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Living in harmony with nature has a huge effect on both our mental and physical well-being, yet modern life often keeps us away from experiencing its benefits. That is why finding ways to incorporate nature into our homes becomes even more important. Not only will it refresh the surroundings but it can also increase quality of life by decreasing stress and increasing your happiness levels. If your home could use some fresh air and nature into its interior design then this blog will give you some innovative yet practical strategies on connecting your indoor sanctuary to the natural world outside.
Photo by Davide Cantelli on Unsplash
Bring in the Greenery
One of the easiest and most effective ways to connect with nature at home is through houseplants. From fiddle-leaf figs and monsteras to succulents and pothos, houseplants bring life into any room you put them in while improving the air quality and creating a relaxing ambiance. For those that doesnt have any green fingers, low maintenance plants such as snake plants or ZZ plants thrive with minimal care required. Or for something extra exciting consider creating an indoor herb garden complete with basil, mint and rosemary as easy choices that add fragrant freshness into any kitchen space.
Prioritize Natural Light
Natural light has the power to transform any room. Switch out heavy drapes or blinds for sheer curtains that will allow sunlight to stream in. For privacy concerns, do frosted glass or strategically place plants outside the windows. Mirrors are another effective way of amplifying sunlight, placing them opposite windows so as to reflect more sun into your room and brighten it further. Also, you can invest in full spectrum light bulbs that mimic daylight, as these will nourish both the people living inside and the indoor plants too.
Use Natural Materials
Add organic textures and warmth to any space by using organic materials such as wooden furniture, stone countertops, woven baskets and wool rugs made of natural fibers like bamboo and cork for eco-conscious decor that add contemporary yet earthy vibes. Also opt for nature-inspired colors like soft greens, warm browns or muted blues when redecorating to complete the outdoor experience.
Create a Sensory Experience
Connecting with nature doesn’t just require seeing it, it requires engaging all five of our senses. Aromatherapy can bring the scents of nature directly into your living space with essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender or cedarwood that can evoke a forest or garden feel. Diffusers or natural-scented candles are excellent tools for doing this. Sound is also important. You could install an indoor fountain that mimics trickling streams, or play nature-inspired soundscapes featuring birdsong, rustling leaves and waves, perfect for relaxing after long days spent working.
Open Up Your Space
Take full advantage of any existing connection your home already offers to nature by installing Open up living areas to sunlight and greenery by replacing solid doors with French ones or renovating to include larger windows or glass panels. These can give the appearance that both indoor and outdoor lives seamlessly integrate. Or have professionals like Renewal by Andersen Windows come and take a look, they can even install windows that utilize specially-designed glass that maximizes natural light without compromising energy efficiency. For smaller or rental spaces you can create a thoughtfully designed balcony or porch that features plants, cozy seating arrangements, or fairy lights.
Grow an Outdoor-Indoor Connection
If you have a garden, patio, or backyard space to call your own, try blurring its boundaries with your home using sliding glass doors and retractable screens to facilitate easy transition between them and each other. Creating cozy reading nooks inside that feature outdoor-inspired cushions or throws near windows where you can admire views from your outdoor area. It all can add an oomph factor.
Adopt Natural Art and Decor
Natural-themed decor can subtly remind us of the outside world. Display botanical prints, photographs of landscapes or artwork inspired by nature as subtle reminders. Get crafty by framing pressed leaves or flowers as artwork inspired by nature for your personal gallery of nature. Handmade ceramics or driftwood pieces also make lovely pieces to decorate any room, while simple touches like placing fresh flowers in vases or placing smooth river rocks as centerpieces can have a big impact.
Focus on Air and Temperature
Breathing fresh air is a huge component of feeling connected with nature, yet we often forget it indoors. Make time each week, even during colder months, to open your windows to let fresh air in and ventilate your space with natural breezes. If outdoor pollution or allergies are an issue for you, invest in an air purifier with natural scent. Comfort is equally important indoors. Layer soft fabrics such as cotton or linen to give a subtle organic vibe while keeping temperatures cozy year-round.
Think About Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is all about creating spaces that help form your connection to nature. This doesn’t need to involve major structural modifications. Even small tweaks can have an enormous effect. Introduce natural patterns, flowing forms and varied textures into your home environment by installing water features, living walls or small indoor rock gardens (if your space allows). Or consider technology infused with nature inspiration such as smart planters, real moss walls or virtual fish tanks which can all help bring calmness and vitality.
Get Your Family On Board
Connecting with nature at home shouldn’t be done alone, so get everyone involved. Your children can help water plants or even create small terrariums, which can help encourage an early appreciation for the natural world. Also try setting family meals outside or near windows overlooking your garden to take full advantage of nature together.
Photo by Vitolda Klein on Unsplash
Conclusion
Integrating nature into your home is more than just a design trend, it’s a vital way to meet some of our most basic human needs. By adding greenery, using natural materials or just opening windows to the outside world, every effort made will enrich not only your living space but also your life. Try some of these tips and experience how the outdoors can transform both your living space and state of mind. Nothing beats experiencing nature right from within your own living room.
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