Nature Inspired

Following this issue’s theme of “answering the call of the wild” with regard to design and decoration is easy – nature and décor go hand-in-hand. We use nature as our inspiration for decoration more than we think. Look around your house or wherever you are reading this article. Do you see accents of nature used?

Maybe you have a log home, or maybe you just have accents of log. Logs are popular for mantels and stairs, but also look good as exposed trusses or beams. Often times, people use log accents with furniture, but don’t get carried away with a log house, log furniture and wood flooring. Using other accents to break up something that’s similar texture is a good idea.

Stone is a great way to provide this contrasting texture. It can be used either as accents or can definitely be a stand-alone focal area of a home when used for a fireplace, stairs or even countertops. Granite is probably the most popular stone used, but marble, limestone or soapstone are other popular options. There are some really cool stone/glass or stone/metal mosaic blends that are being used for backsplashes right now that provide great accents with polished and rough textures melded together.

Speaking of natural textures, window coverings have quite a few options with regard to nature-inspired textures. There are cellular shades with bamboo textures, woven fabrics made of reeds and grasses, and, of course, there are patterns in almost all options with ferns, leaves and florals.

We see these textures and patterns a lot with upholstery and textile options as well. Sofas, chairs, draperies and even carpet is made to have an organic, natural feel and may have patterns mimicking things we see in nature.

Wallpaper is also becoming more popular again (I know, hello 80s!?). We’re seeing textures inspired by nature mimicking tree barks, grasses, and I’ve even seen actual birch and aspen trees sliced and attached to the wall. It was illuminated with wall-washing down lights, and the texture it provided was pretty phenomenal. It definitely was a focal wall in that house.

Wood flooring is popular and now, even more so, plank tiles made to look like wood are being used. These tiles have embossed surfacing to provide the texture of wood, but if you have big dogs, kids or just like to live in your home without worrying about scratching your hardwood, this may be an option worth looking into.

Paint colors are mimicked from what we see in nature too. Just thumbing through a color deck from Sherwin Williams I see paint colors such as Agate Green, Only Nature, Pavestone, Sundew, Thunder Gray, and with those, we each conjure up a pretty good idea of what that color looks like. Just flip through any paint manufacturer’s color deck and you will find all kinds of nature-inspired names.

Now, how about answering that call of the wild? Don’t be afraid to use zebra print rugs, bold colored throws, stone accents, log accents, floral arrangements or prints on upholstery. Look seasonally at how Mother Nature decorates our landscapes – she’s not afraid to use vibrant colors and bold accents.

Whether your home is contemporary or more traditional, nature plays a large part in what it looks like. You’ve already answered the call of the wild, whether you intended to or not!

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