Creating a link between your interior and the outdoors is your way of life
Spending time outdoors can be incredibly beneficial for our health and well-being. So it's no surprise that many people choose to bring a little nature indoors. An ideal way to reconnect with our environment, bringing nature indoors creates a sense of serenity and natural simplicity within your home.
Interior design ideas for bringing nature indoors
From furnishings to decorations, there are many ways that you bring nature indoors. Here is a short guide on how to incorporate natural elements into your interior design so that you can enjoy the benefits of nature in the comfort of your home.
• Natural floors
Natural floors, such as wood, bamboo and cork floors, create the perfect foundation for a nature-inspired interior design style. The varying textures, grains and natural imperfections of wood, for instance, perfectly complement other natural materials, bringing natural beauty and warmth to your space.
• Natural materials
In addition to natural floors, use natural materials for your furnishings and decor. Wood furniture, such as coffee tables and cabinets in the living room, are an obvious choice. You could also opt for reclaimed pieces if you’re embracing a more sustainable lifestyle. To add texture and visual interest, you could incorporate wicker furniture designed for indoor use. Stone countertops in the kitchen and exposed brick walls add a natural touch. And sisal rugs, organic throws, and woven baskets make beautiful finishing touches.
• Plants
Plants are often cited as one of the easiest ways to bring nature indoors. Potted plants, herbs, and fresh flowers instantly add a refreshing touch of nature, and plants that thrive in humid environments are perfect for bathrooms. And they don't just look great! Plants are known to reduce stress and anxiety, and they can reduce the amount of airborne pollutants, thereby also creating cleaner air inside your home.
• Natural colour palette
Colours inspired by nature, such as light earth tones and different shades of green and blue, are best for creating a tranquil space. Beige walls, wooden floors, and natural home accessories such as sisal rugs, blend beautifully with nature-inspired colours such as sage green or pale blue.
• Natural light
Many of us spend a lot of our time indoors, in artificially lit and air-conditioned rooms. Bringing natural light into your home will not only brighten up your space, but it's also known to have a positive relationship with our senses. It can improve our mood and our general sense of well-being.
Opening up your home to natural light is easy if you have large windows. In this case, make sure furniture and curtains aren't blocking out too much of the natural sunlight. If you have very dark and heavy curtains, for example, replace them with sheer curtains that let more light in. If your space is lacking natural light, think about installing skylights where possible. Also, opt for lighter coloured walls, and strategically instal mirrors so that they reflect any available sources of light around the room.
For further inspiration, have a look at our Interior Trend book or visit our design pages. Our Majestic Nature design trend beautifully depicts how to achieve a harmonious balance between the indoors and outdoors, and provides a collection of interior design layouts and colour palettes that will add a natural and soft ambience to your home.
