If you’ve been frequenting the blog as we’ve transitioned into spring, you’ve probably noticed that we’ve touched upon the importance of bringing natural elements into your space to breathe life into a design. Today, our newest contributor Tamara of Tamara Eaton Design is touching on this topic again—but you might be surprised by her designer-approved tips on bringing nature into your space… Take it away, Tamara!
Believe it or not, bringing nature into your living space doesn’t have to mean potted plants littering your side tables. But, it could mean a little maintenance, whether that means nurturing some greenery or tending your favorite natural fiber rug. If the idea of adding nature to a space immediately makes you cringe and second guess your ability to keep a plant alive, don’t let me scare you off just yet. Keep scrolling for three ways to bring nature into your home… And did I mention two of them don’t even require water?
Method 1: Go the Greenery Route
The most obvious way to bring nature into a space is to literally go green and bring your favorite greenery indoors. I always love a tall indoor tree like a Ficus or Palm placed behind a sofa or stationed in a corner. It’s a fabulous way to add scale and high impact to a room, while also bringing the outside indoors.Purchasing a large, modern ceramic glazed planter adds to the elegance as well.
I am a known plant killer but I have managed to keep a terrarium going for a few years (albeit I have made a few trips to the plant hospital), but a terrarium can be very low-maintenance, especially if you use desert plants. A chic container can easily do double duty as decor on a coffee table, console, or side table. I’ve even had clients put them on the kitchen counter!
Method 2: Get Textural
If you are looking for some less committed alternatives to live plants, look no further than natural texture. One of the options I like to use is adding warmth with wall coverings, and right now there are so many great choices on the market.Grasscloth, jute, or othernatural wallpapers are a chic (and extremely low-maintenance) way to bring in a hint of nature without being too literal.Or, focus on your floors and layer in a great sisal rug for some texture at the foundation of your space. A sisal rug can be used in almost any traditional or modern settingand serves as a backdrop for a “throw” rug on top of it or simply for quiet texture under furniture.
Method 3: Think Outside the Pot
Another one of my favorite ways to bring nature into an indoor environment is through the addition of items that aren’t necessarily considered “nature” right off the bat—such as a sheepskin or cowhide, even if they’re faux.Not only do materials like these layerin texture in an organic way, but there are also so many lovely spots to use a sheepskin, as it can be used on the floor or on furniture. Drape over a chair, throw in a sheepskin pillow, or even just lay it in front of a sofa.
There are so many natural fibers that can bring that nature-inspired element into your space in an unexpected but organic way. So don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to plants alone when creating your design. And at the end of the day, using a framed scene of a natural landscape as your focal point never hurts either!
Will you try any of these methods to add some nature to your space this spring?
You can follow along with Tamara’s work by visiting her website or following her on Instagram @tamaraeatondesign. And of course, don’t forget to peruse the GM shop for some swoon-worthy landscapes to add to your walls… ;)
Cheers!
Xx Team GM
Photos: Francis Dzikowski