Bringing Nature Home

Bringing nature into the home adds texture, colour and life to a space and connects us to the natural world and changing seasons. Whether based in the countryside, city, or by the coast, our surroundings provide endless inspiration and opportunities to infuse natural beauty into our homes. From foraging in our local environment, to scouring shops and markets, natural ephemera helps to create a beautiful, natural look and feel in our living spaces.
Fresh flowers & foliage
Displaying branches and stems of fresh flowers in favourite vases, pots and jugs throughout all corners of the home lends a cohesive connection to nature and brings joy to a space. Whether homegrown, foraged or bought, flowers have a place in our interiors and bestow unique beauty and freshness. A single stem is always a subtle and elegant choice while larger groupings can add impact and amplify the atmosphere.
Dried flowers & foliage
While fresh flowers and foliage are fleeting, some varieties can be dried and used over and over again in different spaces. Hydrangeas are simple to dry and can be stored away until needed. Whether dried or in full bloom their beauty is constant. Large sculptural branches and dried seed heads also add impact. Opt for branches that have curves and movement to add a natural look and feel. Changing collections of flowers and foliage and moving things around between rooms from time to time will trigger new ideas and keep things fresh.
Natural objects
Foraged collections of natural objects such as pine cones, shells and pebbles are also all nature’s works of art. They are a tactile and engaging addition to a tabletop or shelf, preserving memories of time and place, and adding interest to a home.
Fruit, vegetables & herbs
Similarly pots of herbs and fruits and vegetables simply placed in bowls and baskets on surfaces look beautiful and help to connect us to nature. They also look inviting when placed on the dining table instead of flowers to add colour and interest and can always be eaten as part of a shared meal.
Pressing plants and flowers
Plants can also be pressed and enjoyed as framed artworks to add a touch of nature to the home. They celebrate the beauty of the botanical world and create permanence from the fleeting cycles of nature. There is something magical about preserving plants, whether wild or garden flowers, or seaweed collected on the shoreline. You can also source antique pressed botanicals, often referred to as herbariums, which are collections of pressed flowers individually mounted and labelled. They make beautiful and unique art works when carefully framed and can be displayed individually or in sets to create a wonderful focal point in a room.
(Image via Sarah Solis Design Studio)
Nature is a wonderfully rich source of inspiration and should always be connected to the home, creating unity between outside and inside spaces. Whether in the shape of a tree, branch or flower, celebrate the serenity and beauty of the natural world by bringing elements inside to enhance the way our spaces look and feel. For more inspiration, read our other journal posts or visit our Pinterest gallery.