Between the fresh air, the colorful scenery and the way it arouses our senses, it’s no wonder we call it “the great outdoors.” I’m not even an outdoorsy person but I totally understand why people love the outdoors so much. Some find the outdoors so breathtaking, they want to bring them inside. Like, into their homes. And hey, I’m right there with ya! Sometimes incorporating elements of nature into your decor can give your home a fresh boost of energy. If you wish you could carry Mother Nature straight into your living room, here are a few ways to do that.
1. Plants & Flowers
The most obvious way to bring the outdoors in is with plants. Whether you choose an indoor plant that you have to water, an artificial plant that will last a few years, or flowers that you plant in a pot, greenery will definitely bring the outdoors to life inside your home. Coffee tables, side tables, and fireplace mantles are all great places for putting plants.
2. Natural Textiles
Textures can really liven up a space. Natural ones like linen, flax, and wicker are all materials that are reminiscent of the outdoors. You can go with linen window treatments, a flax area rug or a wicker basket to hold fruit or magazines in. Any of these natural textiles will easily give your home the look and feel of nature.
3. Outdoor-Inspired Colors
You might be surprised how using outdoor-inspired colors can transform the look of a room. But think beyond earth tones. Sure, brown and green are quintessential nature colors, but there are other hues that you should consider. Shades of blue reiterate the sky and bodies of water. Yellow is energetic and resonates like the sun. If it’s a color found outdoors, go ahead and bring it inside!
4. Artwork
You might not be able to bring the ocean inside, but you can bring a painting of the ocean into your home. Or a drawing of a leaf. Or a field of flowers. If you can imagine it in nature, you can hang it on your wall. For a bold way to display your artwork, try a gallery wall full of outdoor-inspired prints.
5. Natural Light
There actually is a way to have remnants of the outdoors come into your home. Draw the blinds, pull back the curtains and open the windows! The natural light and fresh breeze will invigorate you and you might even find that you’re more relaxed. Take deep breaths as you listen to the birds chirping and enjoy the way the sun illuminates your windowsill.
6. Natural Elements
If you like the idea of bringing the outdoors in, but you don’t want to overpower your home, try incorporating natural elements on a smaller scale. Materials like wood, branches, sand or seashells are all outdoors elements that you can work into your decor without making a huge statement. Pieces like coasters, side tables, and mason jars can easily be used to add natural elements to your home.