Bring the Outdoors In
As the warmer weather approaches we look forward to opening our windows and letting the fresh air into our homes. Being outside in our yards, beach days, hiking in the woods, or even sitting inside reading a book next to an open window makes us feel good. Natural light, water, and greenery paired with the abundant natural building materials available today are easily incorporated into our residential spaces. Shapes, textures, and colors that occur in nature when integrated into the interior design subconsciously connect us to the outdoor spaces they mimic. Lets look at how we can bring the outdoors in.
When selecting wood components such as flooring, cabinetry, wall panels, or furniture, let the grain out. The grain is the feature that connects us to this versatile element. The wide variety of species, textures, and colors of wood allow us to create the most rustic interiors in its natural state to the uber modern when polished. Architectural details like wood beams, trim, molding, doors, ceiling details, and staircases are the perfect opportunity to showcase timber characteristics.
Water is something we don’t typically want running through our homes in the literal sense; but, the feeling of being near the water is. Aquariums and small fountains safely bring the sounds of water inside as long as someone is responsible for the maintenance. (Tag your it). A simpler solution is to use cool shades of blue and sandy neutrals to bring that beachside feeling home. Let’s also not forget the reflective quality of shiny glossy surfaces possible with tile, furniture finishes, and accessory selections.
Soft flowing curves, arches, and organic shapes bring the ambience of nature inside our homes. Doorways, staircase railings, and windows can subconsciously infuse our interior spaces. The textures and patterns we love in nature can be echoed in soft goods both literally and figuratively. Currently, we see this reflected in popular coastal and mountains side retreat aesthetics.
Potted plants are an easy and readily available solution to brining nature into the residential environment. Luckily, even if you do not have a green thumb high quality artificial plants are easy to take care of. Earthy shades of green and brown used in our paint colors, upholstery, fabrics, and area rugs can bring the forest inside.
The science surrounding the benefits of the outdoors is abundant so bring the outdoors into your home.