Bringing the outdoors into your home or work space is a gentle, calming addition. It is proven that being in nature is good for the soul. A token from your garden or travels adds a natural element that is often missing indoors.
A found fragment of nature can be a lovely reminder of the outdoors. It can also be a memory of a time spent away from home that you enjoyed. I have black rocks I brought home from Iceland that I found on the beach as well as a twig I brought back from a hike in Maine. Scattered throughout my house, I have natural memories from my travels. Glancing upon them in the midst of my day takes me back to those places and provides a calm, relaxed feeling. Recently, I was on the island of Lanai and was surrounded everyday by orchids and, of course, plumeria. While I have a plumeria tree at home already as a reminder of Hawaii, I have since added orchids. These elegant flowers simply placed around my home have brought back the serenity of the island.
With spring upon us, there is no more lovely natural element to bring inside than a tangle of blooming branches. Step outside, and you will see them everywhere. Available at farmers markets if you don’t want to trim yours or your neighbors. Bring them home and arrange in a big vase for a dramatic statement. I also love huge trees inside that draw your attention and add a sculptural element to a room. Small plants in groups as well as cut flowers are always simple to add. A walk outside can provide not only a break in the day but a treasured leaf or flower that may have fallen in your path. Bring these home, and maybe it will be a reminder to get outside more and enjoy the day if only for a few moments.
I use nature inside not only as a reminder of travels or times outside but to feed my soul and create a calm environment. I leave flowers or a new found rock by my bed, so when I go to sleep I feel grateful. I have herbs from my garden in the kitchen in small containers of water ready to use. These are reminders to always cook from scratch and use fresh, organic food. Plants are also good for air quality inside and to de-stress your home. I find I can’t have a room without at least one.
Add an element of nature to your interior, and you will be grateful you did. I am glancing at some vintage roses and jasmine on my desk now that I cut from my garden. The jasmine trails onto the desk and reminds me as I write this that no arrangement is imperfect. A casual gathering of flowers, herbs, or leaves is always pleasing. Bring the outdoors in for a healthier interior and lifestyle.