Interior designers often look to nature when transforming indoor spaces. By bringing the outside in, they can create stunning designs that transform a space. When you use nature as your muse, you can have a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor living areas.
But it’s not all about looks. Biophilic design is increasing in popularity due to other benefits. When we’re surrounded by natural elements it can improve both physical and mental health through a greater connection with nature.
If you’ve decided to bring nature into your home design, you may be wondering where to start. In this guide, you’ll discover some unique and creative ways you can celebrate the outdoors — indoors!
Use earthy colour palettes
When choosing your colours, consider an earthy colour palette that reflects your favourite natural environment. From deserts to forests to skies and oceans, use these as a basis to evoke serene natural landscapes within the home.
Think about the environments that make you feel good. Do you love the beach? In that case, shades of blue, white, and sandy beige will help create the perfect sanctuary. More of a hiker? Rich greens and deep browns are a great choice here, as they’ll create more of a lush forest feel.
Once you’ve decided on a colour palette that speaks to you, start choosing fabrics, accessories, paint colours and wallpaper that follow this aesthetic. By finalising your colour palette before you start shopping, you’ll have a much easier time when it comes to choosing individual pieces.
Embrace light and airy layouts
Natural light is a great way to add to the overall ambience in your home and create a bridge between the interior and exterior. This can be as simple as updating your window shades to let the sun shine through. For example, plantation roller shutters give you light control so you can make adjustments depending on the weather. If you’d like a less structured look, sheer ceiling-to-floor drapes will soften the harsh summer rays, while still letting you enjoy their soft glow.
Next, think of ways to maximise your outdoor area. Glass doors will give you a room with a view, with a range of options including French doors and sliding doors. You can also incorporate a window seat so you can enjoy the outdoors even when it’s raining.
Focus on flooring
If you want a harmonious feel to your home, your flooring choices matter. To keep with the natural aesthetic, timber look floors will give you a timeless finish and showcase the beauty of the outdoors.
Traditional hardwood flooring is one option, and if you’re renovating you may discover floorboards hidden under carpet or lino. The downside is, real wood is a long term commitment. It requires ongoing maintenance and can easily become the victim of wear and tear. Hybrid or luxury vinyl flooring is a smart alternative for those who want the look without the fuss. The beauty of these kinds of flooring is that they look just like the real thing, and come in a range of tones to suit any theme. So whether you like oak, walnut, gum, or something else entirely, you can easily match your floor to your decor.
Finally, a rug can really tie the room together, so make sure to choose rugs made from natural textiles. Jute, silk, and wool are natural rug fabrics that are easily incorporated into an organic design, and a simple way to bring nature indoors.
Incorporate organic materials in furnishings
Your furnishings are where you physically connect with your space, it makes sense to choose natural, sustainable materials that will make you feel the outdoors as well as see it. Consider pieces that are made from natural, sustainable wood, stone, and rattan, for a textural mix that adds visual warmth to interiors.
Try adding a buffet and TV cabinet in warm wood, with rattan accents for a relaxed look, or wooden kitchen countertops for a rustic feel. An accent wall in slate, granite or limestone is another way to bring nature in, while adding an interesting focal point to centre the room.
Don’t be afraid to upcycle or use furnishings made from recycled materials. These not only offer a sustainable option for decorating your home, but slot in seamlessly with a natural aesthetic.
Bring the outdoors in with greenery
Finally, there’s no better way to bring nature indoors than with greenery. Adding real plants to your space can create a lively space, while offering other benefits like purifying your air.
Remember though, even “indoor plants” need the right conditions to survive. So while some varieties are hardier than others, every plant will have an ideal spot. A good rule of thumb is to research where your chosen plants grow in nature, and choose the most similar spot to that in your home. Think about light and humidity to help your indoor greenery thrive.
To style your plants, oversized pots are a key design element. Choose different patterns, texture and colours to tie into the overall theme of your room, or to create a focal point. If you don’t have the room, hanging plants and living walls are the perfect way to bring accent plants in without sacrificing floor space. Or, if you live in an apartment, try terrariums on the window ledge or a small succulent or two.
If you’re not an experienced gardener or unsure where to start — try a peace lily or mother-in-law’s tongue. These pretty plants are low maintenance and thrive in most homes. Alternatively, succulents and cactus varieties will grow in any setting – just don’t overwater them.
Bringing nature into your home design is an all-around approach. With careful planning and some imagination, you can create a space that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. From earthy colour palettes and organic materials to nature-inspired flooring, your house will always be a place you want to come home to.
Image Source: Freepik
