The natural world has an indescribable ability to relax and rejuvenate the senses. It brings a smile to our faces, transports us to another world, and fills our hearts with peace and serenity.
You don’t need to spend every waking moment outdoors to get that natural fix. In fact, you don’t even have to leave your home for that. Bringing the natural elements into your home can give you a sense of peace and happiness in any room of your house. As more people turn their attention to creating sustainable homes and living more naturally, the trend of using natural, sustainable products and materials is growing, with the eco-friendly furniture market being valued at over $35 billion. For increased sustainability, opt for recycled or recyclable products that can last a lifetime.
If you’re interested in bringing nature into your home decor, these ideas can give you some inspiration.
1. Add Plants
Plants are not just beautiful, but they make oxygen, which is vital for life. Some studies also show that plants can reduce anxiety and make us feel happier. The best part is there are so many different plants you can choose from, from easy-to-care-for cacti to the ever-popular aloe plant to the more delicate orchid or even the stunning peace lily.
The best part about plants is that they are beautiful to look at and can also increase oxygen within your home, making it healthier for you too. If you’re not green-fingered, start with smaller potted plants that require minimal maintenance, such as the spider plant or a cactus. From here, you can hone your skills and then slowly increase your plants. In the meantime, you can decorate with artificial greenery to still get that natural vibe inside.
2. Hang Vines Up The Walls
Vines are beautiful when they cascade down the wall of your patio or indoor living room. If you want to add a tropical vibe to your space, a vine is a great way to do so. There are many types of vines that you can use indoors; some of the most common include Wisteria, Jasmine, and Bougainvillaea. If you want a more tropical vibe, you can also choose from other plants like Hedera or Mandevilla. There are many ways you can hang vines up your walls. You can either use a planter or a hook to hang them. If you’re hanging them indoors, be sure to choose vines that are low maintenance and don’t require a lot of water. Be mindful when hanging vines indoors; be sure to use a hook that can support the vine’s weight and that it is securely secured to the wall, so it doesn’t pose a hazard.
3. Use Natural Stone Instead of Tile
Many types of natural stone work well as flooring options. Some of these include marble and limestone. Tile is a standard flooring choice, but you can exchange that for natural stone. Natural stone is an excellent option if you don’t have an outdoor space. It is durable and easy to clean but has a rustic, earthy look. Natural stone is also a good choice for heavy traffic areas, making it great for indoor and outdoor use as it can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
But stone isn’t just good for indoor and outdoor flooring; you can create a stunning feature wall in any area of your home using stone on the wall. Or, why not use stone as a base for a dining table or coffee table for a great talking point?
4. Use Nature Inspired Scents
Rather than purchasing an artificial candle that is scented with a manufactured fragrance, opt for essential oil with a natural scent. There are several scents that are naturally reminiscent of the outdoors, such as:
- Cedar – This scent is reminiscent of the fresh woods on a breezy day. It’s a calming scent and great for a bedroom or study.
- Eucalyptus – This is a great scent to have in a living room. It’s strong and intense but not overpowering. It’s also effective at clearing mucus and phlegm from the chest.
- Lemon – This scent is uplifting and refreshing. It is a great scent for a kitchen, dining room, or study.
- Rosemary – This is a distinct scent that is reminiscent of the outdoors. It is a stimulating scent that is great for a study or office space.
- Sandalwood – This is a wonderfully rich and bold scent. It is a great scent for a living room or dining room.
Another great way to include natural fragrances in your home is to cultivate a herb garden. Many herbs can be grown on your window ledge, and not only are they lovely to look at, but they can also give your home the most amazing natural aromas and, of course, make great additions to your meals. What’s not to love?
5. Increase Natural Light
Rather than brightening a room with artificial light, try to bring more natural light into the space. Firstly, you can look at the placement of any furniture and move it away from windows to help increase light in a room Or you can add mirrors to a room to give it more light. Place mirrors opposite windows to help increase the light within a room and allow it to feel brighter.
Other options include:
- Installing bigger windows.
- Increasing windows in the room.
- Installing french style bifold doors instead of a wall to help you open up a room and improve the light.
- You can also add skylights to the upper floors or a kitchen extension if you have one.
6. Incorporate Natural Finishes
Wood and stone are classic, natural materials that are often used in home design. They add warmth and a sense of belonging to your space. If you want to add wood to your home, you’ll want to use real wood whenever possible. Real wood pieces are incredibly durable and can last a lifetime. If you’re on a budget, consider buying used items that are still in good condition. If you’re looking for a specific type of wood, you can find pieces made from exotic woods, like Zebrawood or Cocobolo. Another popular natural finish is stone. Stone is another durable option that comes in many different styles and colors, including quartz, marble, granite, slate, and limestone.
You can add Wooden Shelves, wooden furniture, bookcases, dining tables, dining chairs, sideboards, and even wood paneling to walls, as a few examples.
7. Use Neutral Colors
Using neutral colors in your home is a subtle way to bring nature indoors. It’s a subtle reminder of the outdoors without being overwhelming or tacky. Choose natural colors when painting walls or choosing your soft furnishings to help pull your theme together. Think calming pastel hues of blues, browns, and creams. For extra inspiration, you can use the following environments as a guide;
- Sea Themes: The sand and rocks by the sea will be mostly shades of brown and gray.
- Forest Themes: The colors in a forest will be more subdued and muted shades of green and brown.
- Mountain Themes: The colors of the mountains will be primarily shades of gray, blue, and brown. The colors of meadows will be more vivid and saturated.
8. Have Nature Inspired Artwork
While some artwork can be very decorative, other pieces are more subtle, almost mesmerizing. There is a wide variety of artwork that is inspired by nature. There are many different themes you can choose from. Some examples include:
- Landscapes – This can depict a specific place or an abstract piece.
- Floral – This can be a painting or a sketch with flowers.
- Nature scenes – These can depict a particular place or an abstract piece.
The best thing about art is that it is subjective. From hanging prints on your walls to canvases depicting a scene from nature to ornaments and sculptures, or even having a living wall outside for an added wow factor to your landscaping. The choice is yours.
9. Decorate With Natural Fibres and Textures
If you want to bring a little bit of nature into your home decor, try using natural fibers and textures. You can use rugs, curtains, and throw pillows with natural fabrics. You can also use natural-looking materials for your upholstery. You can choose fabrics like linen, cotton, hemp, or wool. You can also use natural materials like wood and jute. For example, you can use wood for your shelves and table tops and jute for your upholstery and wall decorations.
Mix up textures in the room to give it added personality and design elements, as you would find in nature.
Conclusion
Bringing the natural elements into your home is a great way to relax and feel at home. It also helps to bring nature indoors, which is vital to our environment. Nature can be inspiring in many ways, so why not invoke this feeling in your home by focusing on a natural theme that incorporates everything nature has to offer? Follow these to get started and create a home you enjoy and relax in.
Last Updated on October 11, 2022
