Many moons ago, we wrote a blog post about bringing the indoors outdoors. Today, we are switching it up and discussing how to bring the outdoors into your home to create a calm oasis. Fresh air and greenery contribute to a sense of balance and peace, which we would all benefit from having more of in our lives. It is no surprise that many homeowners are trying to achieve this. And the good news is that it doesn’t require a complete renovation; even small changes can make a noticeable difference, and we are here to tell you how.
In this guide, we will explore how to bring the outside inside, with ideas that combine practicality and comfort. Phew, we hear you sigh. A show home would be lovely, but for those of us with busy lifestyles, it is often just a pipedream…one day maybe!
Natural Light: Light is one of the most powerful tools for creating a home that feels connected to the outdoors. Sunlight influences mood and energy levels, and it can transform a room in a way that no artificial lighting can (not even with that expensive lamp from Habitat). Maximising natural light is often the first step when trying to invite more of the outside in, and simple changes can make a huge difference. For example, heavy curtains may provide warmth and privacy, but they also block a lot of daylight. Switching to lighter fabrics or blinds that can be easily adjusted allows more sunlight to filter through. Mirrors are another effective tool. Placing them opposite windows allows natural light to penetrate deeper into the room. This trick not only brightens up your home but also gives the illusion of more space. For those who want to go further, installing larger windows can work wonders, but obviously, that comes at a cost. Sorry, that is us getting a little overexcited.
Greenery: We love plants, so this was always going to be at the top of the list. Yes, they are decorative, but they also introduce colour. In fact, their impact is often underestimated, and considerable research suggests that living with plants can improve air quality and overall well-being. We haven’t got any evidence to share on this (…we are just being honest), but we like to think it is true. The beauty of plants is that they can work in almost any setting. If you are someone who struggles to keep plants alive, though, please don’t dismiss them altogether. There are many options available that require minimal maintenance, which is just how we like them!
Art and Photography: Not everything needs to be literal. Sometimes, representations of the outdoors can be just as effective in creating a natural feel. Landscape photography or abstract art inspired by nature can all help to bring a sense of the outside world into your home. If you have the space, large-scale artworks can transform a blank wall into a completely new scene; on the flip side, smaller pieces can add subtle reminders of the environment around us. Plus, it is an opportunity to go shopping or support a local artist, which we are passionate about.
Natural Materials: Incorporating wood, stone, rattan, clay, etc, into your home can give it an organic feel. These textures bring warmth to a space and are often more inviting than synthetic alternatives that are everywhere you look in home bargain stores nowadays. They are currently very popular in the world of interiors, or so we are told. The idea isn’t to make your home look like a forest lodge (even if you love a Center Parcs break), but to weave these different elements together so that your space feels grounded and peaceful. It is about creating balance.
Colour Creativity: Colour has a powerful influence on how a space feels, and choosing shades inspired by nature is a subtle yet effective way to create the oasis we are dreaming of. Soft greens, earthy browns, and gentle greys are all perfect choices. That doesn’t mean every wall needs to be painted green; in fact, you can have too much of a good thing. Sometimes it’s enough to introduce these tones through furniture or artwork. If you are considering something a little bolder, deep forest greens or terracotta walls in smaller rooms work an absolute treat. Have a play around and enjoy the process of figuring out what works best for your home - maybe a bit of everything.
The Importance of Scent: We often focus on what we see, but smell and sound are equally important in shaping our experience of a space. Fresh flowers or natural essential oils (are we setting the scene?) can bring scents that remind us of the outdoors. Eucalyptus or citrus are great examples. Everywhere you turn, a new plug-in or aromatherapy diffuser is being promoted, and there is a reason for that: smell evokes emotions. Why else do Yankee Candles cost so much? Because they smell delicious, and every home needs one.
Now go and release your inner creativity…
While there is a lot to be said for bringing the outside in, it is worth remembering that your home still needs to be comfortable. The goal isn’t to replicate an entire garden but to take inspiration from one. Nature-inspired elements should complement, not overwhelm, your lifestyle. A home that feels like an extension of the outdoors but still protects you from its less appealing aspects—cold, rain or wind—is the sweet spot to aim for. Because here in the UK, awful weather is what most of us actually experience in our gardens, so why not give yourself a more enjoyable alternative.
Now take this inspiration and get creative!
In this guide, we will explore how to bring the outside inside, with ideas that combine practicality and comfort. Phew, we hear you sigh. A show home would be lovely, but for those of us with busy lifestyles, it is often just a pipedream…one day maybe!
Natural Light: Light is one of the most powerful tools for creating a home that feels connected to the outdoors. Sunlight influences mood and energy levels, and it can transform a room in a way that no artificial lighting can (not even with that expensive lamp from Habitat). Maximising natural light is often the first step when trying to invite more of the outside in, and simple changes can make a huge difference. For example, heavy curtains may provide warmth and privacy, but they also block a lot of daylight. Switching to lighter fabrics or blinds that can be easily adjusted allows more sunlight to filter through. Mirrors are another effective tool. Placing them opposite windows allows natural light to penetrate deeper into the room. This trick not only brightens up your home but also gives the illusion of more space. For those who want to go further, installing larger windows can work wonders, but obviously, that comes at a cost. Sorry, that is us getting a little overexcited.
Greenery: We love plants, so this was always going to be at the top of the list. Yes, they are decorative, but they also introduce colour. In fact, their impact is often underestimated, and considerable research suggests that living with plants can improve air quality and overall well-being. We haven’t got any evidence to share on this (…we are just being honest), but we like to think it is true. The beauty of plants is that they can work in almost any setting. If you are someone who struggles to keep plants alive, though, please don’t dismiss them altogether. There are many options available that require minimal maintenance, which is just how we like them!
Art and Photography: Not everything needs to be literal. Sometimes, representations of the outdoors can be just as effective in creating a natural feel. Landscape photography or abstract art inspired by nature can all help to bring a sense of the outside world into your home. If you have the space, large-scale artworks can transform a blank wall into a completely new scene; on the flip side, smaller pieces can add subtle reminders of the environment around us. Plus, it is an opportunity to go shopping or support a local artist, which we are passionate about.
Natural Materials: Incorporating wood, stone, rattan, clay, etc, into your home can give it an organic feel. These textures bring warmth to a space and are often more inviting than synthetic alternatives that are everywhere you look in home bargain stores nowadays. They are currently very popular in the world of interiors, or so we are told. The idea isn’t to make your home look like a forest lodge (even if you love a Center Parcs break), but to weave these different elements together so that your space feels grounded and peaceful. It is about creating balance.
Colour Creativity: Colour has a powerful influence on how a space feels, and choosing shades inspired by nature is a subtle yet effective way to create the oasis we are dreaming of. Soft greens, earthy browns, and gentle greys are all perfect choices. That doesn’t mean every wall needs to be painted green; in fact, you can have too much of a good thing. Sometimes it’s enough to introduce these tones through furniture or artwork. If you are considering something a little bolder, deep forest greens or terracotta walls in smaller rooms work an absolute treat. Have a play around and enjoy the process of figuring out what works best for your home - maybe a bit of everything.
The Importance of Scent: We often focus on what we see, but smell and sound are equally important in shaping our experience of a space. Fresh flowers or natural essential oils (are we setting the scene?) can bring scents that remind us of the outdoors. Eucalyptus or citrus are great examples. Everywhere you turn, a new plug-in or aromatherapy diffuser is being promoted, and there is a reason for that: smell evokes emotions. Why else do Yankee Candles cost so much? Because they smell delicious, and every home needs one.
Now go and release your inner creativity…
While there is a lot to be said for bringing the outside in, it is worth remembering that your home still needs to be comfortable. The goal isn’t to replicate an entire garden but to take inspiration from one. Nature-inspired elements should complement, not overwhelm, your lifestyle. A home that feels like an extension of the outdoors but still protects you from its less appealing aspects—cold, rain or wind—is the sweet spot to aim for. Because here in the UK, awful weather is what most of us actually experience in our gardens, so why not give yourself a more enjoyable alternative.
Now take this inspiration and get creative!