Embracing nature in your home
Posted on April 03 2020
Embracing nature in your home is about more than just houseplants (although we’ve got those covered here too). As the days get longer and brighter, we naturally want to be outside more. However, when that’s not possible there are effective ways to bring the outdoors inside. Adopting a few of these ideas in your home will create a calm yet energising environment that promotes wellbeing.
Fresh air
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden or outdoor space, then make the most of it by getting outside as often as you can. Spending time outdoors has many proven health benefits.1
- Boosts your mood and brings stress levels down
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces risk of type II diabetes
- Increases sleep duration
Opening your window for 10 minutes every day will fill your room with energy-boosting air. A window seat looks great in any home and gives you a place to sit and enjoy watching the world go by while getting some fresh air.
Enhance your home with houseplants
Houseplants and flowers bring life into the home and are good for your wellbeing. Studies have shown that plants make us happier, more productive and lower stress.2 They also help to clean the air and balance humidity. Central heating and air conditioning sap moisture from the air, but houseplants help to counter this and keep a healthy level of humidity in the home.
Finding plants that fit into your home and lifestyle is easy when you know what to look for. Succulents and cacti are so versatile and simple to look after as they need very little watering or maintenance. They come in so many different shapes and sizes, and as they take a long time to grow, it’s easy to find one that fits perfectly into a space you might have in mind. Ferns and ivy prefer shadier spots and look great in hanging displays. If you want to go bigger then tropical plants and flowers such as palms, orchids and lilies are stunning, and most are very tolerant indoors. Get creative with your potting and think outside the box, almost any container can be turned into a planter.
Grow your own
The most satisfying plants you can grow are ones you can also eat. Growing your food is very rewarding, and surprisingly easy to get started. You may be wondering how you can grow food without access to a garden or allotment, however, there are lots of herbs, fruits and vegetables that can be grown successfully indoors.
There are the usual salad herbs like parsley and watercress, or you could try growing something more adventurous like chillies, garlic or bell peppers. Many foods we think of as needing a lot of room also do well in small pots inside, such as potatoes, carrots, strawberries, peaches and yes, you can even get dwarf avocados.
- Use good quality soil and well-drained containers.
- Find the right lighting. Fruits love a sunny window, while veggies prefer a cooler spot.
- Water little and often or use slow drip feeders.
Embrace natural materials
Home is where the heart is, and somewhere we can relax and get comfortable. You can create a cosy and inviting feeling by adding natural materials and prints inspired by nature. A few simple pieces such as textile throws, wooden shelving or stoneware containers will soften your interiors and create a welcoming character. If you prefer contemporary style, raw natural edges and rich, earthy colours sit well next to materials like steel and glass.
Recycled furniture and accessories give rooms a unique and stylish look. Using this eco-friendly approach will make for individual interiors that ooze character. If you have some old items or unused furniture why not make a project from repairing or reusing them? Give old items a new lease of life with a fresh lick of paint or by recovering with fabric. Create your own pieces that reflect your personality and display your favourite items in an interesting way.
What to remember
It’s important to make sure you’re spending enough time outside but bringing nature into your home also helps to bring calm and serenity to your living spaces. Stay connected with nature with a variety of plants or growing some of your own food. Using nature as inspiration for your interiors also helps to give your home character and make your rooms more inviting places to be.
