We can find so much inspiration for our interior in nature: colors, materials, structures and even shapes. Use of natural, environmentally friendly materials is very much in trend these days. Specially now that we are all staying much more locked at home, we see that nature is recovering since we produce less, traffic went down and the air is getting cleaner. That it may be a time of reflection and change in the mentality of people, being more aware of our impact on the planet we live on.
dining area via Flickr - pebbles via Cadence and Grace - Sandy Planet cup Pottery for the Planet
When we think of a walk on the beach, our bare feet in the sand, looking for shells and pebbles. Perfect source for a beautiful grey and beige color harmony. Subtle tones which will inspire us for a serene white washed interior. Raw materials are a great to start with: reclaimed wood for the flooring, rustic beams turned into a table. When we walk in the woods, or on the beach we see branches, pebbles or shells which we take with us home because of their beauty. For one it will be for their nature collection, for others it will be just the start of a creative project.
kitchen sink via Lonny - kitchen utensils via Cedante Interieur - natural wood measuring cups World Market
Lets get away from all the perfection we are all the time looking for. Relax and see the beauty in the imperfection. There is much more to discover in the poetry of imperfection than just looking at something flawless. Big stones can be carved in to a sinks for the kitchen to create a rustic look, wooden bowls, made by local hand crafters are getting a nice and rich patina when you use them daily. Over time, living here in Romania, I collected quite some wooden bowls and plates. And I still can’t resist when I see people from the country side selling them on the Christmas or Easter markets. Different shapes and different sizes. Just brush some oil on the wood and you create a layer which will make the wood water repellent. I use mine as a salad bowl and the salad dressing is not harming the wood at all. I just love the imperfections of those hand made objects. For me the beauty is in the imperfections, they tell a story, they are made with a passion for the wood.
handmade ceramic tub designed by Studio Loho Atelier Vierkant -- Monochrome bathroom of Yaroslav Priadka - natural color sawtches via Elsie Green
The bathroom has been the place to clean your face and body, these days we turn this room in much more. It becomes the place for relaxation, maybe even meditation. No need to have all in white with light bleu. Get inspired by sand colors, for a very calming atmosphere. I discovered this bathtub in clay and love the organic shape. Clay is so much a natural product, the natural colors differ depending on the origins. The surface will not be smooth, you will feel the grain when touching it, each piece will be different, have an imprint of those who made it. This room will get filled with refreshing emotions.
curtain on wood branch via Kwikhang - bedroom image via Perfeitam Ordem - straw slippers in the back via Etsy - picture on the right via Bali Interiors - pillows via Green Design Gallery
Wood, raffia, bamboo can all be used without to many interventions, which will make also that you can find those things with very good prices. The natural colors will make that by entering this room you will find peace of mind. Natural linen or organic cotton bedlinen, a hand woven blanket, maybe a sheep skin next to the bed. You will create a room which is more relaxing. Hang your curtains on a big branch which you find on your next walk through the woods. Who needs more decoration?
image on the left via AD magazine - on the right My Decor Essentials
More and more designers are getting creative with those basic natural materials and work together with artisans all over the world to create amazing objects. Every piece will be different, no production lines. Take a look what you can find from local producers, small shops, designers. Don’t look for what is the next trend, let your heart speak.
color swatches via Oakly Studio - image on the right, in the back by Andrew McSparren via Unsplash - bench with eco wool throw The Future Kept - watering can by Virieu& DiPetrillo
And when we think of nature green will come also to our mind. Nothing easier than to bring nature inside than to use green, this can be plants, wallpaper or even just to paint a wall in green to give your interior a complete new look. Eco wool, linen or organic cotton for a nice throw which will keep you from getting cold in winter or can be used in the garden even on some chilly evenings in summer. I also discovered that amazing clay planter which founds its origin in the Middle Ages. You fill it with water, seal the top with your finger, as soon as you take your finger from the top the water drips out and you have a perfect watering can for delicate plants. And not to mention the organic shape, that it is: finding pieces which we will love to use on a daily base. These objects will help you to live in the moment.
flowers in the back photography of Elisabeth Heier - Raffia runner Serena & Lily - candle holder Pedra of Noma Editions via AD magazine - dining table decor via Bridal Musings
Use what you have, recycle, and find beauty in things which are left aside to be thrown away. Take a look at the candle holder, was just a piece of stone put in a corner, a rest which could not be used for anything. Till somebody with a creative eye turned it in to a beautiful object. A “piece unique”. Don’t throw your empty glass bottle away. Use them on the table with some flowers from the meadow, a piece of wood will make it a perfect center piece for your next dinner party. Train your eye to see the beauty, get creative.
cleaning set of Zero Waste Collective - dish washing black No Tox Life - dish wash cloth Andrella liebt herzen - eucalyptus print Macy’s
A better and cleaner world starts at home. Buy some nice cleaning tools, wooden brushes and crochet dish wash cloths. Look for more natural ways to clean your home, all those chemical detergents and soaps will pollute the air inside of your home.
How to bring nature in
look around what you find on your next walk in the woods or on the beach
use colors inspired by nature
use natural materials
don’t look for perfection, relax and enjoy life
get inspired and be creative
So on your next walk: take a look around and get inspired.
You don’t want to miss any of my blog posts? Follow me on my FB page, or Bloglovin' or even better subscribe to my newsletter