Nature By Design: Finding Home Decor Inspiration In The World Around Us
Interior design trends over the past several years have trended towards the distinctly artificial, from the manufactured lines of mid-century modern to the bold steel and concrete materials of industrial. But if there’s one thing that’s constant about interior design, it’s that every trend soon spawns another design in opposition to it. After all, art is all about push and pull. So, it’s not surprising that trend-spotters across the world have predicted that nature-inspired design is among 2019’s hottest upcoming styles.
Part of this trend can be attributed to the popularity of wellness as a concept. With a plethora of lifestyle websites and niche industries centered around self-care and mind and body fitness, it was only a matter of time before this began to heavily influence our homes. How exactly this trend manifests can come down to how you choose to style it.
Florals have been having a bit of a comeback, and that goes hand-in-hand with nature-infused decor. Wallpaper has also been having a bit of a moment of late: you can easily marry these trends and bring them into your decor. If you want a busier pattern like tropical palm fronds or blown-up botanical prints, limit it to an accent wall so it doesn’t overwhelm the space. There are also some lovely minimalist custom wallpapers out there now: choose one with a neutral background and a very spare motif running around near the top if you’d like it to run throughout the whole room.
Home Decor Inspiration – The Role of Color
Your color story can also bring the feel of nature indoors. Cool colors have been on-trend over the past few years, but now we’re seeing warm, earthy colors: think terra cotta and spiced honey. The PANTONEVIEW Home + Interiors Guide for 2019 foretells a wide assortment of warm tones being on-trend next year, including Butterrum, Cappucino, Chili, Cayenne, Turmeric and Apricot Brandy. Not only does that make us get hungry, it makes us look forward to seeing how this new nature-inspired color trend spices up design in the upcoming years. For an additional nature element, complement these shades with paint or fabric in a sage hue or grassy green shade.
Perhaps the simplest way to incorporate nature into your interior design is to use natural materials. Whenever possible, get furniture made from real wood instead of manufactured wood or medium density fiberboard (MDF). Wood that is unfinished or that has a pale gray or honey-colored finish adds to that light, airy feeling that natural design should evoke. You can also work on incorporating stone, whether that’s in a slate countertop, kitchen drawer inserts, or a table lamp with a marble base. You may also opt to incorporate natural fabrics like jute, cotton, or linen on furniture upholstery, pillows, and throws.
Choosing Furniture Design for Home Decor
Choosing furniture design involves considering several factors, including your personal style, the functionality of the furniture, the size and layout of your space, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Here are some steps to help you choose the right furniture design:
Determine your style: Start by understanding your personal style and preferences. Explore different design styles such as modern, traditional, contemporary, rustic, or eclectic. Look for inspiration in magazines, online platforms, and furniture showrooms to get an idea of the styles that resonate with you.
- Consider the purpose and functionality: Think about the intended use of the furniture. Are you looking for something purely decorative, or do you need functional pieces? Consider your lifestyle and specific needs. For example, if you have children or pets, you might need furniture that is durable and easy to clean.
- Assess the space: Take measurements of your room to understand the available space. Consider the layout, architectural features, and existing elements such as flooring and wall colors. This will help you determine the size and scale of the furniture that will fit well in your space.
- Consider the color scheme: Determine the color palette that you want to incorporate in your furniture design. Consider the existing colors in your space and choose furniture that complements or contrasts with them. Neutral colors provide versatility, while bolder colors can add character and make a statement.
Remember, choosing furniture design is a personal process, and it’s essential to select pieces that align with your taste, lifestyle, and the overall ambiance you want to create in your space.
The Role of Plants
And then of course you can always bring in live plants. The Pantone colors outlined above have a distinctly Southwest feel: incorporating succulents and blooming cacti will play nicely off of them. Those colors also lend themselves to a 1970s feel: lean into that with lush, emerald-green plants cascading out of rattan hanging planters. You can even bring real flowers into your artwork. Press brightly colored wildflowers between the pages of an old book to dry them out. Afterwards, frame them in a shadowbox made from unfinished wood for a charming, old-fashioned touch to your space.
After so many years of mid-century modern with its precise lines, it’s nice to look forward to a design style that’s decidedly less unfussy. Nature-inspired décor can add charm to a cabin or cottage or add an intriguing twist to a warehouse or loft-style space. No matter where you live, all you have to do is look out the window: you’ll doubtlessly find some inspiration that you can carry through indoors.