Bring the outdoors in this winter with natural accents

Winter has come, and as you spend more time indoors, we’re sure you must have dug out your cosy throws and chunky knits to snuggle up on the sofa in style. Indeed, winter means swathing yourselves in warm hues, and enjoying those frosty mornings and chilly evenings without losing your inner glow. At the same time, winter is also about making your home feel warm and welcoming. A great way in which you can do just that is by bringing the outdoors and its earthy warmth into your home. Think of the relief of a cool breeze through an open window, a vase brimming with flowers on the kitchen table or the smell of thawing earth in the morning as you grab the newspaper. Is the chill abating a little bit already? Take a look at these ideas for bringing organic, outdoor elements into your interiors and beat the cold winters through and through.

Idea #1 : Consider natural flooring

Look underfoot—Instead of cold man-made materials, opt for flooring that tips a hat to the organic elements of nature. Wood, cork and bamboo exude a feeling of warmth under foot in a natural and inviting style. And you can bring the outdoors inside is by using the same flooring indoors and out in your patio and verandah. 

Idea #2: Bring earthiness in with brick

Bring the warm, earthy appeal of the outdoors by leaving brick in its natural state as a focal point in your home. Its exposed pattern and texture makes for a gorgeous backdrop in any room. The best part about brick is that you can incorporate it anywhere in your décor—for example, you could outline your home interiors in brick, and then layer the patio with gravel.

Idea #3 : Splash colours inspired by the great outdoors

If you think that bringing the outdoors means limiting yourself to earth tones, then you cannot be more far from the truth! If you want to bring natural accents into your home this winter, then it’s time to embrace the colours of nature, be it for your walls, window coverings, bedding, or décor. Blues echo the sky and ocean while greens remind us of the earth, grass and plants. Yellows evoke a sense of energy and freshness, like the sun and fresh flowers. In the dining area, opt for an earthy or mineral shade, with a tinge of sunset yellow, to make your meal cheery. Neutral tones such as white, tan and beige can lend a clean and natural look to your interiors too.

Idea #4: Opt for furniture made from natural materials

To make your home a comfortable oasis of nature, choose furniture crafted from natural materials. Not only do the natural elements channel the world of outdoors, they're easier on the environment. Wicker, rattan and jute are all materials inspired by nature, so consider these for side tables, baskets and even rugs. Hemp is an ideal natural option as is wood, which is durable and beautiful, and both lend an undeniable natural warmth to any space.

Idea #5: Go the natural way with textiles

Think of snuggling up at home in winter and what comes to your mind? Soft, velvety sofas, plumped-up cushions and comforting throws, where all you need to do is kick off your shoes and curl up with a good book! For a slice of the outdoors while selecting window treatments and upholstery for your furniture, consider natural textiles. Wool and cashmere are perfect for the cold weather and bring the outdoors in. For a casual yet chic look, opt for thick cotton and linen.

Idea #6: Add some greenery

Add a bit of natural freshness to the cold embrace of winter by incorporating flowers and organic hues into your décor. An ensemble of fresh flowers and small houseplants can add natural character to your space. For example, you may use it as a unique and balanced centerpiece at your dining table. Remember: to maintain free-flowing conversation, keep your flower arrangements low in height so diners don't have to duck around the plants to chat! Want to showcase the outdoors on the walls too? For a wall art with dimension, hanging a twisty, tangly branch on the wall is a great idea. Want more ideas to bring a little nature to your décor? Choose textiles and pillows adorned with 2-D representations of flora and fauna. Bold blooms in upholstery can be combined with more contemporary patterns to provide contrast. Or you can also consider adding fabric accents in rich green shades to accentuate this look.

Idea #7: Bring in some outdoor-inspired accessories

Did you know what the beauty of decorating with nature is? It’s that the relics can complement your memory-laden keepsakes. So take out those sea shells, pebbles, jars of beach sand, wood and straw from your various trips into the outdoors, and pair them in serving trays. Or use glass bowls to corral stray objects. You can even combine elements found in different natural settings for a unique style statement. For example, pair balls of moss with shells, coral with cacti, or river rocks with palm fronds. Or simply fill a large shell with tiny pebbles and succulent plants for that perfect amount of natural style in your space this winter.

Idea #8: Incorporate cues that remind you of the outdoors

In luxury spas, you may have noticed how the sounds of rain, wind, and other elements of the outdoors are brought in to make your body feel relaxed and in tune with nature. Why not do the same thing at home? Woodsy incense and floral potpourri scents can also work wonders. You can even raid your kitchen for a visual and aromatic outdoor inspiration! Use cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, lemons, limes, and mint to make your home feel extra cosy and inviting.

They say the outdoors can soothe the soul and inspire the mind. What’s more, inviting the outdoors in can help your home exude visual warmth, and most importantly, allow you to enjoy a warmer winter. So what are you changing at home this frosty season?