Some of the best design inspiration sits right outside your door. “Nature is a masterwork of balance, harmony and tranquility in addition to being a source of beauty,” said James Walton, a woodworker who creates handcrafted furniture and custom pieces.  “Its components can be incorporated into your house with well-chosen color schemes, organic materials and the ideal accent pieces to create a remarkably tranquil environment.”

Photo credit: Hayley McAteer

Here are Fabrics and Home’s five tips to bring nature into your home.

1. Use Color Thoughtfully

Bring nature into your home with a thoughtful use of color. “Soft greens, earthy browns and muted blues are reminiscent of forests, soil and skies, creating a soothing and organic atmosphere,” said Seymen Usta, CEO, Modern Chandelier.  You can also incorporate pops of floral hues like lavender, rose or sunny yellow to mimic blooming gardens, he recommended, or, for a coastal feel, try sandy beige tones paired with aqua or seafoam green to evoke the ocean's calmness.

Avoid any bright neon hues since nature is more subtle and layered, according to Chenise Freidus, a home stager and realtor at ZFC Real Estate. Instead, think about grouping colors of the same family together. “For example, a client’s sunroom painted in Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak (a warm gray-beige) with sage throw pillows instantly evoked a breezy mangrove canopy,” explained Freidus.

2. Choose Décor Made With Natural and Recycled Materials  

When you opt to use natural materials such as wood, stone, bamboo, jute or sisal rugs, and organic fabrics, you recreate the beauty of nature inside your home. “[Using products such as hemp or bamboo] “can enrich your space with eco-friendly benefits while instilling a fresh, nature-centric atmosphere,” advised Josh Qian, the COO and co-founder of Best Online Cabinets. “These can transform any room into a natural sanctuary. Solid wood cabinets or stone countertops provide a tactile quality that feels grounded and brings warmth and richness to the space.”

Incorporating reclaimed materials into interior decoration allows you to embrace sustainability along with creative charm since these “items bring unique textures and histories to a space while preserving the environment,” said Usta. “Reclaimed wood can be crafted into furniture pieces like tables, shelves or even wall paneling, adding warmth and character to the room."

Photo credit: Grandsea

Natural materials also have other benefits than beauty — they improve indoor air quality, last longer and add a sense of calm that connects people to nature, according to Hayley McAteer, owner of Cushee. “Plus, they age beautifully, adding character over time,” she said. “Designing with nature in mind isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating a home that feels good and does good."

You can even use old doors and window frames to create decorative mirrors, as art or for room dividers, recommended Usta. Salvaged metal can be reimagined as industrial-style lighting fixtures or accent walls, for instance. “Vintage textiles, such as repurposed curtains or rugs, can be used to create cushions, throws or upholstery that imbue the space with personality,” said Usta. “Wooden crates and pallets make for versatile storage solutions or rustic furniture, and even smaller reclaimed items like seashells and stones can serve as subtle yet impactful accessories.”

3. Accessories Offer Natural Appeal

Accessories help bring nature indoors. Décor items like potted plants and fresh flowers brighten up your rooms as does nature-themed pillows, throws or rugs. Water features such as tabletop fountains can provide the serene sound of splashes. “The presence of floral fragrances and lush plants have a soothing effect and bring harmony to any space,” added Armina Kasprowicz, interior designer at Armina Interiors. “I like to use unique planters and containers to elevate aesthetics, as the right pairing of plant and vessel can truly transform a space.”

The key is to not overdo it. “A room crammed with leafy prints, bamboo blinds and a pebble fountain feels chaotic, not calm,” said Freidus. “I once staged a home where the owner used five different wood tones — It felt like a lumberyard,” she said. “Stick to three natural materials max and let one dominate (e.g., rattan chairs + linen sofa + a single stone accent).”

With accessories, look for organic shapes and textures that mimic the outdoors, such as driftwood sculptures, stone coasters, or botanical prints that evoke a sense of being in nature, said Qian. Do not forget about those small gems found in nature, added Walton. “A vase full of pinecones, a bowl of river rocks or a piece of driftwood on a shelf may all add a natural sense without seeming like you broke into a gift shop,” he said.

Photo credit: Martin Vecchio

4. Bring in the Wood

Nothing says nature like wood. “Wooden furniture, whether polished or with a raw, unfinished look, anchors the space with warmth and texture,” said Usta. For a more tropical feel, you can opt for bamboo or rattan furniture and use woven baskets for storage, he added.

Walton recommended choosing pieces made of recycled wood, walnut, or oak where the grain is visible. “Natural finishes and basic shapes are essential,” he advised, “so do not go overboard.”

5. Balance Is Key

Things like too many plants or pairing heavy furniture with dark accessories can make your room feel more overbearing than natural. You want an approach that emphasizes nature’s light and airiness. 

You also don’t want to be too literal in your interpretation. “A nature-inspired space shouldn’t feel like a themed jungle or a rustic cabin unless that’s the goal,” said McAteer. “The trick is balance. Mix organic elements with clean lines and modern pieces to keep things fresh.”

Read more: Here’s how to clean up your garden and yard.

Looking for indoor/outdoor fabrics? Try these from Fabrics and Home: Schumacher Iconic Leopard fabric, Schumacher Alma fabric and Scalamandre outdoor Zebra fabric. You'll find many more options on our site!

Featured image photo credit: Chenise Freidus