Bringing the outdoors in is a popular interior design trend that helps connect us to the natural world. Tree-hugging interiors incorporate elements of nature in thoughtful, sustainable ways that are both beautiful and functional. From living walls to recycled wood features, designers are finding innovative ways to merge interior and exterior.

Let’s explore 10 stunning examples of tree-hugging interiors that harmoniously blend indoor spaces with the outdoors.

1. Living Walls Bring Nature Indoors

Installing a living wall or vertical garden is one of the most direct ways to incorporate greenery into an interior space. Living walls are made up of modular panels that contain growing media and can support a wide variety of plant species. They provide numerous benefits:

• Purify indoor air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen
• Increase humidity levels to a comfortable range
• Visually bring the outdoors in by covering large blank walls with lush plant life
• Provide a relaxing, stress-reducing presence of nature
• Help insulate and soundproof rooms
• Can be automated with self-watering systems for low maintenance

When designing a living wall, choose locations that receive adequate sunlight and can support the weight of the system when fully grown in. Species selection should be tailored to the light levels and climate control of the space.

We love how this living wall by Ambius brings a huge dose of nature into an open-concept kitchen and living room. The mix of leafy greens and colorful blooms makes a bold statement and provides a beautiful backdrop.

2. Recycled Wood Adds Organic Texture

Sustainably sourced or reclaimed wood introduces organic, natural textures to a space in the form of floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture. Using recycled wood prevents waste and gives it renewed purpose.

Salvaged wood can be sourced from old barns, industrial buildings, wine barrels, or pallets. Variations in the wood grain, knots, holes, and imperfections add character and charm. Types of reclaimed wood range from weathered barn wood with faded patinas to brickwarehouse flooring with rustic, saw-marked planks.

This light-filled kitchen by Maria Speake showcases the rich beauty of recycled wood. The wood-plank ceiling and shelving have a timeworn, pastoral feel while tree-trunk stools bring sculptural natural elements into the space.

3. Plant Features Provide Ambient Greenery

Thoughtfully placed plant features can transform any indoor space into a nature-filled oasis. Designers often incorporate living plant elements like:

• Living walls – as mentioned, vertical gardens that cover empty walls with greenery.
• Hanging plants – suspended glass terrariums or macrame plant hangers housing trailing vines.
• Potted plants – broad-leafed tropicals, feathery ferns, or flowering orchids in bright pots.
• Plant shelves – wall-mounted ledges or shelving units that display a collection of plants.
• Freestanding greens – large statement plants like fiddle leaf figs or palm trees.
• Atriums – interior courtyards or greenhouse spaces bursting with vegetation.

Bring the outdoors in by decorating with a rich diversity of living plants. Their presence energizes and revitalizes indoor spaces. This urban apartment by Formwerkz Architects feels like an indoor jungle oasis thanks to abundant potted plants, living walls, and hanging ferns.

4. Indoor Greenhouses Connect With Nature

Incorporating a glass-enclosed solarium, atrium, sunroom, or mini greenhouse provides the ultimate intimacy with nature indoors. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass walls surround these spaces with natural light and picturesque views.

Lush vegetation can thrive inside greenhouse environments. Designers often include features like:

• Water elements – Small ponds, container water gardens, or fountains for tranquil sounds.
• Cozy seating – Wicker chairs, hanging swings, benches, or cushions for lounging amidst plants.
• Natural materials – Stone, wood, wicker, clay, and natural fibers for furnishings.
• Grow lights – For supplementing natural sunlight to support plant growth.

This light-dappled greenhouse by Formafantasma blurs the line between indoor and outdoor with glass walls opening to the garden, pedestal displays of flowering plants, and rustic wood furnishings. It’s a dreamy nature escape.

5. Natural Materials & Textures Add Organic Elements

The materials we choose have a big impact on the overall look, feel, and ambiance of an interior space. Natural, earthy materials echo elements found in nature, creating a soothing, grounded feel. Organic textures to consider:

• Stone – marble, travertine, limestone, granite, quartzite, slate
• Wood – reclaimed, live-edge lumber or handcrafted rustic furniture
• Ceramics – handmade stoneware, porcelain, or terracotta pots and tiles
• Natural fibers – sisal, seagrass, coir, wool, linen, cotton, silk
• Leather – cowhide rugs or leather upholstery add warmth
• Rattan & wicker – woven furniture or wall paneling
• Cork – organic flooring material

Natural materials age gracefully and bring subtle imperfections that add charm over time. Incorporate touches like stone surfaces, cozy textiles, or handcrafted wood furniture to create a welcoming, nature-inspired interior.

6. Full-Spectrum Lighting Mimics Natural Light

Exposure to natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythms and promotes health. When natural light is lacking, full-spectrum artificial lighting is the next best option for illuminating interior spaces in harmony with nature.

Look for full-spectrum light bulbs or tubes that emit a continuous band of colors across the visible light spectrum, similar to natural sunlight. Benefits include:

• Enhances plant growth indoors
• Allows people to see colors vividly and accurately
• Boosts mood, energy and cognitive performance
• Promotes restful sleep when used appropriately
• Reduces eye strain

Design tip – install full-spectrum lighting in areas where people work, read, study or spend prolonged time under artificial light. Dimming capabilities allow customization from bright task lighting to a subdued ambiance.

The full-spectrum lighting in this living room by Marie Flanigan Interiors creates a relaxing, nature-inspired glow.

7. Natural Shapes & Curves Add Flow

The shapes and silhouettes we surround ourselves with impact our mood and mindset. Angular forms feel more unsettling while soft, rounded shapes bring harmony reminiscent of forms found in nature.

Consider adding these natural, biophilic shapes:

• Flowing organic shapes – cloud-like rugs or curved sofa shapes
• Rounded edges – on furnishings and architectural elements
• Natural asymmetry – variances like hand-thrown pottery
• Arches – vaulted architectural details and round wall cutouts
• Circles – oval mirrors, round nested coffee tables
• Wavy lines – rippled glass, gently bending pathways

This living room by Jamie Bush incorporates curved seating, rounded side tables, an oval rug, and sensuous lighting to evoke nature’s silky contours. The space flows gracefully.

8. Nature-Inspired Colors & Patterns

Color palettes and prints derived from nature bring the outdoors in through symbolic representations. Consider hues and patterns inspired by:

• Landscapes – ocean blues, forest greens, sky or sand tones
• Flora – leafy patterns, botanical motifs, flower colors
• Earth – rich mineral tones, wood grain, stone effects
• Animals – leopard prints, feathers, butterfly themes

Avoid overly vivid colors not found in nature. Muted, harmonious hues create a soothing retreat. Urbanwalls’ abstract floral mural and soleil painting add organic energy to this dining space designed by Sarah Sherman Samuel.

9. Indoor/Outdoor Rooms Blur Boundaries

Designing a seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces allows the boundaries to dissolve. This connection with nature fosters wellbeing. Strategies include:

• Multi-panel folding glass doors – completely open rooms to the outdoors with NanaWall systems.
• Adjacent patios – extend living areas like kitchens and family rooms into the garden.
• Screened porches – roofed outdoor rooms protected from insects.
• Covered walkways – connect indoors and outdoors under a breezeway.
• Courtyards – open corridors around a central garden.
• Edible gardens – grow herbs and vegetables in planter beds just outside.

This indoor/outdoor living space by Laidlaw Schultz Architects uses folding glass doors to blur boundaries between the interior family room and exterior courtyard garden.

10. Natural Finishes Showcase Raw Elements

Finishing touches that leave materials exposed and uncoated have an organic, rustic feel. Natural finishes include:

• Unsealed concrete floors – varied grey hues and raw texture
• Lime-washed walls – soft chalky finish with subtle variations
• Exposed brick or stone – layers the history of the structure
• Beams and joists – showcase weathered wood grain
• Stainless steel – industrial material with silvery sheen

This lakehouse kitchen by Diane Keaton uses natural finishes like slated stone floors, exposed wooden beams, and stainless steel countertops. The materials reflect the surrounding wooded landscape.

Bringing It All Together

The goal of tree-hugging interiors is to nurture our innate connection to nature through conscientious design choices inside the home. Follow these guiding principles:

• Source natural materials like stone, wood, fibers, and leathers.
• Incorporate living plants like potted greens, living walls, hanging plants, and indoor greenhouses.
• Allow organic shapes and forms reminiscent of nature.
• Adopt colors and patterns inspired by plants, earth, water, and animals.
• Use full-spectrum lighting to mimic healthy natural light.
• Open boundaries between interior and exterior when possible.
• Showcase raw, unprocessed finishes and unrefined natural variations.
• Aim for simplicity, purposefulness, and purity of materials.

With creativity and intention, we can craft interiors that immerse us in nature’s restorative beauty while indoors. A tree-hugging interior nourishes both dwelling and dweller.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree-Hugging Interiors

How do tree-hugging interiors benefit health and wellbeing?

Exposure to natural elements indoors is shown to reduce stress, lower heart rate and blood pressure, boost immunity and cognitive performance, enhance mood, increase productivity, and improve air quality. Tree-hugging interiors provide a daily dose of nature for overall wellness.

What are the most important steps for creating a tree-hugging interior?

Key steps include: introducing living plants, selecting sustainable natural materials, showcasing organic shapes, incorporating nature-inspired colors, using full-spectrum lighting, and opening the interior to the outdoors when possible. Even small touches of nature make a difference.

Do tree-hugging interiors require a lot of maintenance?

With thoughtful planning, they don’t have to. Choose hardy, low-maintenance plants and automatic self-watering systems for living walls. Select durable natural materials like stone and hardwoods. Blend some high-care living elements like orchids with non-living greenery like faux plants to reduce upkeep.

How do you care for living walls and vertical gardens?

Use an automatic drip irrigation system to water plants as needed. Provide optimal sunlight exposure. Prune back overgrown foliage. Remove yellow leaves and spent flowers. Replace plants that aren’t thriving. Apply fertilizer and pest management as needed. Living walls require routine maintenance but provide great rewards.

How expensive is it to create an indoor greenhouse or solarium?

Adding a glass-enclosed sunroom ranges widely in price. Prefab kits can be several thousand dollars, while custom builds with high-end finishes can be $50,000 and above. The size, materials, utilities like heating and cooling, lighting and other features impact overall cost. Start small by enclosing or screening in an existing patio or porch to create a mini greenhouse.

Should I choose real or faux plants?

We recommend a mix of both real and artificial greenery. Live plants provide numerous health benefits, help purify air, increase humidity, and connect us to nature. Faux plants add permanent pops of green in low light areas without maintenance. Combining the two allows maximum nature inside.

How do I bring the outdoors into a windowless interior space?

Solar-powered grow lights can support living plants and indoor gardens anywhere. Faux vines, large paintings of nature scenes, woodsy scents, and natural sounds can also create the feel of nature in windowless rooms. Be creative in mimicking outdoor elements when actual views aren’t possible.

Conclusion

A thriving tree-hugging interior leverages biophilic design to nurture our innate human affinity for nature. Natural materials, living plants, organic shapes, and connections to the exterior environment help create calming, restorative spaces inside the home.

Whether you incorporate a living wall, recycled wood finishes, indoor greenhouse, natural lighting, or other green elements, surrounding ourselves with nature promotes health, relaxation, productivity and overall wellbeing.

Tree-hugging interiors remind us of nature’s magnificence. May your home shelter you in boundless beauty and vitality.