Create a Calming Home with Naturalist Interior Desig

The Philosophy of Naturalist Interior Design

Have you ever felt refreshed and renewed after a walk in nature? That’s because you just did what the Japanese call nature bathing, or shinrin-yoku. In fact, the Japanese government recognizes this practice for decreasing stress, elevating mood and building the immune system. 

The mentally restorative powers of being in nature are at the root of the philosophy behind the naturalist interior design trend. Bringing these therapeutic qualities into your home with colors and textures that celebrate the great outdoors may not be a replacement for heading into the forest, but the feeling of being out in nature, even when you’re at home, can still be quite calming. 

Key Elements of Naturalist Interiors

While there are many ways to bring the feel of nature into your home, the naturalist interior design concept has a few tried-and-true elements that will help ensure your space is as restorative as a walk in the woods. 

1. Color your space with earth tones

The first step in achieving a naturalist design is to use the colors of nature. Begin by selecting a soothing color palette inspired by nature, such as soft greens, earthy browns, and warm tans. These colors can be used as a base for walls, furniture, and larger elements in the room. 

Using this color palette for every element of your space, including wall colors, flooring, and furniture, will create a forest-like ambiance. For an interior with a bit more of a modern feel, a bold saturated green accent wall can add visual interest without sacrificing an overall natural feel. The overall effect will be a nurturing and calming environment that evokes the serenity of the great outdoors and provides a comforting retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

2. Surround yourself with live plants.

Adding plants to your decor incorporates nature directly into your interior design. Succulents and cacti are ideal plants to start with when designing your naturalist interior, but don’t stop there: bigger plants like ferns and palms will give your space a much more natural feel. From small potted plants to large indoor gardens or green walls, the presence of any type of greenery connects the space with the outdoors and helps purify the air in your home.

No matter which plants you select, make sure you’re choosing plants that fit together holistically into a space—and that make you happy to look at. After all, if your plant selection isn’t soothing, you are not achieving the full potential of the naturalist style.

3. Decorate with bold wallpaper.

For those unable to incorporate living plants or greenery, nature-inspired wallpaper provides a practical alternative to bring the outdoors in without the need for ongoing maintenance. There are many varieties of wallpaper that feature stunning landscapes, botanical patterns, or wildlife scenes that will complement your style and add depth to your natural motif. 

Nature-inspired patterns have a timeless quality that can withstand changing design trends, ensuring your interior remains appealing and relevant for years to come. But if you decide the look you have chosen is no longer working, wallpaper is relatively simple to remove, making it a convenient option to easily update with different nature-inspired designs when it comes time to switch themes.

4. Invest in natural fibers.

Furniture, fixtures, and accessories made out of natural materials can further enhance a naturalist look. An added benefit is that they’re environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly, since natural materials will biodegrade once their useful life is complete. 

Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and clay to add authenticity and a sense of connection to the earth. If you can, make sure your space has wood floors, and then layer the area with luxurious natural cotton throws and natural fiber rugs made from sisal or jute to create a serene, organic atmosphere. When adding other decorative pieces to your space, add natural accents like rattan accent chairs, dried flowers, or woven baskets to add a touch of organic beauty. 

Return to Nature

The naturalist look may be one of the easiest trends to embrace. It plays well with other interior design trends and is destined to be a classic. So, that investment in leafy greens and natural fiber rugs will pay off for a long time in unexpected ways.

Looking for some natural inspiration? Start with a natural fiber rug.