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Decorating With Nature

August 7, 2018 by carole Leave a Comment

Decorating with nature or natural elements in our homes seems more important than ever, given the rise of technology in our lives.

Fair warning: this blog is picture heavy with so many beautiful examples of decorating with nature. These photos, culled from client work, the store and other sources, illustrate some simple ways to add a little nature to your home and create a visual break from the technology that bombards us all. Now, more than ever, we need nature in our lives and, especially when stuck inside, we need visual cues to sustain us and remind us to sustain nature. 

Shells, Coral and Other Natural Miscellany

I love a shell and I adore anything coral. Probably my crabby cancer sign which harkens back to the sea. Seaside or outdoor decor is not exclusively for the nature lover but can make an appearance in any home. A large conch can rest atop a pile of books or sea fans provide an ethereal backdrop for just about anything. Stones and wood accessories add an organic nod to nature. Or it can be something as simple as a basket of shells. Read more ideas about decorating with shells here.

shells in basket
A basket of shells collected from past trips is the perfect visual cue of nature.
shells driftwood sea sponge
Driftwood, shells and other beachy elements make up this store vignette.
fan coral sea sponges bathtub vignette
Sea fan with sea sponges make a nature inspired grouping by my tub.
vanity dressing area vignette
And along with some cuties in a frame, my vanity area has seaside rocks I collected on a hiking trip with my sisters.
coral centerpiece
Coral centerpiece on shell mirror gives a strong natural focal point on this coffee table we displayed in one vignette. Rattan furniture adds another natural element.
coral plates real coral
We loved working with this client’s collection and especially loved this pairing we did wtih coral plates and real coral.
Black coral and shells in the brass bowl, along with a fabulous nude figure, makes for a great entrance.
air plants in abalone shells
Air plants in abalone shells, one of our favorite discoveries at the gift show last year.
petrified wood bowl
How cool would this petrified wood bowl look with shells and other natural elements? Or alone it serves as a wonderful reminder of trees and nature.
peacock feathers
Peacock feathers are so boho and such a great reminder of one of nature’s most beautiful creatures. And they drop their feathers naturally so no harm done.

Living, Breathing Plant Life

Plants are back in a big, trendy way. The 70s boho vibe in decorating has helped “grow” this trend. I have always had some form of plant life in my home but prefer low maintenance plants that can subsist on little water and much neglect. (For more ideas on natural elements you can’t kill, read here.) The rise of succulents and cacti in decorating is also a win-win in my books.

stones and succulents
Love the large stones placed with the succulents.
succulents easy care low water plants
Succulents and other easy care plants are a great way to bring nature inside.
plants on porch
This outdoor area bridges the gap from house to outside with furnishings for comfort and lots of plants.
plants in conservatory
Darling, what do you have in your conservatory?
low maintenance plants
Cacti and other low maintenance plants are easy.
african violets americana decor
This sweet client actually grows African Violets successfully. We highlighted them in a sunny window.
modern interior plants
Modern light and bright and fuss-free interiors can still do with a plant or two.
plants at home
Love the refined books and sofa combined with the wilder plants.
Plant in blue and white highlights one client’s porcelain collection and adds a little nature at the same time.

Flowers and Fruit

Flowers and fruit are generally fleeting, as opposed to longer lived plants. However, they do have their place in brightening the home. I love a fresh posy beside the bed or an orchid for entertaining or everyday. A bowl of fruit adds color to our kitchens and reminds us to eat healthy. If you have a rose garden or other cutting flowers, all the better to nab a weekly bouquet or two. Of course, I always have citrus  fruits around for a cocktail spritz and a bowl of apples is nice for fall.

yellow flowers bananas yellow rug
We love how the bananas and mums repeat the rug color in this client’s home.
butcher block island vignette decor
Butcher block island complete with green apples, lemons and an orchid for another client’s special home.
flowers in ribbon
Sweet posy of flowers is always appropriate and I love the extra flourish of the ribbon.
bedside flowers
Flowers are always nice to see first thing in the morning, especially a Monday morning.
dried hydrangea
Dried hydrangeas are a great way to usher in fall.

Nature Inspired Wallpaper, Art and Textiles

Alongside real natural elements, decorating with nature might include things that are inspired by nature. I have seen some killer wallpapers lately and some adorable textiles that evoke nature. Finally, from prints to butterflies under glass, there are a myriad of choices in nature inspired art.

Schumacher bird wallpaper large birdcage
My fav vignette in the store with Schumacher bird wallpaper in the background, concealing the bathroom door.
preserved butterflies in frames
Butterfly art in the natured inspired area of the store.
Barloga photographic prints
These nature photograph prints on handmade paper have caught the eye of many a customer.
shell art
Shell art.
palm wallpaper
A palm wallpaper in a sunroom or on a feature wall screams nature.
nature flower-inspired art
Nature and flower-inspired art.
cactus pillow decorating with nature
Cacti pillow is super fun.

For more decorating with nature inspiration read here. Grab your collection of nature inspired items from around the house and amass them together for impact. Cut some flowers. Collect rocks or shells on your next trip or sand in small glass jars from different beaches you visited. Surround yourself with beauty and meaningful reminders of nature and take a break from the constant pounding that is technology.

 

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Carole Marcotte

My name is Carole and I am a caring, efficient and passionate interior decorator. I help clients create stylish, functional homes that respect their past while designing for their future. After extensive research, I work tirelessly to blend clients’ existing and new decor into the overall design scheme. I love what I do.

My ideal for the design world in general (I can dream big, can’t I?): People will stop buying crap, refurbish and highlight their existing treasures and, if they absolutely need more stuff, buy only resale items (vintage, antique, consignment or the like). And if it must be new stuff, it will provide significant function, environmental sustainability or support our artists and thereby feed our soul. I am on a mission…care to join me?

My blog is a little bit decorating tips, a little bit travel, and a whole lotta love and design musings. Xo

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