Looking to keep your connection to nature even when you go inside? You don’t have to separate yourself from the power and inspiration of the outdoors when you get home. We’ve got some tips for incorporating nature into your home design.
House Plants
Go green throughout your home with house plants. The greenery will liven up your rooms and will also clear the air. Snake plants, peace lilies, and golden pothos are natural air purifiers. So are flowering plants like gerbera daisies and chrysanthemums.
Use taller, free-standing plants in decorative pots in your living or family room.
Start an herb garden in the kitchen for the aromas and food seasonings on demand. Lavender or eucalyptus are fragrant and low-maintenance ways to keep bedrooms fresh. Keep them out of your pet’s reach, however, because these plants are toxic to cats and dogs.
Natural Light
Allowing more natural light into your home will lift your spirits and lower stress. More light can also make your home feel bigger. Take advantage of your windows by ditching heavy curtains or window treatments. You’ll also enjoy more of the view. Use mirrors to reflect light, and open shades or blinds during the day. While you’re at it, get a breath of fresh air and open your windows when the weather allows.
Nature Painting and Pictures
Let your art express your love of the outdoors with paintings or pictures of nature. This is an easy and decorative way to bring the outdoors into any room. These images can also help you relax and promote feelings of well-being. Choose landscapes, pictures of favorite places you’ve visited in nature, or paintings of trees or flowers. Prints or wallpaper with leaves or botanical patterns can also achieve this effect.
Rock and Stone
Stone is beautiful and durable and will add elegance and charm to your interiors. Countertops, flooring, and backsplash or bathroom tiles are classic applications for natural stone. Use stone veneer on accent walls to create an interesting focal point in any room.
Textiles with Natural Materials
Natural fabrics are a sustainable way to add comfort, texture, and color to your home. Cotton, wool, and linen are among the most common natural fibers you can use in interior design. Consider them for upholstery, blankets, pillows, and rugs. Another option is bedspreads, sheets, and pillows decorated with floral or plant patterns.
Wood Furniture and Accents
Like stone, wood is another tried-and-true material you can use to invoke a natural vibe in your home. Wood furniture provides an outdoorsy feel and can make a room feel rustic and cozy or streamlined and modern. Hardwood floors update a room and are more durable and easier to clean than carpet. Add warmth with wood accent walls or ceiling beams. Smaller features like wooden shelves or accents also incorporate a natural feel.
Your connection to the outdoors doesn’t have to end when you step inside. Adding these natural elements can create a calming, nature-inspired environment in your home.
Tara Hickock is an interior designer who also designs and decorates outdoor living spaces. Her designs focus on bringing the outdoors inside to give homes a natural touch. She recently remodeled her own home and created a screened-in sunroom for her guests to enjoy the outdoors, even in winter.
