Connecting with and spending time amongst nature is known to have a positive impact on our physical and mental wellbeing.
Ideally we’d all be out and about at beaches or in parks and forests as much as possible, but a busy life can prevent this from being a reality.
The good news is, bring the outdoors in, is a huge interior trend right now, and simply being around natural elements can contribute to improving a sense of wellbeing and calm.
One new study shows how focusing on natural versus man-made elements affects mental health.
The percentage of time spent viewing natural elements showed that people who focused more on green features reported a decrease in anxiety and higher perceived restorativeness. In contrast, those who spent more time viewing grey elements reported increased anxiety and lowered perceived restorativeness.
It’s why there’s a huge focus on creating home spaces we can retreat to, bringing elements of the natural environment inside.
This can be done in a number of ways, from calming colours, to natural materials and of course, an abundance of stylish house plants.
Here are some ideas to try now:
Introduce indoor plants
You could start small with a solitary, low maintenance succulent, but the current trend is to contrast a variety of house plants, such as ferns, succulents, and flowering plants, to bring greenery into your space.
In a small space or apartment, save floor space by hanging plants from the ceiling or walls or create a living wall or vertical garden for a dramatic and lush effect. Don’t forget to use balcony or deck space for a planter or pots filled with greenery.
Make the most of natural materials
Incorporate authentic natural materials like wood, stone and bamboo. Wooden furniture, flooring, and accents can help add warmth and texture in your spaces.
Stone tiles and travertine stone is huge for flooring in soft muted colour schemes like beige, ivory and cream.
Consider using stone planters, bamboo for flooring, blinds, and decorative elements and bring earthy, handmade ceramics to countertops and table settings.
Use a palette inspired by nature
Use a palette inspired by nature, such as mossy greens, sandy or taupe browns, and serene cool blues.
Banishing all-white interiors and painting walls and ceilings with colour is big news right now. However if you don’t want to make a lasting change, or your renting, try tone-on-tone interior style, where you use similar shades of colour in linen, rugs, lamps and curtains.
Choose nature-inspired art and decor
Hang artwork featuring plants, flowers, and natural landscapes of your favourite spaces or ones that invoke happy memories.
Add textures like rattan, jute, and linen in furniture, rugs, and accessories. You could even bring in pinecones, shells, and driftwood you’ve collected on your adventures outdoors.
Embrace natural light
Maximise any natural light sources you have and add more if you are able.
Keep windows unobstructed to allow maximum natural light and install skylights to bring in more daylight from above.
If you aren’t about to change the main features, use mirrors strategically to reflect natural light and brighten up the space.
Get creative
Think about other ways you could bring in natural elements.
If can be as simple as adding an abundance of flowers in vases on tables or dressers.
A self-contained water feature adds a soothing sound of water, or an aquarium can add life and movement while also providing a calming effect.
Use a diffuser with natural essential oils to bring in scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and cedarwood.
Create a small herb garden in your kitchen for fresh herbs and a touch of greenery or get crafty with a small terrarium of plants.
