by Meaghan Branham
As May begins, I think it’s safe to say that we are finally out of the woods when it comes to those early spring bursts of cold weather, and officially in the season of barbecues, bonfires and beach trips. While we all may be preparing ourselves for the heatwaves just around the corner, most of us still know how lucky we are to live in a place that lets us do just as much of our living outside as we do inside. Whether you spend that time playing on the water, gardening, or even just enjoy a glass of wine out on the porch, spring and summer breathe new life into our days and nights. Around this time of year I find myself not only spending more of my time in the great outdoors, but also looking for any way I can to bring elements of nature into my space. Here are a few simple ways to make your inside spaces as inspiring as the outside ones.
1] Greenery
The most obvious way to revitalize your space with nature is to, quite literally, bring the outside in. If you’ve been keeping up, you know by now that I love any excuse to add flowers or greenery to a space. However, since I have been told that my dream of just moving all of my furniture into a greenhouse might be better in theory than in practice, I’ll have to work within some limits for now. That means plenty of vases full of seasonal flowers like calla lilys, dahlias, and marigolds, or even window boxes with a colorful array of a few different types of flowers. Hanging planters and terrariums made of ceramic or glass provide a simple and space-saving way to show off your favorite plants and work in nearly any space. In your kitchen, think about growing your own herbs; you can either do this with mason jars, tin buckets, or even teacups. You can also purchase kits online.
2] Textures and fabrics:
Natural textures are easy to incorporate and add so much character to a space. Stone or marble, woven furniture and reclaimed wood pieces can be incorporated either as accent or statement pieces, depending on your time and budget. Lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton in taupes or off-whites allow for more natural light to get in and keep you cool on hotter days.
3] Let your favorite places inspire you:
This is the best part of incorporating natural elements as part of your home décor—letting your favorite places inspire you. We tend to turn to nature when we need to feel revitalized, rejuvenated or reminded of who we are and what really matters to us—so think of the places that make you feel the most like you, the most connected, and use that as inspiration. If you love the ocean and the beach, you might incorporate sea glass accents and pieces crafted out of driftwood. If you prefer the mountains to the coast, darker and sturdier wood furniture and even log accents can provide a glimpse of that getaway every day. ◆
