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Reflect Nature's Lines for Inspired Interior Design
Nature may be the ultimate designer — just follow its lead on forms and lines for rooms that effortlessly grow in beauty
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor based out of Hershey, PA. Come visit me at 'A Nest for All Seasons' where I write about design, photography and modern garden living!
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor... More »
The forms in nature are inspiring and ever changing. Have you ever watched the way a fern unfurls in the spring? From fiddlehead to full-blown fronds of feathery foliage, the fern offers inspiration on each step of its journey through the seasons. Could you reflect that beauty in the design of your living room or bedroom?
Take a moment today to be inspired. Drink in the shapes of the featured flowers and the qualities of movement they inspire, and see how designers already have used reflections of everyday plants in their rooms.
Take a moment today to be inspired. Drink in the shapes of the featured flowers and the qualities of movement they inspire, and see how designers already have used reflections of everyday plants in their rooms.
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| The pure, translucent petals of an orchid are echoed in the sheers covering this window wall. As the little button stamens highlight each bloom individually, the tufted details highlight the geometrical design of the chairs. |
by Holyoke Home
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Notice how the collection of red dogwood twigs in this arrangement echoes the detailing on the table below. Both elements are given more presence thanks to the reflection in design.
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| In this simple vignette, there are many ties from the tray to the tin can planters. Notice how the color is centered in all the pieces, and then the green foliage expands and drapes from the center. The live and painted foliages are subtlety reflecting upon each other. |
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This effect is subtle, but is a wonderful melding of modern design and natural aesthetic. First, notice that the table leads your eye directly to the light-filled window. Outside the window is a beautiful scene of greenery. Reflected inside on the shiny tabletop, the greenery seems to fill the space from two angles. Also notice the table legs, small pieces intertwined to create a stable base. Are they not reflective of the masses of branches that constitute a forest?
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In this rooftop garden, there are a few reflective principles at work. First, notice the stark and straight branches of the evergreen forest in the background. Then notice the perpendicular and parallel lines of the roof that echo the patterning of the bark. Add to that the natural lines of the greens on the roof, and this home is a perfect reflection of the forest surrounding it.
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| This pool garden is an interesting example of using plants to echo the materials you have chosen. In a way, nature is reflecting the man-made elements instead of the reverse. Notice the small bars of green ground cover planted between the pavers. The plants are perfectly trimmed to keep the modern lines of the space consistent. Also notice the vertical planting on the far right, adding a green layer between the pool, the wall and the forest in the background. |
by Tracy Stone AIA
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Vertical plantings inspire and reflect the lines of this outdoor shower as well. The shower curtain picks up the vertical lines, with shimmers of light between, a perfect echo of the horsetail reeds seen here.
by Hufft Projects
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I love the way this house collides with the visuals outdoors. The trees seem as if they were planted as a design element, but clearly that's not the case. Notice how both the bracings and the stairwell lines reflect the branches perfectly framed outdoors.
Also notice that the more vertical trunk is seen framed through a long, vertical window, while the more tulip-shape tree is seen through a more square window.
Also notice that the more vertical trunk is seen framed through a long, vertical window, while the more tulip-shape tree is seen through a more square window.
by Shane D. Inman
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One of my favorite Houzz photos is this one, in which the simplicity of tree trunks takes on new heights. The form of the trunks is repeated in the fireplace backdrop as well as the plants flanking the fireplace. Vertical stripes have even made their way onto the upholstery, enhancing the grand height of the space.
Whether you are working with a large space like this or a tiny apartment dwelling, there are always ways to reflect the natural lines and forms around us. Conversely, consider bringing in plants to highlight the architecture of your space. Whichever way the inspiration flows, plants are your friend when you're designing, so don't forget to utilize them.
Whether you are working with a large space like this or a tiny apartment dwelling, there are always ways to reflect the natural lines and forms around us. Conversely, consider bringing in plants to highlight the architecture of your space. Whichever way the inspiration flows, plants are your friend when you're designing, so don't forget to utilize them.
Comments
comfy by design Thoughtful well executed design is the difference between a place to live and a home.
12 months ago · Like
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Unskinny Boppy Beautiful ideas here.
12 months ago · Like
trasgorshek I always love a good branch. My family laughed at me when I brought this home, wondering what on earth I was going to do with it. I love movement, so a dead branch from my parents apple tree only made sense for the entry in front of the window. So, after some sanding and a few different colors of paint and poly, whaala. It beats the bowl I had there originally. :) 
12 months ago · Like
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Ideabook published on May 23, 2012.
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