One design move I love to do is incorporate natural elements into a space to make it feel organic and relaxed. I love mixing wood and stone with modern pieces like gold vases and bright accessories like a colorful acrylic tray. The juxtaposition of natural and man-made is a win-win combination every time! So, today I wanted to share my tips for incorporating the natural elements of wood, stone and vegetation into your own homes!
WOOD
1. Smooth Wood
Texture doesn’t always mean complex patterns and surfaces, for a soft, rustic yet refined look go for a smooth wood finish. Your wood surface should be soft to the touch and a muted color. This works well for kitchen cabinets and wood furniture like an armoire, accent chair or table.
2. Live Wood
This trend is great in any space where you want to make wood the main attraction. The organic edges, visible knots and grain make it a statement piece that really brings out the character of the wood. This works best for coffee tables, dining tables, desks or a even a console table.
2. Reclaimed Wood
While this look can be quite rustic, if you pair it with industrial or modern accessories you can definitely avoid the “I just picked this up from the side of the road” look! The image below works well combining eclectic chandeliers, a geometric rug, lush plants and black chairs with a reclaimed wood table.
STONE
1. Limestone fireplace
A clean, neutral space can be made more interesting by adding a natural element. Limestone is a great material for a fireplace (my fireplace is a huge slab of limestone I had cut and finished). Rough-cut bricks, as shown below, add a great touch, or a smoother finish works well too if you want a more refined style.
2. Grey Granite
While granite is a pretty common material, you can get unique cuts that have more intricate, unique patterns. Use not just as a countertop but to frame an entire kitchen island or as a statement backsplash. This grey granite adds so much texture to an otherwise subtle and, neutral space.
3. Polished Travertine
Ditch the boring bathroom tiles and try stone instead! This polished travertine gives your bathroom for an extra luxurious feel. The layers of stone create a gorgeous range of layered beige tones that pair well with dark fixtures and make your bathroom feel modern but natural at the same time.
VEGETATION
1. Sun Room
Who doesn’t love a room full of sunlight and plants! Choose the room in your house that gets the most light and fill it with different potted and hanging plants for your own personal greenhouse haven.
2. Large Tree
I love large trees in living spaces (you just have to make sure you know how to take care of them!) An Olive tree adds a beautiful whimsical element to any room in your house because of its soft feathery leaves and irregular shape. Make sure you have high enough ceilings so your tree doesn’t look too big for the space, and choose pot that compliments your furniture.
3. Vertical Garden
If you have a small apartment or not a lot of floor space (or you want low maintenance plants) then a vertical garden is the perfect option! This one is by Urbio and you can fill it with all kinds of plants from palms to succulents and more!
Have you incorporated natural elements into your home? Let me know in the comments below or show my on instagram by tagging @sabrina_soto! xo