Our home is the one place where we should be able to feel calm and at peace. In order for interior spaces to promote such feelings and support our wellness and well-being, it is important to approach the design process with care and strive to make our living spaces as relaxing as possible. This is something you can easily achieve by incorporating natural elements into your interiors.
From including more eco-friendly furniture and materials to decorating with natural fabrics to bringing in greenery, there are many ways to breathe new life into your home and make it feel more calming and serene. Below, five tips to inspire your interior design makeover.
Focus on sustainable and eco-friendly materials
One of the first steps towards designing a nature-inspired living environment has to do with careful choice of materials. Single-use, low-quality, and non-biodegradable products are definitely something you want to avoid in the process. They don’t do any good to the environment, and in some cases, they may even lead to health problems. This is especially true when it comes to products that contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), toxic chemicals that are often found in paint, carpets, and furniture upholstering.
On the other hand, products made from eco-friendly materials such as bamboo offer a sustainable alternative. Since they are biodegradable and recyclable, such products help promote a healthy, low-waste lifestyle while also reducing the amount of plastic that’s slowly killing our planet.
Decorate with natural, high-quality home textiles and rugs
There’s something about the softness, texture, and patterns of natural fabrics that simply can not be replicated by engineered fibers, and with so many options to choose from, there is no excuse not to incorporate them into your home, regardless of your interior design style.
For homeowners looking to replace home textiles such as bedding, towels, throws, or pillows, your safest bet would be to go for materials such as organic wool, cotton, and linen. Similarly, those in the market for floor coverings can benefit from ordering natural fibre rugs from NZ made from everything from hemp and wool to jute and sisal. Whether we’re talking about chunky wovens or classic geometrics, natural decor pieces like these are earthy elements that are versatile and long-lasting, and will add a touch of nature to just about any room in your home.
Bring in environmentally friendly furniture pieces
Furniture selection is another aspect where you can be environmentally conscious and make sustainable, eco-friendly choices. One of the ways to do it involves options for furniture made from natural materials such as wood. Be careful about your choice of natural wood, and go for FSC-certified wood whenever possible. This will ensure that the wood used to make the furniture was sourced responsibly. Rattan, bamboo, recycled/salvaged wood and stone, and even recycled plastic and metal are other eco-friendly materials to consider when shopping for furniture.
Other than purchasing new furniture, you can also choose to give life to old furniture by buying vintage furniture or pieces that have been salvaged or upcycled. You can also visit second hand shops and see whether there are furnishings you can reuse. Not only is an eco-conscious way to shop, but it is also a great way to teach kids to be environmentally friendly by reusing precious resources.
Rely on natural light to create a welcoming environment
One design element we certainly must not disregard when talking about nature-inspired living spaces is natural light. This also happens to be one of the cheapest and easiest elements to incorporate into our surroundings in order to feel more connected to Mother Nature.
Rooms bathed in sunlight are not only more pleasant to spend time in, but they are also better for our health and general sense of well-being. Colors look brighter, rooms feel bigger and airier, and we feel better and more inspired when exposed to daylight. To maximize the amount of sunlight coming in, make sure to keep your windows clean and not obstructed by curtains or blinds and consider installing solar tubes to bring additional light. Strategic mirror placement, light ceilings, and reflective surfaces can also help maximize existing natural light and will go a long way in making your interiors more welcoming and inviting.
Cheer up every room with lively greenery
Last but not least, you can always turn to greenery to infuse your living space with nature and make it come to life. Potted plants and vases of fresh flowers have the power to cheer up any room, and they are perfect for adding texture to the room while also offering instant visual interest wherever they’re placed. Some plants can also help improve your indoor air quality, which is key to creating nature and wellness-inspired spaces and one of the key components of biophilic design.
Whether you opt for orchids, succulents, or natural cotton bouquets, you can make your living space feel fresh and give it that natural appeal in one of the most inexpensive ways.
Wrapping up
Not only are natural elements perfect for bringing just about any room to life, but they’re also effective tools in designing a living space that promotes health, well-being, sustainability, and eco-friendliness. Stick with the tips above to give your interiors a touch of nature and create a relaxing living space you and your family will love spending time in.
Images:
Cover: https://www.rawpixel.com/image/2310153/free-photo-image-laptop-sofa-home-laptop
1: https://unsplash.com/photos/xJ14RuLV9zI
2: https://unsplash.com/photos/Z5071-fNXOI
3: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cozy-bedroom-with-minimalist-furniture-and-blue-and-gray-walls-4857765/
