. Most aren’t evergreen. They definitely need more watering than the classic “waxy leaved” houseplants.

I have herbs on my kitchen shelf but I reckon on replacing them at least a couple of times a year, as they get leggy or die when we go away.

Hmm not going to do then I suppose!

Will need to look for houseplants …. And conservatory plants ….

My friend has an actual grape vine growing in her conservatory (ok, she built it around the plant!). It's basically trained up a trails and across the roof line while the roots are firmly inbedded in the ground.

It's stunning, with and without foliage.

Maybe something similar would be possible for you?

I think it's a lovely idea. I always used to have growing basil and parsley, basil lasts for ages and smells gorgeous.

Isn’t basil a biennial? And I love the IDEA of something climbing in the conservatory but haven’t a clue how to do that. Grape vine won’t do as dogs and grapes don’t mix and nothing thorny… but I have been eyeing bougainvillea…. It’s south facing so baking hot in summer but Unheated although double glazed and cold in winter.