Photo from Wikipedia.
What are the everlasting memories of your childhood? Dylan Thomas described childhood as ‘green and carefree’. The outdoors have a natural appeal for humans. The cool scented breeze, the gentle patter of rains, or the distant sound of waves rolling over the beach – they all have a calming effect over us. The oneness we feel when close to nature is wonderfully relaxing.
So why don’t we try to bring in a bit of that outdoors into our homes as well? In addition to keeping potted plants randomly in our rooms, there are many other aesthetic options too.
Use natural fibers and textures
Photo by Flickr user Patrick Standish.
Natural fibers like jute, linen, or cotton are increasingly popular choices for furnishing material. Furniture is available in a variety of woods. Signature pieces in dark hues can bring warmth and a rustic feel to your interiors. Wicker, rattan, and hemp are natural materials which we can incorporate into our home décor. Baskets or lampshades made of bamboo, ceramic planters, terracotta vases, wooden flower pots, and gardenfalls all bring an earthen feel into our living space.
Bring in vibrant colors
We strongly tend to associate our outdoor experience with colors. Green is associated with lush greenery, blue with open sky or deep seas, and yellow with the bright sunlight or blooming flowers. If you can add a dash of these colors to your interiors, you can definitely brighten up your home. Navy and cobalt blue, neon yellow, and radiant orchid are all trending this season. So go ahead and be bold with your colors!
If you are not keen on changing the color of your walls drastically, you can add a dash of color to your interiors by having a yellow lampshade, green cushions, or a vibrant-hued rug!
Let the light in
Photo by Flickr user Rosa Say.
Nothing can match the positive vibe and energy of sunlight. So fold away your heavy drapes and thick curtains and replace them with light and sheer fabrics. The flood of natural light into your rooms will give them a warm and joyous feel.
French windows that open into your lawn outside will help you be a part of nature. You can also keep bird-feeders visible from your windows. The chirping of birds will help you feel one with nature. If you are willing to spend, there are other expensive options like retractable roofs or wall panels as well. But the weather plays a great part in deciding whether this arrangement can work for you.
Use of natural materials indoors
Wood, cork, or bamboo maybe used for flooring. Wooden flooring exudes warmth and is appealing because it is organic and more inviting beneath our feet, unlike cold marble or granite.
You can also use more wood in the form of serving trays, table stands, and stair-case railings or even in the form of tasteful clothes hangers. Shells, rocks, sand, pine cones, or even branches can be used as decorative statement pieces. They are also pleasant seasonal reminders.
Nature-themed artwork
The next best thing to being there is having wonderful paintings of lush landscapes and impressive wildlife in your space.
Appeal to all your senses
Let the nature entice all your senses. Woody or floral potpourri scents are always a treat. Sounds of wind, waves, or flowing water are soothing to your mind. You can keep flowers in your rooms and fresh fruits, vegetables, or even mints in the kitchen or your dining area.
Go eco-friendly
Photo by Flickr user avlxyz.
Bedding, towels, cleaning products, and even paints come in environment-friendly varieties. Use them. Recycle and reuse as much as possible. The concern and care you give Mother Earth will help you feel closer to nature and genuinely enjoy her blessings.
Conclusion
Photo by Flickr user Photo Extremist.
You can choose the manner in which you would like to make your interiors warm, inviting, and a peaceful retreat from your daily stress and worries. Regardless of age or culture, humans find nature pleasing. In one study cited in the book Healing Gardens, researchers found that more than two-thirds of people choose a natural setting to retreat to when stressed out. Research done in hospitals, offices, and schools has found that even a simple plant in a room can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Time with nature comes with several benefits. It helps to calm and balance humans.
In earlier times, cultures loved and respected Mother Nature. She was treated as a living being, with emotions, intelligence, and a soul. This helped people develop an affinity towards nature and all of her inhabitants. By bringing nature indoors, you can bond with her all over again and learn to value and be fond of all forms of life. This is a valuable lesson you can impart to your family as well. Your home décor is an extension of your personality; may it be one that exudes warmth and tender care.
Author Bio: Millie Rainer is a content strategist and writer specializing in home improvement. She’s associated with Only Hangers, a clothing hanger company in Miami, dealing in wooden, metal and other hangers since 2005. You can look her up on Twitter @MillieRainer.
Improve your home decor - the green way! by Sarah Marchant