Bringing natural elements into your home can create a sense of peace and connection to nature. Incorporating natural decor can be as simple as displaying a collection of rocks or shells or using wood furniture in the dining room.
The classical elements are earth, fire, water, and air, though different belief systems may include additional ones like spirit or metal. Adding natural features to your home can elevate the design of any room.
Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture and accessories offer a classic appeal that adds warmth and sophistication to a space. It’s also a material that can be personalised with family heirlooms and travel souvenirs to create a unique and memorable aesthetic.
When choosing wooden furniture, consider the graining and colour of each piece. Darker stains help to keep a room feeling warm and cozy, while lighter finishes brighten up a space. Furniture with a prominent graining tends to feel rustic and casual, while pieces with smaller grains look refined and sophisticated.
You can further accentuate a wooden aesthetic with organic textures such as wool, cotton and linen. Wooden tables, benches and storage furniture can be decorated with vases filled with dried flowers or branches for a beautiful effect. You can even hang art pieces featuring natural landscapes or seascapes.
Plants
Plants are a simple way to bring natural elements into your home. They add color and texture to a space and can also have many health benefits. They help to clean the air, reduce stress levels, and can even boost productivity.
Adding plants to your home can also make it feel more relaxing. Try adding trailing plants to the bottom of a shelf for a pop of greenery, or use a hanging planter to display your favorite houseplants. You can find planters in a variety of styles, so you’re sure to find one that complements your decor.
Another way to incorporate natural elements into your home is to use stones. You can use them in the shower, as a backsplash, or even to create a unique flooring option. If you’re worried about the cost of natural materials, consider using veneer products that offer the look of real stone at a more affordable price.
Textures
The visual and tactile textures that comprise nature are what draw people in, so it’s important to include varying textures in your home decor. This includes anything from a plush wool rug or woven throw blanket to a cactus plant or piece of driftwood. It’s also a good idea to mix up textures in the same way you would vary colors, as this keeps your design balanced and interesting.
The easiest ways to add texture are through furniture, rugs and drapes. These can all be found in a variety of materials and finishes, so there’s plenty of room for experimentation. For example, you can find tufted headboards, pin-tucked blankets and textured curtains to create your desired look.
You can also add texture to your walls and floors by installing patterned stone or slate floor tiles, cork kitchen countertops or stacked rock showers. Whether you’re going for an eclectic or modern feel, these textures will give your space more dimension and make it stand out from the rest.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of any interior design scheme. It makes colors pop and helps people feel healthy and inspired, especially when it’s naturally illuminated by sunlight. It’s best to maximize natural light with large windows, skylights and reflective surfaces like mirrors.
When natural light isn’t available, accent lights are a great way to draw attention to a fireplace, artwork or other architectural features in your home. Lighting is also a great way to make a room look larger and more open.
One of the easiest ways to incorporate natural elements into your home is with a simple plant or tree. The addition of a green plant in your living space will instantly freshen and bring life to the room. Another easy way to introduce a touch of nature is with your wall color, with shades of blue and green evoking the soothing hues of the outdoors. You can also bring the sound of nature into your living spaces with ambient noises from crashing waves, pleasant bird song or chirping crickets.
