How to Bring the Outdoors Inside in Your Interior Decorating

Spacious and bright outdoor-inspired room — Amy Bartlam

With the ever-growing focus on sustainability and the importance of living green, it’s no surprise that there’s an increased interest in making our homes reflect the outdoors. While our social feeds are full of plants, this trend takes it a bit further—touching on everything from architecture to accents. Pinterest noted an uptick in the search for bringing the outdoors in on its site, and if it’s appearing on users’ boards the trend is clearly here to stay.

Whether you’re always looking for next brightest maximalist print or you’ve held steadfast to your affinity for minimalism, there’s a way to make this trend work for you. The space you're working with is also insignificant—even the smallest New York City apartments can benefit from a little exterior influence. Below, you’ll find a myriad of ways to turn your indoor space into an ode to outdoor oases and embrace all nature has to offer.

01 of 08

Cultivate a Living Wall

The serenity a lush garden brings to any outdoor space can be easily translated into an indoor version. You can craft your own living wall by hanging up a variety of ceramic pots filled with your favorite plants. Or you can simply purchase a slab of emerald green moss to create an instant accent wall. Whether you select moss, succulents, or herbs—it’s a fresh take on bringing greenery under your roof.

02 of 08

Bring in Earthy Textures

For a space reminiscent of the great outdoors, find textiles and accent pieces that mimic nature’s colors and patterns. Select a couple of cozy throws that resemble ground coverings in a forest. Even a jute rug is a gentle nod to warmer days of breezy outdoor living. Look no further than a wicker pendant lamp for a unique statement piece that feels organic.

03 of 08

Punctuate With Plants and Other Natural Items

We all love a good rubber tree or snake plant in our home. But, if you’re looking beyond the scope of leafy, yet searching for something lively, try things like crystals and gems, dried botanicals, pinecones, and seashells to breathe some life into your space.

04 of 08

Covet Sun Rooms and Airy Nooks

An afternoon spent lounging in a sunroom can be surprisingly healing. The warmth and relaxation of following the sun’s movements all day long make for a special way to connect with nature. While we can’t all choose the frame of our houses and apartments, we can pay extra attention to spaces that allow for a little extra light. If your home doesn’t have a designated sunroom placing a chair or comfy chaise in front of a window can satiate your need for sunrays.

05 of 08

Utilize Wood and Stone

One of the wonderful things about embracing this trend is that it doesn’t take much to recreate. An accent piece like a wood slab coffee table or a slate stone countertop are chic, yet refined ways of embracing organic elements.

06 of 08

Focus on the Perfect Palette

When you’re opting for a nature-inspired approach, bright jewel-toned shades and poppy neon hues aren't really the way to go. The colors you choose heavily depend on the natural theme you’re leaning towards. If the coast is calling your name, soft tans, grays, and the lightest of blues are a good way to go. Forest-lovers can pounce on deep greens and a multitude of browns. Desert dwellers will find respite in ochres, rusts, and muddy reds. There’s a perfect indoor palette for every outdoor taste.

07 of 08

Select a Specific Room

If you’re into the idea of adding a little more of the outside world into your home, but not redoing every area, try transforming one specific room. A space like a bathroom is an easy way to experiment with new trends without dealing with a primary bedroom or a living room. Sprinkle plants in your shower or above the sink. Embellish with tropical print wallpapers. Even hanging art that reflects the ocean's blue or pink sand can echo nature's boldest tones.

Primary Bedroom

The term “Primary Bedroom” is now widely used to describe the largest bedroom in the home, as it better reflects the space’s purpose. Many realtors, architects, interior designers, and the Real Estate Standards Association have recognized the potentially discriminatory connotations in the term “Master.” Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge.

08 of 08

Bring the Indoors Outside

When it comes to making this trend work, the reverse holds true as well. If you have an odd in-between space that straddles the indoors and outdoors, use colorful statement pieces to pay tribute to what lies beyond the curtain, wall, or patio furniture that separates them.

The 10 Best Indoor Plants That Are Impossible to Kill (We Asked the Experts)