In our increasingly fast-paced lives, finding moments of tranquility and a connection with nature can often feels like a bit of a luxury. But what if we could bring the soothing elements of the outdoors into our homes, creating spaces that evoke a sense of calm and rejuvenation? From lush greenery to organic textures and earthy hues, integrating nature-inspired design elements can transform any space into a serene sanctuary. Here are some tips from our talented designers to help you embrace the beauty of the outdoors within your own four walls!
Evoking Nature Through Texture and Color
Embrace Greenery
The easiest and most obvious way to bring the outdoors in is with plants. Whether you opt for a towering fiddle leaf fig or a collection of small succulents, incorporating plants into your decor adds a refreshing touch of green while also purifying the air. Consider placing them in decorative pots or hanging planters to add visual interest. If you don’t have a green thumb, consider some beautiful faux foliage. And check out our blog on how not to kill your house plants.
Focus on Natural Materials: From wood and stone to rattan and jute, incorporating natural materials into your furnishings adds warmth and texture to your home. Opt for furniture pieces crafted from reclaimed or sustainably sourced materials to minimize environmental impact while adding character to your space. Monochromatic spaces can also be evocative of the outdoors.
Color is a powerful (and easy) way to create the feeling of being surrounded by nature.
Earth Tones: Channel the serene beauty of nature by incorporating earthy tones such as warm browns, soft greens, and sandy neutrals into your color palette. These hues evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony, creating a cozy atmosphere that invites relaxation.
Green as a Neutral: Green has emerged as a versatile and popular color choice in home decor, transcending its traditional role as an accent color to become almost a neutral in its own right. This trend towards embracing green is reflective of our collective desire to reconnect with nature and infuse our living spaces with a sense of serenity and vitality. From soft sage and muted olive to deep emerald and vibrant jungle hues, there’s a shade of green to suit every style and mood. Check out our recent post about bringing green into your home decor!
Textures and finishes offer nearly endless opportunities to bring the natural world indoors.
Nature-Inspired Wallpaper: Consider creating an accent wall with wallpaper featuring botanical motifs, leafy patterns, or serene landscapes. Nature-inspired wallpaper can instantly evoke the feeling of being outdoors, adding depth and visual interest to your space without overwhelming it. Whether you opt for a bold botanical print or a subtle grasscloth texture, incorporating wallpaper can seamlessly integrate the beauty of nature into your home décor. Best of all, today’s “peel and stick” papers let you easily create an accent wall without the commitment of traditional papers. We love this soft green and gold ginkgo leaf paper from Roommatesdecor.com. The touch of gold adds an elegant feel to an organic design.
Organic Textiles and Rugs: Soften hard surfaces and add warmth to your space with organic textiles and rugs inspired by the natural world. Look for rugs made from natural fibers such as wool, jute, or sisal, which not only add visual texture but also bring a tactile element reminiscent of the outdoors. Choose designs that mimic natural patterns like waves, branches, or pebbles to further enhance the connection to nature throughout your home. These rugs not only provide comfort underfoot but also serve as grounding elements that tie the entire room together in harmony with the surrounding environment. This affordable rug is an easy way to create a natural look in any room.
Nature-Inspired Artwork: Adorn your walls with artwork inspired by the natural world, whether it’s a landscape painting, botanical prints, or nature photography. Look for abstract art that evokes shapes, textures, and colors from nature, like this tryptic with a distinctly mid-century modern vibe in warm, earthy colors. These pieces not only add visual interest but also serve as focal points that bring the outdoors into your home.
Light Up Your Life
Let in Natural Light: Natural light not only brightens a room but also uplifts the mood. Maximize the amount of sunlight in your home by choosing sheer curtains or blinds that allow light to filter through. Positioning mirrors strategically can also help bounce light around the space, making it feel more expansive and airy.
Natural Lighting Fixtures: Choose lighting fixtures that mimic the warmth and brightness of natural light to enhance the outdoor ambiance within your home. Opt for fixtures with soft, diffused lighting to create a gentle glow that mimics sunlight filtering through leaves. Pendant lights with woven shades or fixtures crafted from natural materials like wood or bamboo can add an organic touch to your space while providing ambient illumination. This triple-pendant fixture checks all the boxes, merging a classic silhouette with natural materials.
Putting it All Together
It’s easy to create a space that not only looks beautiful but also nurtures your well-being. Whether you live in an urban loft, family home, or a cozy cottage, incorporating natural elements into your décor can help you feel more grounded, inspired, and connected to the world outside your door.
Our team of professional designers has been creating beautiful spaces for our clients for over a decade. Isn’t Spring the idea time to think about refreshing your surroundings? We’d love to help!
