Bringing nature indoors
There’s nothing quite like the healing power of nature when it comes to relaxation. Simply being in the presence of trees is scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower your heart rate and blood pressure and boost your immune system. Of course, very few of us have the luxury of being able to pop off to the nearest forest when life gets a bit much, but the alternative – bringing nature indoors to you – is much easier than you might think
Try these tips to bring nature into your home
Potted plants are an obvious option and make a wonderful addition to any interior. The options are countless, from indoor trees to the tiniest succulents. Pop in at your nearest garden centre and choose a theme for your indoor plants that complement your interior style.
Desert themes work well for minimalist interiors – think succulents, air plants and cacti. Softer plants like Maidenhair Fern and orchids are perfect for more delicate, feminine spaces. For a lusher, contemporary effect, bold tropical plants are the way to go – try fiddle leaf figs, delicious monsters, rubber tree plants and philodendrons.”
Indoor wall gardens are a great alternative to potted plants but take a little more effort to get right.
You’ll need to get a professional installation done for the best results, but you’ll be able to use anything from a kitchen herb garden to a green accent wall. Unlike potted plants, you can’t just move your wall garden if it’s not doing well in a particular spot, so think through your options very carefully before committing to a design.
Botanical prints can bring pops of natural beauty to a room without taking up any floor space, or requiring any care. A lot of local South African artists do botanical sketches, drawings and paintings, and you can find anything from fynbos varietals to exotic flowers and elaborate leaves in a number of styles.
If a few prints aren’t quite enough to satisfy your nature craving, why not create a nature-scape on a feature wall using wallpaper design. With wallpaper, you can have your very own forest or jungle inside your home. Not only is wallpaper dramatic addition to an interior, it’s also very durable, available in water-resistant options for wet areas like bathrooms, and easy to change if you get bored!
Nature isn’t just about greenery, you can also include materials like stone, wood and natural fibres. These add a touch of earthiness to an interior that complements nature-inspired décor to perfection.
Wooden bowls, woven seagrass rugs, driftwood sculptures and river pebble displays are just a few examples you can use.
