Nature lovers are happiest when they’re discovering hidden gems along nature trails, or when they’re seeing different flower and tree species on their hikes. To sustain the positive feeling of being outdoors, most of them replicate the beauty of nature in their own home. Bringing nature into your home through biophilic design not only enhances your place’s aesthetics, but studies prove that it can also improve focus and cognitive functioning. What’s more, adding natural elements can create a calming atmosphere in your abode, making it feel more tranquil and relaxing, which can lead to better physical and mental health.
To bring the natural wonders of the outdoors into your home, you’ll need to incorporate visual and tactile elements to engage all the senses and make your space feel warm and welcoming. But put down that acorn that you found from your hike, and don’t pick the pretty flowers that you see on the trail. For a better and more tasteful way to enhance your living spaces, here is the nature lover’s guide to bringing the outdoors into your home decor.
Choose Nature-Inspired Colors and Elements
Modern homes usually have a white-on-white or a neutral color scheme since it fits the minimalist interior design theme that’s so on trend these days. But for interiors that showcase the beauty of nature, choose a color palette inspired by outdoor elements. First, use a base of earthy neutrals like warm beiges, creamy whites, and deep browns, then add warmth with touches of terracotta, peach, or rust. You may also want to add black to your color palette to create some contrast. Want a little more color? Include pops of deep red or sunny yellow here and there for cheer and vibrancy.
Next, use natural elements or materials to create an organic feel in your space. Consider rugs made from natural fibers like jute, sisal, sea grass, or hemp since these are durable and eco-friendly, and they’re great for bringing a relaxed vibe to rooms. Don’t forget to include some wood furniture to add some timeless style and beauty to your home. Think maple, oak, walnut, or teak if you want durable pieces, but you can also choose pine or poplar since these are excellent alternatives if you’re on a budget.
Now, put it all together in such a way so your decor looks like you’ve put some thought in it. For instance, your living room can have beige walls with dark wood trim or panels, dark oak shelving, a cafe-colored couch, a rustic coffee table, and a natural jute rug. To decorate the space, add throw pillows and a couch blanket in shades of terracotta, then display prints or photographs in black custom frames to make pictures or artwork stand out. Add two to three round jute ottoman poufs or ottomans to provide additional seating.
Increase Natural Light and Ventilation
Getting lots of sunshine and fresh air is one of the best things about being in nature since these help to reduce stress and improve overall mood wellbeing. If you want to create a seamless link to the outdoors and have a better indoor environment, think about boosting natural light and ventilation. Clean windows and keep surrounding areas free of clutter, then replace heavy drapes with sheer curtains to let the light in. You may also want to consider installing larger windows or a skylight to brighten up gloomy spaces. This can help to improve light and air flow, making your home feel fresher and brighter.
Bring in Houseplants and Water Features
Bringing in houseplants is an easy way to bring the outdoors into your home decor, so choose a variety of plants to create visual interest and a connection to nature. Have a few tall indoor trees like fiddle leaf figs, rubber trees, or palms, then add some medium sized potted plants such as snake plants or peace lilies. You may also want to display a cluster of mini succulents on tables or shelves if you want to have a few low maintenance plants in your space.
To feel even closer to nature, think about having a water feature in your home. Not only will it act as a natural focal point, but it also provides soothing sounds to drown out unpleasant background noise. You can have a freestanding or wall-mounted water feature to make a statement, but if space is an issue, you can always get a tabletop fountain to create gentle sounds and provide a calming environment.
Bringing the outdoors in can help to turn your space into a sanctuary of tranquility. Try these tips to transform your abode into a relaxing and soothing space, and see how these can help to make your home a happier and healthier place.