4 Easy ways to Bring the Outside In

When most people think about bringing the outside indoors, they just think of flowers.

While these are great ideas as gifts and can really bring life to your home, it is inevitable that the flowers will sadly die as the home is not their natural environment!

It has been scientifically proven that having different aspects of nature in the home can dramatically improve your productivity, focus and both mental and physical health.

Bringing the outdoors in can be so much more than just flowers though! I’ve collected 4 of my favourite easy, quick and affordable ways to bring the outside in below!

1. House plants

Big or small, real or fake – these things are guaranteed to open up the space, add some colour and can even act as a centre piece to the room!

If you’re on a budget (or are awful at remembering to water plants) opt for fake plants. They are affordable and can be purchased pretty much anywhere that sells real plants too.

Another plus for fake plants is that they look real nowadays and will last forever so you don’t have to worry about them dying!

If you prefer to keep the plants real, opt for something that is controllable with its growth. Bonsai trees, cacti and succulents and the Swiss cheese plant area all extremely tameable and aesthetically pleasing house plants that are perfect for the home.

2. Go natural

When key aspects of the home such as the floor looks natural and not man-made, the house automatically looks more alive!

While this is a big investment and impossible for some homes, there are so many great alternatives to real timber floors these days – floating floorboards are looking more and more natural.

Understandably, if this isn’t something you can do, having real wood furnishings such as the dining table, coffee table or entertainment unit will give a similar effect.

3. Use metal

Metal accessories not only look awesome when paired with natural wood, but are a cheap and easy way to bring aspects of the outside in with feature pieces.

You would be surprised how cheap old metals can be at op shops, the markets and junk yards! Use metal scraps (or already created pieces) to create an intriguing artwork for your home…wall piece, statue, accessories such as metal features of trays or coasters to make your own unique, outdoor inspired piece of home.

Rocks, stones and crystals – similar to metal, rocks, stones and crystals are all ways you can bring the outdoors in with minimal effort and costs. Use a rock as a door stop, create a stone mat (if you’re creative and patient enough!) and use crystals as a centre piece on the mantel. You can buy these at stores or grab them from the beach or another outdoor adventure!

4. Light and smell

Using natural light is the best way to make your space feel great! Keeping the curtains open for the light is always a good idea – even just in the morning before it gets too hot in the summer months! Putting some of your favourite scents such as cinnamon sticks and orange slices into a pot with water and letting them boil is a great way to encompass natural scents in your home too. Alternatively, using candles as both a source of smell and light is great during the evenings.

What’s your secret to bringing the outside into your home? What is your favourite tip of ours?

Check out my blog about choosing the right windows to help you invite the outside in here!