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The Joy of Spring: Bring the Outside Inside
Add to Your Design With Nature's Colors, Textures, Light and Life
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
With spring nipping at our heels, I’ve got nature on the brain (I can’t be the only one who is sun-deprived and dying for fresh strawberries…), and the thought reminded me that nature has as much of a place indoors as it does in the backyard. Thankfully, it’s an easy (and often very affordable) element to replicate in your space, plus it adds texture, color and ambiance to boot. In addition, it’s not limited to green plants and fresh flowers: there’s a variety of unique ways to incorporate the outdoors. Read on to explore several options for infusing fresh, organic scenery into your interiors. Mother Nature will be proud!
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| This scene feels like you just arrived at a garden oasis with four walls and a ceiling. Paneling is a great way to add wallpaper without committing to an entire wall, and with its yellow background, this print FEELS sunny. The addition of the deer sculpture and zebra upholstery completes the outdoorsy vibe. |
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Who said finished wood should be destined only for flooring? This coffee table adds a natural wood tone to this seductive setting, complementing the contemporary feel with an elegant forest fixture.
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This is the type of room where the addition of a green plant can make all the difference. Against the exacted lines of the table and chairs, and the textural concept of the walls and artwork, the organic quality of the plant brings literal and figurative life to the space.
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| When this beautiful, grassy knoll is your view, floor-to-ceiling glass doors are a great addition. The oversized mirror above the sink makes you feel surrounded in green. |
Brick fireplaces are a classic, but the gray coloring of this reclaimed wood, particularly against white walls, creates a cool, crisp vibe.
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Stone archways are common on the outside of the house, but using one indoors reminds me of exposed brick in city apartments. Its rougher aesthetic balances well against the soft, neutral palette of this space.
by Tara Seawright
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Don’t forget wallpaper! This oversized leaf motif is the perfect complement, scale-wise, to the patterns on the throw pillows. And if you use your imagination, it’s as if leaves are floating around you on a breezy day. Can’t beat that in the living room!
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Driftwood is one of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to bring the outside in. You can hang them on the walls, prop them in the corners, use them as curtain rods; you name it. Best part? All it costs is a trip to the beach. (The whole family will enjoy that shopping spree!)
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Get glimpses of the big blue expanse with skylights wherever appropriate. You simply can’t replicate the feel of natural light, plus it cuts down on electricity bills. Install lighting near the skylight so the space is still functional when the sun goes down.
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Sunbursts are a fun design element that can act as a great focal point for any space. Note how the designer used the same striped pattern on both the wall and settee to give the wall a three-dimensional feel.
by Allison Cosmos
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Here’s another imaginative scene: Squint your eyes, and I’m pretty sure that pony-hide chair is grazing grass for its breakfast. Animal hides are textural and interesting, and unexpected when used on something traditional like this wingback chair.
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One look at this room and I feel like I’m taking a sunny walk along the oceanside. Earth tones like blues, greens and yellows are a simple (and cheery) way to infuse your space with the colors of the outdoors.
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by FORMA Design
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| Talk about a unique sculptural presence: These faux stones help fill the empty space of this lengthy room, and double as additional seating. Plus, they’re felted wool, aka childproof! |
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For obvious reasons, the best place to replicate the seaside is in your shower. Top off blue tiling with a skylight and a waterfall showerhead, and you’ll be instantly transported to the Mediterranean coast.
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Who knew your next clothing rod could be found in the backyard? Design should be about surprises, including interesting and natural pieces inside of your closet.
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Fresh fruit is one of the easiest ways to bring the outside in. Displaying it on a counter acts as both a design element and a quick way to grab a healthy snack.
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The only thing that’s getting me out of this tub is a fogged-up window! When this is your backyard, the only thing between you and it should be glass, if anything at all.
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Ideabook updated on March 20, 2011.
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@Maison21: How could I not use that picture of your project!! It's way too delicious to ignore!
@Tenshon_llc: Thank you so much! Isn't that bathroom to die for?