Warm, inviting interior decor inspired by natural elements can create a welcoming, hospitable home space. As a result, today’s interior decorating trends reflect natural themes. For example, many homes have a “woody” interior or showcase rustic natural stone counters. 

    Homeowners want to feel like their home is a refreshing, peaceful, and luxurious place to spend time. Keep reading for our top tips on incorporating natural elements and organic materials into your home for a tranquil ambiance. 


    How To Use Organic Materials in Home Decor

    Incorporating organic materials into your home’s interior design helps create a natural, comforting ambiance. These materials enhance the aesthetic through their textures and earthy hues, making rooms feel more grounded and serene.

    When designing an organic, nature-inspired interior, there are many different kinds of beautiful and functional material options to use. Here are some of the best choices.

    Natural wood finishes on floors, furniture, cabinets, and architectural details bring warmth and texture to your space. Opt for medium to dark stains for a cozy feel or distressed finishes if you want to add rustic character.

    Stones like marble, granite, slate, and travertine are elegant options for countertops, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, and accent walls. I recommend veining patterns to create visual interest.

    Houseplants purify indoor air while providing a dose of nature. Place greenery in natural light near windows and skylights so that it continues to thrive indoors. 

    Furniture made from natural fibers has a breezy, beachy vibe. Try adding woven shades and rugs for a simpler yet powerful effect on your home’s aesthetic.

    Natural fiber rugs and accessories add texture and casual elegance. Since they’re durable, jute and sisal work well in high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and entryways.

    Timeless leather upholstery, especially in hues like brown and tan, gives off an earthy feel. Use leather dining chairs, sectionals, ottomans, and headboards to infuse this element into your home.


    Bring the Outside In and Integrate Indoor/Outdoor Areas

    In addition to using organic materials, connecting the indoors with nature heightens the natural design scheme. 

    Start by making sure to maximize natural lighting and incorporate views of greenery in your home by installing large windows.

    You can also strategically place skylights to let natural light stream in. Opening these windows regularly helps the breeze come in and circulate the air for a refreshing feel. If you position mirrors across from windows, this helps reflect and emphasize natural light and views.

    open room with indoor plants and natural lighting

    Using natural textures and earth-tone colors on walls, ceilings, and accessories and layering in wood beams, grasscloth wallpaper, woven accents, and terra cotta can also make your space feel serene.  

    Place furnishings near windows and exterior doors to immerse yourself in the outdoor ambiance. You can use sunrooms, solariums, atriums, and 3-season porches as transitional spaces between the indoors and outdoors. Decorate with found natural objects like driftwood, seashells, pebbles, and branches for organic accents.


    Use These Natural Colors

    Bring the colors of nature indoors through your interior paint and fabric choices to create a soothing, organic atmosphere. 

    Consider hues inspired by:

    • Deserts: Terra cotta, tans, burnt orange, sage green
    • Forests: Rich greens, browns, taupes, cream
    • Mountains: Slate greys, warm timber tones, muted blues
    • Oceans: Aquatic blues, sandy tans, driftwood browns
    • Sunsets: Fiery oranges, pinks, sunny yellow, purple
    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    Accent the main color scheme with metallic finishes like oil-rubbed bronze, antiqued brass, weathered zinc, and textured gold for an earthy feel.


    So, Is Bringing Nature Indoors Right For Your Home?

    Incorporating organic materials, textures, views, and accessories remains a top interior design trend, and for good reason. If you’re wondering if it’s right for you, nature inspiration can benefit anyone and everyone. People inherently crave connections to the seasons and the natural world. A nature-inspired interior lends itself to relaxation and rejuvenation, which is exactly what people want in their homes.

    However, a space overflowing with dense embellishments can feel distracting. The key is thoughtfully layering in natural elements so they enhance — not compete with — the indoor environment. With mindful design choices, you can create a soothing oasis infused with the sights, sounds, scents, and feels of the great outdoors.


    FAQs About Creating a Natural Design Interior

    What are the best houseplants for indoor air purification?

    Some excellent choices are spider plants, English ivy, aloe vera, peace lilies, snake plants, bamboo palms, and rubber plants. Place these plants around your home for better air quality.


    How do I add more natural light to interior rooms?

    Install skylights, sun tunnels, and large windows to let sunlight permeate inner rooms. You can also replace solid doors with French doors or keep them open to promote daylight movement.


    What are the pros and cons of stone flooring?

    Stone adds elegance, but it can be cold underfoot, so opt for radiant floor heating when possible. Other downsides include chipping or staining. Porous natural stones also require sealing. However, many homeowners still opt for stone because it’s a high-quality investment that boosts your home’s value.


    Where are the best places to use leather in rooms?

    Leather is smart for high-wear pieces like dining chairs, headboards, and living room sofas. More delicate leather choices suit accents like ottomans, pillows, and lampshades.


    How do I make indoor rooms feel more connected to the outdoors?

    Minimize solid partitioning between rooms and instead use sliding doors, interior windows, glass walls, and open sightlines. Extend exterior building materials inside. You can also use strategic mirrors to reflect outdoor views indoors and include plants throughout your decor to bring the outdoors to you.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Amy DeYoung

    Amy DeYoung

    Contributor

    Amy DeYoung has a passion for educating and motivating homeowners to improve their lives through home improvement projects and preventative measures. She is a content writer and editor specializing in pest control, moving, window, and lawn/gardening content for Today’s Homeowner. Amy utilizes her own experience within the pest control and real estate industry to educate readers. She studied business, communications, and writing at Arizona State University.

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    Lori Zaino

    Lori Zaino is a freelance writer and editor based in Madrid, Spain. With nearly two decades of editorial experience, she’s written and edited for publications like Forbes, CNN, Insider, NBC, Newsweek, The Points Guy, The Infatuation, and many others. Having just completed her first home renovation, she’s more interested in home improvements than ever, dedicated to bringing you fresh and accurate content to help you update your living spaces.

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