For those who love the outdoors, bringing nature home is an ideal dream. You don’t have to be an avid plant enthusiast, very active on the hiking trails or an outdoor gardening guru to incorporate natural elements into your living space. In fact, your outdoor exposure could be as easy as taking in the fresh air.
Regardless of your outdoor lifestyle and persona, bringing those natural elements into your home can be super simple. Here are three quick and relaxed ways to bring the fervor of the outdoors inside.
Houseplants
If you’re aspiring to set the move with some living wall decor, try using houseplants. With a plethora of organic materials available for potting, you can plant your favorites and watch your natural decor flourish.
Some of the most popular plants include pothos, ferns and succulents. Your home’s interior decor should determine the type of plant you get if trying to pull the room together. For example, minimalist designs, such as contemporary, may benefit from a plant with long, slender leaves and accent striping.
For those searching for functionality and style within the natural world, many plants have great air-purifying properties. Try incorporating hanging planters with greenery such as snake plants, bamboo palms or Peace Lilies. If you have furry housemates, make sure the plants you choose are safe for them and kept out of reach.
Natural materials & textures
Natural texture is easier to incorporate than many think. By the nature of most natural materials, you automatically get the sense and feel of a more grounded atmosphere. Those that come in earth tones such as browns, beige, greens and other neutral colors can also create beautiful accents without overtaking the rest of the design.
A woven jute rug under a minimalist coffee table or soft accent pillows made of blended natural fibers adorning the sofa are great ways to start bringing natural texture into your home.
Natural light
Natural lighting is another exceptional element of design that can bring your home decor to a whole new level. Incorporating natural lighting via windows, skylights or even reflections off mirrors adorning another area of your home with natural lighting can give the room depth.
Early in the morning, you may witness a bright, vibrant air about your home, whereas later in the evening, while you’re trying to wind down, may bring a soft and subtle ambience that helps relax your mind. And as the sun moves throughout the day, the shadows will help enrich the room by bringing out more of your color palette and accenting different facets of your home decor.
Regardless of your design prowess, relationship to the outdoors or required level of relaxation, these three elements are sure to help bring a natural, earth tone to your home with little effort on your part.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
