Nature is man’s teacher. She unfolds her treasures to his search, unseals his eye, illumes his mind, and purifies his heart; an influence breathes from all the sights and sounds of her existence. -Alfred Billings 

I’ve always been drawn to the natural decorating trend. As much as my personal style changes and evolves, I always end up back at a natural style in my home. For me, it’s a favourite because it’s full of textures and tones and is quite a relaxed style so you are free to incorporate what you like in to it. For this blog, I am going to share with you what I have kept in mind when I created a natural master bedroom,  and give you some decorating tips and ideas for what to use when decorating your own home. I’ll also be sharing with you some amazing products from some great businesses that I have used in my space to show you how to decorate your own home in the natural style.

To create a natural interior, you can not only use items made from natural materials or use colours inspired by nature, you can also use items from nature iteself. I love going for a walk in the bush and foraging for worn branches which can be turned into something like a clothes hanger, or some dried reeds which look perfect simply sitting in a vase or woven belly basket. Collecting and decorating from nature’s creations is not only fun, it doesn’t cost you a thing! When purchasing items to style, pick ones that reflect the colours of nature. Earthy browns. Coastal blues. Lush leafy greens. Nature offers up a variety of colour, so explore these beautiful tones and portray them in to your space. Nature is also full of texture. So it’s another great element to use when decorating. Textured accessories. Textured soft furnishings. Textured wall decor. Texture is particularly good to use in an interior like my master bedroom as I’ve concentrated on using earthy tones rather than colour. The textural elements add another layer and some dimension to the space. So, you can use items given to us by nature. You can purchase decorative accessories which are inspired by nature from retailers. And for this theme in particular, you can go thrifting. Hit up the op-shops or search places online like Gumtree to find second hand items. It not only saves you pennies, it also keeps your interior unique by using one off pieces and combining them with new items to create a style which is a one off.

So what items should you use when decorating using a natural theme? Light and natural coloured fabrics in pieces like bedding, throw blankets and cushions. Texture in pieces like floor rugs, wall art and decorative accessories. Use elements such as ceramic, terracotta, cane, wicker, recycled paper, crystals and rocks, timber, textured glass etc. All these elements come from nature and are not only beautiful, but packed full of texture as well. Include art pieces that contain textures and tones. Or that are reminiscent of natur i.e. flower, plant, landscape or animal drawings. Decorating in a natural style can lack colour, so by using a variety of tones and textures, it will add dimension and doesn’t leave the space looking flat and dull. Also use plants in your space to compliment the natural tones. Plants finish any room and work particularly well for this decorating style especially. If real plants aren’t your preference, you can purchase very realistic and affordable ones these days.

When decorating any room, it is important to remember to please all of the senses. We are already seeing something beautiful. We are touching textures. But we can add even more to the room by also catering to our other senses; sound and smell. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it in every decorating blog I do in future, finish a room with something that smells devine. It is amazing how when we smell something gorgeous when entering a room, it lifts it to a whole new level. This is because it is satisfying another one of our senses. Adding a item like a candle, reed diffuser or an electronic oil diffuser to a room makes it very appealing and inviting. The Gather Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser by Ellia Australia, which I have included in my bedroom, not only gives off a gorgeous scent, its basket-weave design is a great decorative addition to any room in the home. I love having mine on my bedside table as it looks good, smells amazing and plays a variety of relaxing and uplifting sounds which makes our master bedroom seem like a day spa. The combination of scent and sound really gives a room a whole new feel. Another clever and attractive way to add sound to a room is with a portable blue tooth audio system. This one I have in my room is from The House Of Marley and is the sexiest speaker system I’ve ever seen with its bamboo finish and sleek design. It fits in perfectly with the natural decorating theme and is great to use when I’m relaxing or working in our bedroom. So if you are planning on redecorating a room and want to perfect it, make sure to think about pleasing all the senses. Not just sight and feel.

If natural decorating is something you would like to include in your home, I suggest you start by making a mood board to work out what look you want and if the items you love work well together. Research products online and then plan a day to start gathering your natural or nature inspired items. Find some bush land and go for a forage. Stalk your favourite small businesses and see what they stock that suits your space. And go have a look at some local op shops. You’ll be surprised at what you can find! Then bring it all together, remembering to include sight, touch, smell and sound to create the perfect relaxing, natural themed interior space. Most importantly, have fun creating and decorating and remember to stay unique to your personal style.

Zoe – The DIY Decorator

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

CONTRIBUTORS

• Salt Lake Ariel Photograph Print – @natmackcreative. Website here.
• Quote Print – @justbecause_prints. Website here.
• Round Leaf Print Pushion- @mylily_ann. Website here.
• Love Cushion – @homemindsoul. Website here.
• Linen Throw Blanket – @feather_and_oak. Website here.
• Linen Scarf – @taytao_home. Website here.
• Woven Belly Basket – @taytao_home. Website here.
• Ceramic Scented Candle – @wildgypseacollective. Website here.
• Bluetooth Speaker System – @houseofmarley. Website here.
• Oil Diffuser – @elliaaustralia. Website here.
• A3 Tasmanian Oak Frame – @pictureframesmelbourne. Website here.
• Protea Print – @paperandstyleco. Website here.
• Floral Note Book – @_carmenhui_. Website here.
• Ceramic Planter – @habitat101. Website here.
• White Pom Pom Blanket – @bellasluxuryhomedecor. Website here.
• Wicker Wall Baskets & Cane chest – @thebasketmarket_. Website here.
• Crystals, Corals & Stones – @auracrystals_. Website here.