A connection with nature makes us healthier and happier people. But not all of us have big gardens or can get out of the city on a regular basis. That’s why bringing the outdoors in can be the perfect compromise. From making the most of your windows to using natural materials, there are a number of different ways that you can make your indoors feel more outdoors.
Read on to find out how you can bring the outdoors in to your home.
Windows and Lighting
We’ve discussed light previously on the blog, and it’s definitely a factor that helps your home feel part of nature. If you’re lucky enough to have big windows with a great view of your garden or the countryside, then you’ll know what we mean.
There are lots of ways that you can make your home feel lighter and brighter even if you don’t have big windows. Using light colours and popping mirrors on the walls can help light bounce around and make your rooms feel bigger.
When it comes to your windows, make sure that any curtains you hang sit either side of the window itself. This means that not only does your window look bigger when the curtains are open, but it doesn’t block any light.
Plants
One of the most powerful ways to bring the outdoors in is to use plants in your interior decorating. If you were going for a maximalist theme or you wanted to jump on the jungle trend then a big palm, a monstera or even a cactus would work well.
Even small plants can make a room feel richer. Herb plants in the kitchen to cook with, a fern in the bathroom to add greenery or a lavender plant in the bedroom to help you sleep – you can put a plant anywhere and it would brighten up any corner.
If you’re not particularly green fingered, consider using plant motifs in your soft furnishings and artwork to bring that lush greenery in.
Natural materials
Using natural materials in your decorating can help give your home depth. For instance, furniture made out of metal can feel cold, even clinical, whereas wood has a warmth to it.
You could even take it one step further and choose eco-friendly materials. Everything from bedding to paint has an eco-friendly version available on the market.
Keep it seasonal
Use pinecones, antlers and long twigs to decorate for winter, and brightly coloured flowers and leaves for summer. Even if they are faux flowers, changing them out will give you a sense of joy for the coming season.
Artwork is a great way to make your home feel more natural, particularly if you don’t have big windows and your thumbs aren’t very green. And it’s relatively easy to swap out according to the seasons too. You don’t have to necessarily think about the walls either – you could choose seasonally-themed wallpaper, cushions, curtains and more.
Think geographically
Do you love the seaside? Or is the forest somewhere that you feel at home? Make sure that you keep elements of these types of habitat in your home. For example, you could keep jars of sand from your favourite beaches or you could use candles in the shape of tree trunks.
Scent is a powerful element when it comes to evoking a particular place, and can be a beautiful way to bring the outdoors in. Whether you use candles, an oil burner or a plug-in, there are so many scents available, so you can create an environment you love.