Spending time in nature is wonderful for our health and happiness, from reducing stress to enhancing our creativity. While nothing beats a stroll in the fresh air of our gorgeous countryside, some days a weather-weary stroll seems impossible, so it’s good to have some nature indoors, where we can enjoy the benefits 24/7.
To create an optimal outside-inside environment, think about creating a space within your home (or indeed, throughout your home) that reflects the beauty, shapes and colours of nature in a way that fits your environment and your lifestyle. This could be warm autumnal hues and rich wood, a bright beach vibe with natural textiles or a peaceful, airy space filled with greenery.
It's all about blurring the lines between your inside and outside spaces, combining traditional elements of both.
PLANT IT
Want to make a difference right here, right now? The quickest and easiest way to bring the outside in is by introducing house plants. From a potted olive tree in the hallway to leafy monstera by the sofa or sweet succulents in the kitchen, living, breathing plants will instantly give your space a more vibrant, natural feel. Add drama by playing with different sizes, shapes and colours and introduce greenery at various levels in the room - hanging from the ceiling, cascading from a book shelf, or on a window sill - as well as the standard floor and eye level options. If you travel a lot or struggle to keep plants alive for longer than a week, there are some great artificial ones around, though the real deal provides actual health benefits.
Certain house plants can:
help diminish harmful toxins in the home
improve humidity by helping restore moisture to the air
combat harmful household chemicals
release oxygen at night, helping you breathe easier
remove harmful toxins that naturally build up in the home
purify the air
All that, and they look gorgeous!
GO NATURAL
There are so many ways to incorporate natural materials in your inside space. Wood is the most versatile and pairs perfectly with natural colours... if larger items like floors, doors and tables aren't an option, choose a striking centre piece such as a wooden coffee table, mantelpiece or chair. Things like pebbles, branches and driftwood also add beautiful - and completely unique - naturally decorative elements.
INJECT COLOUR
You all know how much I love colour when it comes to fashion; and the same applies to my home. Incorporating rich and vibrant tones and textures in a colour scheme is a really fun way to bring the outside in - from soft furnishings, flowers and accent pieces to framed artworks and photographs. There's nothing lovelier than waking up surrounded by colour whether on a grey day or one when sunlight is streaming through the windows.
THINK SEASONAL
While I'm not suggesting an interior overhaul as the seasons change, (it doesn’t fit or sit well with my feelings on sustainability), but it's lovely to add a few little seasonal touches at different times of year. Switching up things like cushions, throws, bedding and ornamental pieces are some of the easiest ways to do this. Add a wreath made of natural materials or statement vase in seasonal tones - and have fun with lighting - from candles to indoor/outdoor fairy lights, both completely acceptable all year around in my book!
REFLECT YOUR ENVIRONMENT
If you live in an area of natural beauty, you might like to reflect this in the colours and textures of your home... go as subtle or bold as you like. Live near the beach? Add a few shells on your bathroom windowsill or a huge cobalt blue artwork in your hallway. Country folks, think foliage and wood. And city dwellers, let your creativity run wild with elements of favourite locations in your space - printed wallpaper and rich paint tones are a great place to start.