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For a soothing, outdoorsy environment,
Voss suggests starting with a neutral color palette such as taupe,
gray, sand, terracotta, or grass green. Green is a particularly
versatile color because of its ability to work with warm or cool
hues in a room, and it mixes well with dark or warm-toned woods.
When a room has a neutral backdrop, it is easy to add a variety
of nature-inspired accent pieces, such as a stone coffee table,
linen slipcover or accessories that bring a hint of the outdoors
into the setting.
Natural Materials
Materials such as wood, stone,
wicker, copper, linen or cotton, cherished for their natural
beauty and earthy colors, can be used to give any room sophisticated
variations of tone and texture. “We’re seeing a huge
resurgence of natural materials in home décor,” said
Voss. “Families are looking for furniture that combines
easy care with an inviting natural charm.”
Voss said wicker furniture is
making a big comeback in today’s nature-inspired home designs.
Typically reserved for the outdoors, this simple, light furniture
can be brought into the foyer, breakfast area or bedroom. The
Market Wicker collection from Arhaus adapts to any room with
its vintage, hand-rubbed white finish and easy-going cotton cushions.
Watch for home furnishings with
rustic details such as the pits, knots and natural graining found
in select hardwoods like cherry, teak, or pine. These inherent,
individual characteristics add uniqueness and natural beauty
to any room. A family-friendly wax finish on woods allows these
natural characteristics to be enjoyed and grow more beautiful
with time and use.
Many natural materials, like
stone, are easier than ever to incorporate into home décor.
Not only is stone durable, it also takes on a beautiful patina
with frequent use. For example, the Firenze dining table by Arhaus,
with its stone mosaic top and wrought-iron base, brings a substantial,
elemental elegance to casual al fresco dining. Pieces of granite,
travertine, and marble are hand-selected and set to mimic the
intricate patterns found in Italian mosaic floors.
Metals are also beautiful, durable
materials to introduce into any room setting. Copper and wrought
iron are a gorgeous combination that creates an earthy elegance.
Inspired by this look, Arhaus has developed a collection of copper
tables that lend a distinctive natural presence to any room;
add rush-seat dining chairs to complete the look.
Natural Lighting
Sunlight is one of the most
important elements of a natural setting. To let it in, use a
light touch at your windows with bamboo shades or a nubby natural
linen fabric. Or dress your windows with wooden shutters to easily
control the amount of light filtered into the room.
Decorative lamps are more beautiful
than ever this season. Look for table lamps with ornate wooden
beads, crystals, or earth-toned silk lampshades in greens or
browns. A new trend in lamps includes interesting wrought-iron
bases in tree-like shapes or beautiful natural stone pedestals.
Candlelight brings a relaxing
atmosphere to the home. Use this natural lighting as a centerpiece,
surrounded with fresh moss, flowers, or shells reminiscent of
a special outdoor place.
The finishing touch: 7 ways
to accessorize the natural way
* Use rugs made of sisal --
a fibrous, rope-like material -- throughout your home to add
natural texture and a neutral backdrop.
* Place vases, trays and bowls made of wood, stone or marble
atop occasional tables and fireplace mantels.
* Fill a tray or bowl with shells, pebbles, vegetables, grains,
live grass or any other natural material.
* Arrange branches of birch or bamboo in a tall vase.
* Tuck chunky, hand-woven baskets or storage containers into
corners or bookshelves.
* Let natural light filter through hand-blown glass to give off
a soft, watery glimmer.
* Place fountains indoors to create a sense of tranquility. |
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