With spring officially popping up it is only natural to start the outdoor mental exercises and begin bringing the outdoors in. We may buy ourselves fresh cut flowers at the grocery store or the farmer’s market. We may wash all of the winter-patterned (plaid, buh-bye!) items and give ourselves a fresh perspective. We may clean out our closets or cabinetry to get that stale dust gone and start opening our windows to show we are ready for that fresh, spring air!
No matter which way you ring in spring, we’re laying out some of our favorite ways to bring the outdoors in (even in the winter months!). On a recent shopping trip there was major inspiration for outdoor elements that can live inside the home everywhere. We got inspired and motivated. Here a few of those elements and how you can incorporate them into your inside décor.
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Bringing the Outdoors in with Wood
Wood pieces naturally remind us of the outdoors. Tree trunks, benches, branches. All of the many tones of wood allow us a beautiful photographic landscape on a sunny day or even a cloudy day. So, why not bring those tones into the home itself?
We found some beautiful wooden bowls and trays at inexpensive prices that would look beautiful on a dining room server or coffee table. We would even like to see them in open shelving or cabinets with glass covers. Light, dark, medium-toned…we like them all. Raw edged (to resemble a tree) or maybe just even a wooden handle on a basket.
Search for these textures and tones and figure out a way to incorporate them into your home décor or even just for when you are entertaining (or both! We love an item with multi-purpose). It will be surprising on a sunny day how much these items will help with a good mood.
Bringing the Outdoors in with Artwork and Photographs
Is it the beach you love? Or are you a mountain hiker/skier/snowboarder? In our decor travels we tend to come across a lot of outdoor-inspired artwork, photographs and books. These home décor accessories can really give you that outdoor atmosphere indoors and create a fresh environment inside your residence.
A way to do this inexpensively is to frame your own travel photos. Coffee table books are also a great way to get that outdoor visual inside.
Bringing the Outdoors in with Melamine Dish and Serve Ware
I know what you’re thinking – melamine is not a natural material. Yes, this is true. However, who said anything made of melamine can only be used outside on a patio or deck? We’ve come to really appreciate the ease and simplicity of melamine dishes, serve ware and utensils.
Not having the stress of breaking them, the lightness they invoke and the ease of how they stack and are light-weight are all elements of this material that we think should be used indoors as much as it is used outdoors. In fact, we’ve switched our everyday dishes to melamine and have not looked back. They are less stressful to use around kids, grandkids and visitors as well!
Bringing the Outdoors in with Succulent Plants & House Plants
Whether you have a green or brown thumb, succulents are a great way to get some of the natural features (essentials, really!) of the outdoors into your home. There are high-maintenance succulents (there is a need to make sure they are getting the proper amount of light, water, temperature, etc) and there are low maintenance succulents (ignore them and they thrive…these are more our speed, hah!). Head to your local gardening center and start asking some of the head gardeners questions according to your gardening and plant maintenance abilities.
Some offer a bit of color and others just lend out that green touch. Some can also help with air flow and air quality. It is amazing what you can learn (and gain) when you start down this road!
Bringing the Outdoors in with Faux Greenery/Flower Decor
We are not one to favor faux plants and flowers for inside decor, however, when done well they can actually very much refresh and brighten up a space. Lately, we’ve taken a strong liking to paper flowers. They seem to be a big hit in the home design market and we see why. They act as more of a piece of art.
Someone constructed them with their two hands, how cool. If faux really isn’t your thing (we get it, not really ours’ either!), consider incorporating them into a table scape when entertaining. Gosh, they can even be added to a charcuterie or cheese board! Some faux plants have really surprised us lately.
They are making a comeback and if you can’t have the real thing in your home for any number of reasons (pets, little kiddos, allergies), then embracing faux in a non-overdone way can be a total bonus to your room’s décor and the home’s flow! (Just remember to dust them regularly!)
The best part about inviting the outdoors into your home is that these components can truly be added in a personal way and at any time of the year. No pressure, no checklist.
Only add what will inspire you and give your home that pick-me-up that all of our spring and summer minds favor. As soon as the sunshine streams in and these little touches come together you will truly feel refreshed! That’s the payoff for bringing the outdoors in.
