How to bring the outside in

It’s no secret that nature makes us feel good. With the power to reduce stress and anxiety, and boost our overall happiness and sense of calm, the natural world has a big role to play in our wellbeing. Biophilia is a trend that plays on this innate connection with nature, using design as a bridge between the indoors and out – but while it’s particularly popular in the summer months, we think it really comes into its own during autumn and winter. When the leaves start to fall and everything just feels a bit… meh, taking cues from nature can help maintain that chilled feeling that comes from spending time outside – especially when going outside is the last thing you want to do. Follow our tips to bring the best of the great outdoors in. 

Plants, plants and more plants

We know we’re biased, but hear us out – plants are really great. Just as being outdoors can boost our wellbeing, so can plants. It’s not just the act of caring for them that makes us feel good – though this is, of course, a big factor – but their very presence that can help to reduce stress and increase productivity (it’s little wonder they make such popular desktop companions). To help create a connection between your home and the great outdoors, look to your leafy friends. 

Layering plants is a great way to bring the natural world indoors. Bring life to an empty corner with a large and leafy option, like our biggest Swiss Cheese plant, and then pair it with a smaller plant with straighter leaves, such as our Kentia palm or Parlour palm. The contrast of height and leaf shape will look pleasing to the eye, and help to give your home the feel-good factor too. If you have two plants that are the same height, use a plant stand to give one of them a lift and create interest to your display. 

Look to natural textures

Think outside, think greenery – but your quest for nature doesn’t have to stop at plants. Natural materials are an easy way to add elements of the outside world, while also creating a cosy and inviting space. Tactile textures such as wood, rattan, raffia and stone are easy options for incorporating nature into your home. By pairing contrasting materials, such as a sleek wooden side table with a rustic basket or clay plant pot, you’ll also make your space feel warm and welcoming. It’s a win-win.

Take leafy greens to new heights

To fully immerse yourself in nature, create an indoor jungle. The best way to do this is to put your plants in unexpected places. Hang trailing plants from the ceiling, or on top of bookcases, wardrobes or shelves to enjoy flowing foliage at every angle. Slot miniature plants between books or ornaments, and add smaller tabletop styles to the centre of dining tables and on side tables. Simply put, leave no stone unturned, and no surface plant free. 

Borrow from nature’s colour wheel

Bringing nature into your home doesn’t have to be as literal as plants and materials  – it can also be simply taking inspiration from nature instead. Take colours: shades of green and earthy tones like rust, stone and terracotta can all be found outdoors, and are easy to bring indoors. For a complete home makeover, nothing beats whacking out the paint brush, but if you’d prefer a smaller injection of colour look to accessories, such as photo frames, cushions or plant pots in natural shades. If you can find an accessory that features a botanical motif to help boost that natural feeling, even better.

Make use of your windows

If your window looks out onto greenery, it gives the perfect opportunity to echo what’s outside, indoors. Select plants that love direct light, such as Strelitzia nicolai, Yucca elephantipes or Euphorbia trigona, and pop them in front of your window to mirror a tree or plant outside. This will help to create the feeling of continuation, as if your outdoor space has made its way into your home. 

Bring the outdoors in, literally

Lots of outdoor plants aren’t big fans of colder weather (we can sympathise) and so need to be brought indoors during the winter months. Citrus trees, for example, won’t survive in temperatures below 10°C and will have to be moved into a warmer place during colder weather. Fortunately, they look just as great indoors as they do out. Olive trees are also perfectly happy indoors, as is the classic English Ivy, making both of these great ways to add an outdoor feel to your indoor space – especially when paired with indoor/outdoor pots, such as terracotta. Add a cocktail, and it could almost be summer. Almost.