Bring the beauty and serenity of nature into your home with these 12 easy decorating ideas inspired by the great outdoors. From plant-filled rooms to organic textures and materials, nature offers endless inspiration for creating a peaceful, earthy aesthetic in any space.
Introduction
In today’s busy modern world, people are feeling more disconnected from nature than ever before. Spending time outdoors has proven mental and physical health benefits, but for many, hectic schedules make it difficult to get outside as much as desired. Bringing natural elements into interior design is an excellent way to reap the positive effects of nature exposure in your own home.
Decorating with nature as your inspiration has many advantages beyond just enjoying beautiful greenery and organic materials. Studies show that viewing natural scenery reduces stress, improves focus and creativity, and enhances mood. The colors and textures found in the natural world also create a soothing, welcoming environment.
Implementing nature-inspired style doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Start by looking for easy ways to incorporate organic shapes, natural materials, earthy hues, and living greenery. Use these 12 decorating ideas to create a serene, ecologically-minded space that feels connected to the great outdoors.
Bring In Lots of Houseplants
One of the easiest ways to infuse nature into any room is with an abundance of houseplants. Fill shelves, tabletops, windowsills, and floor spaces with a variety of greenery. Opt for a mix of leafy, trailing, flowering, and bushy plants in different size pots and planters. Go for a cohesive look by using similar planters, or embrace eclectic style with a range of vessel shapes and materials.
Houseplants purify indoor air while adding beauty, and caring for them also reduces stress through what’s known as active relaxation. Start with hard-to-kill options like pothos, snake plant, ZZ plant, philodendron, and succulents if you’re worried about your gardening abilities. Aim to incorporate plants in as many rooms as possible to maximize their benefits.
Choose the Right Plants for Each Room
When selecting houseplants, consider factors like the room’s light level and humidity, as well as the plants’ water and space needs. Here are some top options for popular rooms:
- Living room – Choose low-light tolerant plants like pothos, Chinese evergreen, peace lily, and cast iron plant. Add taller statement plants like fiddle leaf fig, yucca, or palm.
- Bedroom – Opt for plants shown to improve sleep quality, like aloe, jasmine, lavender, snake plant, and orchids. Avoid sensitive plants that require frequent watering.
- Bathroom – High humidity loving choices like orchids, ferns, peperomia, and philodendron thrive here. Consider succulents and cacti if your bathroom has more sunlight.
- Kitchen – Spider plant, aloe, herbs like basil and mint, and succulents tolerate warmer, brighter kitchen conditions. Avoid plants sensitive to cooking grease and smoke.
- Home office – Choose plants shown to boost concentration and productivity like succulents, English ivy, bamboo palm, and snake plant. Avoid fussy plants that require lots of attention.
Proper Plant Care
To keep houseplants healthy, be sure to situate them in suitable lighting conditions. Water when the top inch or two of soil dries out, taking care not to overwater. Use room temperature water that isn’t highly chlorinated or salty. Remove any dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth. Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to prevent dust buildup. Mist plants with a spray bottle for extra humidity. Rotate pots periodically so all sides get light. Repot when roots fill containers. With some basic care, houseplants can thrive for many years.
Use Natural Materials and Textures
Bring organic ambiance to any space by decorating with natural materials and textures inspired by the outdoors. Mixing in wood, stone, jute, cotton, wool, and more creates cozy flair. Here are some ideas:
- Add warmth with wood furniture, shelves, flooring and accent walls in oak, walnut, teak, cedar and other natural-looking stains.
- Incorporate tables, lamps, vases, bowls, and decor items made from stone, marble, slate, crystal, and agate for an earthy feel.
- Use natural fiber rugs, pillows, throws, curtains, napkins, and placemats made of sisal, jute, cotton, linen, wool, silk and more.
- Display wall hangings, baskets, vases, organizers and decor crafted from rattan, bamboo, seagrass, rope, terra cotta, and reclaimed wood.
- Accent with wicker, leather, raffia, burlap, clay, tree stumps, driftwood, antlers, and found objects from nature.
Aim for variation in textures – smooth, nubby, coarse, uneven – for visual interest. Ensure furniture with natural materials is paired with durable fabrics that can stand up to potential staining. The imperfections and inconsistencies of organic textures add cozy character.
Select an Earthy Color Palette
When it comes to selecting a color scheme, look to the stunning hues found in nature for guidance. Earthy color palettes influenced by stones, foliage, trees and soil create a calm, grounded look. Here are some nature-inspired ideas:
Neutral Basics
- Soothing creams, tans and lighter wood tones
- Warm grays, taupes and neutral whites/ivories
- Richer brown and black earth tones
Green Hues
- Mossy greens, forest greens, olive tones
- Soft sage greens, muted jade tones, lime punches
- Vibrant leafy greens, emerald accents, turquoise pops
Sky and Water Shades
- Serene light blues, airy cloud grays, pale aquas
- Cerulean blues, navy accents, mineral blue-grays
- Vivid sky blues, deep ocean blues, crystal clears
Sunny Tones
- Buttery yellows, bright citrus tones, pale chamomile
- Dijon mustards, ochre earth tones, spicy saffron hues
- Rustic terra cotta, adobe, clay, and sand colors
Fiery Accents
- Burnt orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, and paprika spices
- Brick reds, rustic coppers, vibrant corals
- Charcoal blacks, ashes and smoke grays
Mix and match shades within the same overarching palette for a cohesive look. Add pops of brighter accent colors for energy. Keep walls, large furniture and fixtures neutral, using bolder hues just on pillows, art, throws, decor and accessories that can easily be swapped out.
Pick Natural Fabrics and Textiles
When choosing fabrics and textiles like rugs, pillows, curtains, blankets and upholstery, look to natural fibers for an organic vibe. Linen, cotton, wool, silk and jute have texture and breathability that synthetics often lack. Consider:
- 100% linen or linen-cotton blend pillows, throws, napkins, towels and shower curtains
- Lightweight linen, cotton or hemp curtains for an airy, casual feel
- Cozy wool or wool-blend area rugs and knit throws
- Sofas and headboards upholstered in cotton, linen and wool textiles
- Silk pillows and lampshades for a luxe touch
- Natural fiber rugs like jute, seagrass, sisal and coir
Stick to solid weaves and textures instead of busy prints for a serene look. Neutral ecru and beige linen takes dye well for custom color options. Washable fabrics are ideal for homes with pets and kids. For budget-friendly options, blend natural and synthetic fibers. Properly caring for natural fabrics helps them last.
Incorporate Wood Furniture and Details
Wood furniture, architectural details and decor add warmth and airflow reminiscent of the outdoors. Try:
- Shelving, sideboards, beds and tables in light, midtone or dark wood finishes
- Wood end tables and floor lamps with natural edges and shapes
- Cozy wood stump side tables and decor accents
- Rustic wood crates for stair risers, shelves and storage
- Wood frame mirrors, wall art and decorative boxes
- Exposed wood beams, panels and trims on walls and ceilings
- Hardwood, bamboo or cork flooring options
Seek out salvaged barn wood, reclaimed boards and ethically-sourced exotic woods for extra character. Use large wood furniture as anchors and then layer in other natural materials and greenery. Whitewashing, oiling or staining wood instead of painting maintains its organic essence.
Display Natural Collections and Specimens
One trendy way to infuse nature into decor is by displaying collections of natural items, organisms and scientific specimens. Options include:
- Framed insects like butterflies, beetles, spiders, or cicadas
- Pressed leaves, flowers and ferns in shadowboxes
- Glass terrariums holding moss, succulents, stones or driftwood
- Decorative displays of seashells, sand dollars, coral, and starfish
- Collections of bird feathers, eggs, taxidermy and skeletons
- Glass jars, bottles and cases showing off insects, bones, or botanicals
- Geologic samples like crystals, agate slices, fossils, and petrified wood
- Apothecary jars with dried flowers, herbs, spices or essential oils
Seek out ethically-sourced biological specimens, and use restraint when displaying animal remains. Mix in some living plants to balance more static displays. Rotate seasonal botanicals to keep it fresh. Vintage laboratory collections offer a cool, evocative vibe.
Add Indoor Water Features
The sight and sound of flowing water evokes feelings of relaxation, making water features like indoor ponds and mini fountains a perfect nature-inspired choice. Consider these ideas:
- A small tabletop waterfall fountain on a side table or bookshelf
- A peaceful desktop zen fountain with trickling water sound
- Floor fountains placed in entryways, living rooms, or bedrooms
- Custom installed wall fountains on the patio or by a window
- In-wall water features near seating areas or beds
- Desktop water gardens with mini ponds and live plants
- Large urn fountains on patios, balconies, or pool areas
Opt for automated, low-maintenance electric pumps to power water features. Use distilled or purified water to prevent algae and mineral buildup. Consider battery-powered portable fountains that can be moved outdoors seasonally. The pleasant sights and white noise of moving water creates a soothing nature backdrop indoors.
Use Organic Shapes and Motifs
Subtly bringing in organic shapes and nature motifs ups the cozy factor in any room. Incorporate:
- Round side tables, oval throw rugs, curved floor lamps
- Wavy shaped wall trim, arched entryways, circle mirrors
- Animal silhouette wall art, branch-shaped coat racks
- Leaf and vine metal wall sculptures, tree branch curtain rods
- River rock tile backsplashes, stone and pebble inlaid shower floors
- Woven baskets, twig frames, branch hooks and hangers
- Decor made from geodes, sea urchins, antlers, feathers
Avoid harsh lines and right angles. Layer in circles, ovals, waves, zigzags and freeform shapes for visual interest. Symbolically let the outdoors in by turning trees, leaves, birds or flowers into decor motifs. Keep shapes and patterns subtle as accents against plain walls and fixtures.
Use Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Decor
Honor nature by selecting home decor and furnishings crafted from sustainable materials and sources. Seek out:
- Salvaged, recycled, upcycled and refurbished furniture pieces
- Produced from rapidly renewable bamboo, cork and agave
- Organic cotton, wool, jute, seagrass and forest-safe teak
- FSC certified and reclaimed woods
- Locally harvested live edge wood from storm damage or clearing
- Natural clay, glass, agate, mineral and stone decor items
- Produced using environmentally-friendly practices
Support fair trade and local artisan wares to reduce your ecological footprint. Consider decor rental services when practical. Utilize vintage and antique decor already in circulation. Avoid endangered species woods like rosewood. Every sustainable choice protects natural resources and the planet.
Decorate with Foraged Finds and Souvenirs
Another way to glean nature decor inspiration is by decorating with foraged and found objects locally gathered from the outdoors. Display:
- Interesting rocks, shells, pine cones,seed pods
- Weathered glass, pottery shards, sea glass
- Antlers, shells, sand dollars, coral pieces
- Pretty leaves, bark, acorns, chestnuts in bowls
- Bird nests, wasp paper nests (uninhabited!)
- Old birdhouses, moss-covered pots, wood slices
Also use vacation souvenirs like sand from beaches, unique rocks or shells, dried starfish or sea urchins, and other objects reminiscent of oceans, lakes, forests, mountains and deserts you’ve visited. Always be respectful of nature, take only what is abundant, and research regulations before removing items from parks, waterways and other protected areas.
Embrace the Imperfections of Nature
Amidst the straight lines and perfect symmetry of many furnishings, embrace nature’s imperfections to create casually chic style. Options include:
- Wood tables with natural edges versus cut machined shapes
- Organic material pillows with irregular stripes, spots and knots
- Handmade clay or ceramic dishes with slight flaws
- Whimsical wind-blown glassware and vases
- Wavy metal sculptures and abstract art forms
- Items showing signs of weathering and aging over time
Rustic touches have character that machine-made equivalents often lack. Display natural items like burlap, linen, rattan and driftwood with their imperfections intact. Add an ‘organized messiness’ by avoiding overly stiff, aligned decor. Allow greenery to grow freely and flowers to look freshly picked.
Bring the Outside In with Nature Murals
Murals depicting outdoor vistas are a bold way to bring nature themes into your decor. Consider:
- A forest mural with tall trees behind a bed or seating area
- An undersea coral reef scene in a bathroom or bedroom
- A mountain range mural extending your view outdoors
- A meadow scene with wildflowers and butterflies
- A beach cottage mural with rolling ocean waves
- A safari with exotic animals on a child’s wall
Hire a muralist to custom paint a scene, or use removable wallpaper with nature graphics. Include birds, deer, foliage, canyons, waterfalls or night skies. Coordinate mural colors with your existing palette. Murals can transform plain walls into beautiful vista viewpoints.
Decorate with Fresh Flowers and botanicals
One of the simplest nature-inspired touches is displaying fresh floral bouquets and arrangements. Consider:
- A wildflower bouquet in vibrant sunset hues
- An overflowing vase of peonies or roses on a console
- Delicate ferns and blossoms in a hanging glass terrarium
- Simple white blooms paired with textured greens
- A floral centerpiece of locally grown blooms and foliage
- Berries, fruits, pinecones and autumn maple leaves
- Succulents and air plants in geometric planters
Swap out blooms seasonally to enjoy spring lilacs, summer sunflowers, or fall mums. For budget decor, fill vases with greenery and seed pods gathered on a nature walk. Let flowers live on tables instead of hiding them in stiff traditional arrangements.
Open Windows and Let Fresh Air In
Nothing reconnects you with nature like allowing fresh outdoor air to circulate indoors. In warm months:
- Open windows and use fans instead of air conditioning
- Display lush potted plants on indoor window ledges
- Hang wind chimes and bird feeders where breeze will hit them
- Use natural ventilation instead of chemicals like air fresheners
- Position bed or seating near windows to enjoy views and light
In cooler weather, crack windows while heating to still allow airflow. Sheer curtains filter light while allowing views out. Create an indoor/outdoor connection with relaxing natural sounds and scents.
Reflect Nature in Artwork and Photography
Fill your space with artwork and photography featuring natural scenery, plants and animals. Options include:
- Black and white nature photography in simple frames
- Vintage botanical and bird prints from antique shops
- Watercolor paintings of gardens, forests, lakes or oceans
- Framed leaves, feathers or dried flowers
- Family photos of camping trips, hiking and boating
- Oversized scenic posters of mountains or night skies
- Custom maps with favorite campgrounds, parks or trails
Group several smaller pieces over a sofa or bed for impact. Seek out works featuring places you’ve visited for personal meaning. Change out artwork seasonally to reflect the current landscape. Support local artists capturing unique views of nature all around us.
Infuse Outdoor Living Spaces with Nature
Don’t limit nature themes to just indoor rooms – also enhance porches, patios and decks for an immersive experience.
- Covered pergola or arbor overhead with hanging flower baskets
- Vines growing up posts and railings
- Raised garden beds and potted plants all around
- Gravel and flagstone pathways through plantings
- Outdoor bamboo fencing for privacy
- Tree stump and log seats around a fire pit
- Solar garden lanterns and twinkling string lights overhead
- Wind chimes and birdhouses hanging from beams
Visit a nursery for inspiration from the latest outdoor living trends and products. Use your yard like another room in your home, optimized for relaxing amidst nature’s beauty.
Conclusion
Infusing your home with natural design elements cultivates a serene, peaceful ambiance that reconnects you to the beauty of the outdoors. Start small by bringing in houseplants, organic materials and earthy colors. Layer in nature-inspired
