Bringing the Outdoors In: 6 Home Design Ideas for a Natural Aesthetic
Imagine this: you are surrounded by trees, and a gentle breeze carries the rich scent of earth and pine to you. A distant water body calms the serene environment while the warmth of the setting sun streams through the branches.
It all feels serene. Now, imagine how amazing it would be if you captured the same serenity of the natural world indoors. Yes, it’s possible. With thoughtful choices–natural materials, earthy tones, organic textures, and nature-inspired designs–you can infuse your home with the beauty and calmness of the outdoors.
So, if you are considering a natural aesthetic for your home, here are six beautiful design ideas for you:
#1. Plant Indoor Trees
Start with adding the basic, but the most essential, natural element in your home–Indoor trees. These little pocketc of forests can transform even the smallest shoebox room into a lush, tropical haven.
While indoor plants come in all shapes and sizes, if you really want to go full-Amazon-aesthetic, these tropical trees should be on your list:
- Birds of Paradise
- Dragon Tree
- Fishtail, Parlor, Majesty, and Rapis Palm
- Corn plant
- Yucca
- Split leaf
However, almost all plants do require some prerequisite, especially–a tall ceiling for comfortable growth and enough natural light (bright direct lights, in some cases). Therefore, research each plant’s basic information and ensure they’ll thrive in your home.
#2. Furnish Your Home With Natural Wood and Bamboo
The natural wood and bamboo furniture market is booming–and for all the right reasons. It is sustainable and beautiful and adds a natural feel to every space it’s placed in. Even better are pieces of furniture built with local timber. They are sustainable choices, endure the test of time, and give the most natural look.
So, integrate natural wood wherever possible. Wood flooring, for example, is a great option. It’s durable, easy to maintain, and offers higher heat retention. You can also go beyond the simple floor by exposing grains along with the wooden flooring for a more grounded, natural aesthetic.
Incorporate timber furniture and decor into your interior design scheme. It can be simple additions, like a pine chunk table out of timber, that add character to otherwise untouched corners. Or extravagant, such as getting bamboo-decor ceilings and wall treatment. In short–your creativity is the guide, and the sky is the limit.
#3. Consider Nature-Inspired Color Palette
Your room’s interior colors are one of the most crucial factors in determining its overall appearance. A simple change of paint or color accent can really bring the calming qualities of nature into your home.
Natural shades of blue and green are the obvious choices for nature-inspired homes. They bring in the coziness of the sea, sky, and countryside indoors.
But, nature-inspired colors don’t always have to be blue like the sky or green like the forest. Borrowed muted tones of all shades can also do the magic.
Think muted browns that remind you of woods and barks. Siding on the warmed color scheme, this shade fuel the space with natural oppulance. Consider natural whites and warm taupes to light up your living room. These subtle tones will highlight other natural elements (plants, furniture, and decor).
You can also experiment with darker shades for the accent walls. Dark green and forest green, for example, can add vibrance to your room, creating a sense of nature’s positivity and serenity.
However, remember to maintain a balance. Harmonize the colors throughout your home to create a cohesive look–ensuring the space feels grounded yet invigorating–just like nature.
#4. Modular Cabins
If you want to truly blur the lines between indoor and outdoor–add modular cabins to your home. These are eco-friendly, pre-fabricated structures that can help bring in the true essence of nature.
Ideally, they are made of natural elements like wood and stones. However, you can get the modular cabins custom-made to complement your surroundings, offering a cozy and rustic retreat.
Use the cabins as your nature-inspired home office, guest office, or personal sanctuary. While the modular cabin will set the base for a natural aesthetic, go further by incorporating other earthy elements, like indoor plants and wooden furniture.
#5. Let in More Natural Light
Sustainable home designs prioritize natura lighting. Not only for sustainability, but because sunlights stimulates our immune systems, saves on electricity, improves attention, and keeps us happier.
The best part is that the more natural lights flood your room, the more earthy your space will feel.
Therefore, install giant windows, sliding doors, and skylights. Ensure the decor and furniture do not block the light. Strategically place mirrors to light up even the hard-to-reach corners. Use reflective surfaces and light-colored window treatments. Avoid dark and heavy drapes. Instead, opt for pastel and breezy curtains made of lighter fabric.
Plus, those panoramic windows looking out of your room and onto nature are brimming with potential. So, why not make them the focal point of your room to truly celebrate the outdoors? Create a seating adjacent to the window sill that tunes perfectly with the nook–and just like that, you’ve created a beautiful centerpiece.
#6. Style with Seasonal Flowers, Scents, and Decor
Connecting your home’s interior to nature is all about seasonality. And nothing brings the outdoors in quite like the fresh, vibrant seasonal flowers. They add a splash of colors while also evoking each season’s unique charm indoors–thus syncing your home with nature’s cycle.
Therefore, in the spring, embrace a fresh beginning with tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms. As summer arrives, bring in fragrant lavender, peonies, and sunflowers. When fall sets in, decorate your home with dahlias, marigolds, and chrysanthemums.
Winter, however, calls for something elegant yet subtle. So, arrange holly, evergreen, and eucalyptus springs throughout your home. Complement the aesthetic with scents like cedar, vanilla, and pine for the woodsy ambiance of cooler months.
Build Your Indoor-Outdoor Oasis
As the mundanity of life keeps us indoors, people are more gravtiated towards bridging that lost connection with nature through their design choices–58% of those surveyed agreed, according to NHB.
And it’s great news! Nature is the most powerful source that can bring you calmness, happiness, and wellness. It has always been the source of inspiration behind many interior design elements. However, it’s time to put this inspiration in the center.
Therefore, with careful planning, incorporate the above five nature-inspired designs into your home. Soon, you’ll start experiencing the benefits of living harmoniously with the environment–increased productivity, enhanced well-being, and a strengthened connection to nature.