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BY DESIGN INSIDE OUT

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN TO YOUR HOME DECOR

BY ALENA CAPRA

The home is our sanctuary. To make it feel serene, use materials and colors found in nature. It’s a concept known as biophilic design, which not only connects you to nature but creates an environment that promotes general well-being. Whether your look is modern, transitional, or traditional, here are some easy ways to work natural elements into any room in your home. (alenacapradesigns.com)

CURATE

COLORS, TEXTURES, AND PRINTS

BLUE REIGNS SUPREME AS THE TOP CHOICE FOR COASTAL-INSPIRED DECOR, WHETHER IT’S USED AS AN ACCENT OR A MAIN COLOR. PALETTES CAN RANGE FROM DEEP COBALTS TO LIGHT BLUES TO TURQUOISE—IT ALL WORKS! ALSO INCREASINGLY POPULAR ARE WARMER EARTH TONES LIKE TERRA-COTTA, CLAY, WARM BEIGE, TAN, AND SHADES OF GREEN. ADDING NATURAL TEXTURES CAN ALSO ENHANCE YOUR SPACE—THINK WALL COVERINGS LIKE GRASSCLOTHS AND OTHER NATURAL WOVEN MATERIALS. OR, IF TEXTURE IS NOT YOUR THING, CONSIDER A NATUREINSPIRED WALLPAPER OR EVEN WALL TILES IN BOTANICAL PRINTS, LARGE-SCALE FLORALS, CORALS, TROPICAL PALM LEAVES, AND MORE.

Add Accessories

Nothing brings the outdoors in like accessorizing a room with pieces that actually come from nature. Objects such as coral, driftwood, agate, and crystal are all great options and available in a variety of sizes and price points for tabletop decor or shelf styling. You can often fi nd these materials used as frames for mirrors, furniture bases, and even table lamps—another great way to bring these natural elements into your space.

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CONSIDER YOUR SURFACES

With so many gorgeous quartzite, marble, onyx, granite, and even semiprecious countertop options, these beautiful stones from the earth can amp up your surfaces. From neutrals to bolder colors, the sky is the limit when it comes to fi nding something unique for your countertops and wall cladding.

GO GREEN

Adding greenery brings peace to a space, whether you choose live plants, artifi cial, or a mix. Gone are the days of fake-looking greenery; if maintaining living plants is not your thing, realistic versions abound. Popular options for large indoor plants include the bird of paradise and the fi ddle leaf fi g, two species that can easily dress up an otherwise empty corner while adding height. Decorating a table with succulents or moss can also add a pop of green. Another indoor option is a snake grass plant, which can be used in a space where you don’t need a plant with a lot of height or bulk.