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10 Creative Ways to Bring the Outdoors In

10 Creative Ways To Bring The Outdoors InI love decorating with natural elements.  In my mother’s day, flower arrangements and seashells were the go-to decor pieces for bringing the outdoors in.  But nowadays nature-inspired decor is far more diverse.  From pillows to pottery, coat hooks and wallpaper, the nature motif is seen just about everywhere.  While styles and tastes may change, using nature to decorate the home is here to stay – and I couldn’t be happier. So today I am sharing my 10 favourite ways to bring the outdoors in (besides flowers and seashells ;) ).  Most are low cost and all add coziness in the home and perhaps a little whimsy, too.

1.  ADD PINECONES, CRAFTED OR BARE

As a lifelong fan of pinecone decor, I like to mix it up to keep things interesting. One way of adding a bit of ‘craft’ to your pinecones (and a great project for the kiddos) is to wrap them in yarn for added texture and colour.

These modern, yarn-wrapped pinecones are a great way to inject some colour into your fall decor this year. A fun and easy project to share with the kids.

If yarn is not your ‘thing’ then brighten up your pinecones by painting the tips to add some pops of colour.

OmbrePinecone4

Source:  Whimzeecal

If you are a ‘purist’ then you may prefer your pinecones au naturale – thank you very much! There are plenty of great applications, including adding a large bundle to a basket

2015 fall home tour - foyer

or popping them in glassware as part of a pretty table setting.

pinecones and flowers

Source:  Suburban Faux Pas

//For more on using pinecones in your home check out SIMPLE, MODERN PINECONE DECOR IDEAS//

2.  Use Vases To Display Non-Floral Elements

When adding interest in your home, try the unexpected. One of my favourite ways to do this is by using unconventional elements in vases, like branches with leaves

2015 fall home tour - foyer

10 Creative Ways To Bring The Outdoors In

long twigs or bare branches

TV stand/storage

…or pussy willows (on this buffet) and small twigs (on this tablescape).

2015 fall home tour - dining space

3.  GNARLY ADDITION

I just love how gnarled roots and branches look in a space – the gnarlier the better!  For added impact, place them on clean, plain surfaces where they can take center stage. For example, try a simple addition to a dresser, like this grapewood root

or in a glass vase filled with sand in this reading nook…

or on a high surface – like this bookcase decorated for fall – for added impact.

4.  ADD NATURAL ELEMENTS TO STACKS OR ROWS OF BOOKS

Another easy way to integrate outdoor elements in your home is by placing them on a stack of books, like the bright white sea coral below. Next to this DIY Whitewash Abstract Art, the sea coral complements the vignette by adding texture and visual appeal.

How To Create Whitewash Abstract Art

You can also try incorporating nature-inspired decor in bookcases.  It’s a great way to break up the monotony of seeing rows of books, while also allowing you to feature your favourite outdoor-inspired pieces like this rustic-looking bird…

10 creative ways to bring the outdoors in.

or this tree trunk inspired vase…

10 creative ways to bring the outdoors in.

The trick is to integrate outdoor bits seamlessly into your existing layout.  Rocks – real or faux – are possibly the easiest and ‘earthiest’ things you can use to accomplish this.  Take a look at this coffee table vignette that happens to include other nature-inspired decor as well – can you spot the rock?

Coffee Table Decorating, 5 Ways - aprettyfix.com

Coffee Table Decorating, 5 Ways - aprettyfix.com

5.  POTTED PLANTS

Next to flower arrangements, houseplants are possibly the first thing you think of when you want to bring the outdoors in.  And why not?  They add loads of coziness to a home.  It also does not take much to achieve this. Just take a look at these rooms to see what I mean.

baskets add warmth to a living room

Source:  Rain On A Tin Roof

interior-decorator-toronto

Source:  Love On Sunday

plants to create cozy living room

Source:  A Beautiful Mess

But if you are known as a plant-killer 😉 then why not try your hand at these easy-to-care-for mini cacti plants.

Add some lovely pops of smoky colour with these mini marbled painted pots. A fun DIY project for your home.

Caring for cacti is much easier than other houseplants.  After reading about just how easy cactus care is here, then pop over here and learn how to create the mini marbled painted pots pictured above.

6.  ANTLER ANTICS

With any decorating scheme, bringing in quirky elements adds a relaxed and interesting vibe to your home and antlers surely accomplish this. While some trends come and go, antler decor seems to be here to stay. I happen to have a couple of real shed antlers that my husband stumbled upon while stomping around in the woods (or at least I imagine him stomping around like a big kid 😉 ). I am always sneaking them out of the garage and into the home to create fun vignettes, like this fall foyer display.

2015 fall home tour - foyer

2015 fall home tour - foyer

I also love the unexpected interest that antlers bring to a traditional vignette. Using nature-inspired decor to create contrast between raw elements and prettier objects provides additional visual appeal as this coffee table vignette shows.

Coffee Table Decorating, 5 Ways - aprettyfix.com

Coffee Table Decorating, 5 Ways - aprettyfix.com

If using antlers to decorate your home seems a bit too rustic for your taste, then try using small-sized versions like these Christmas ornaments to add style statements in a tray

2015 fall home tour - console

…or as part of a loose display on a table.

side table 1 - Christmas 2015

side table 2 - Christmas 2015

7.  FILL A BOOT TRAY WITH ROCKS

For a more utilitarian project, try giving an old plastic boot tray a fresh face by filling it with rocks to hide those nasty drippings that form at the bottom.

This boot tray makeover is a great way to turn a ho-hum boot tray into a stylish spot for your footwear. It's all in the details!

Best of all, maintenance is easy. Simply empty the tray and clean off the bottom with soapy water and a rag. Do this at least once or twice a year.

8.  PUT A WREATH ON IT

Wreaths need not be relegated to the outdoors.  In fact, their versatility in both style and form make them great additions to interior spaces, including foyers, bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, or as part of a gallery wall display. Here are some indoor wreath displays that I’ve used just this past  year.

2015 fall home tour - living room

dining table - Christmas 2015

half wall - full view - Christmas 2015

Make your own custom wreaths to cater to your taste and style. Check out these DIY wreath tutorials for some inspiration:

Making a pretty (faux) wildflower wreath is a lovely way to bring the outdoors in. In this step by step tutorial, learn how to make your own wildflower wreath for your home, wedding or special event.

Source:  A Pretty Fix

Usher in the season using a modern, colour block pattern with this DIY (faux) Wildflower Wreath. No glue or floral wire is required!Source:  A Pretty Fix

This do-it-yourself felt boxwood wreath makes a chic addition to your holiday decor - and one that will last!

Source:  A Pretty Fix

9.  SOFT FURNISHINGS

Soft furnishings like bedspreads or pillows are another lovely way to inject some outdoor coziness inside the home. There are plenty of great options at your local home goods stores. Best of all, they integrate well with any style or taste.

master bedroom

guest bedroom

2015 fall home tour - den

10.  WILD AT ‘ART’

And, finally, don’t forget that art depicting the outdoors is another great way of adding warmth and interest.  Antique stores are the best places to find affordable, quirky pieces. Try to vary how you display your artwork by hanging them the traditional way or by leaning them against walls and mirrors as part of a vignette.

encaustic art

candlesticks

2015 fall home tour - dining space

guest bath 2

ensuite 2

guest bedroom

FINAL THOUGHTS

Bringing the outdoors in the home can be done in so many subtle, yet creative ways these days.  Crafted or bought, nature-inspired decor is a fun way to inject a little whimsy while simultaneously creating a soft and cozy space to kick your feet up in and enjoy. I hope these 10 creative ways to bring the outdoors in inspires you to further explore how you, too, can add a relaxed, natural vibe into your home.

Happy decorating 🙂

For more creative crafts, DIY’s, and decor inspirations from around the web, check out The Handmade HangoutPeace/Love Link UpProject InspiredFamily Joy Blog Link-UpCraft Schooling SundayShow and TellMad SkillsMerry MondayMeet Up MondayThe DIY Link Party, That DIY PartyTutorials & TipsWelcome Home WednesdaysCreative Spark Link PartyThe Wednesday RoundupMad SkillsCreative Corner Link UpSnickerdoodle Sunday, Happiness is HomemadeBloggers Spotlight Link PartyDare to ShareShare It One More TimeSaturday SparksSaturday SharefestSweet InspirationFlaunt It FridayBFF Open House Link PartyPretty Pintastic PartyFuntastic FridayThe Creative ExchangeNo Rules Weekend Blog PartyCreativity Unleashed and The DIY Collective

30 Comments

  • Reply
    Samara Thiessen
    May 16, 2016 at 7:18 am

    First; your house is beautiful! Second; these are GREAT ideas. I love the leaves, and the pine cones. Every time I read your posts I just want an apartment to decorate!!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      May 16, 2016 at 9:19 am

      That is so sweet of you to say Samara! I know exactly how you feel – been there. For many years, in fact. But I say there’s no time like the present to decorate any space you are in – whether it is your bedroom or a room you rent. Picking up just a few things to personalize your space can make you feel quite at home wherever you happen to be. Glad you enjoyed the post. Take care!

  • Reply
    Celeste
    May 20, 2016 at 8:42 am

    These are such great ways to bring nature into your decor! It’s such an easy, beautiful way to decorate your home on a budget. I just love the natural look that those things add to the home. And those ombre pinecones are so pretty!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      May 20, 2016 at 12:20 pm

      Nature-inspired decor is so readily available these days, both around the home and in stores (even my local grocery store carries it) and I just love it! The best part is that you can make it as rustic or as modern as you like and as eclectic or as minimal as you like. The possibilities are endless 🙂

  • Reply
    Hil
    May 21, 2016 at 12:43 pm

    I love those pine cone crafts. They are super cute. I would totally do the rock shoe mat but I know my young kids would play with it and/or eat it!

    Have you linked up at #bloggerspotlight yet this week? You should!

    http://www.raisingfairiesandknights.com/bloggers-spotlight-link-and-pin-it-party-23/

    • Reply
      Jelica
      May 21, 2016 at 1:28 pm

      Lol! Once they bite into those rocks, they’ll think twice before trying it again 😉 Thanks for the invite to #bloggerspotlight – will take a peak!

  • Reply
    Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled
    May 22, 2016 at 8:30 am

    Great round-up of ideas. Not sure which elements I like best; they’re all good! Visiting from Happiness is Homemade party.

    • Reply
      Jelica
      June 6, 2016 at 6:08 am

      Thanks Victoria!

  • Reply
    Laurie
    May 22, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    So many beautiful picture with ideas to share! Thank you for bringing them to us at Snickerdoodle Sunday! Pinned to share 🙂

    • Reply
      Jelica
      June 6, 2016 at 6:09 am

      Always happy to share 🙂

  • Reply
    Cristina Mandeville
    May 25, 2016 at 5:57 pm

    I finally find a purpose for those pine cones that our daughters love to bring home! lol It looks cute! Thank you for linking up at #bloggerspotlight link and pin-it party! Pinned and I hope to see you again!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      May 25, 2016 at 7:23 pm

      Glad to oblige your girls Cristina 😉 Always happy to share – will definitely visit your link party again 🙂

  • Reply
    sam@ Raggedy Bits
    May 26, 2016 at 5:40 am

    So much lovely inspiration in one spot! So many different elements love it! 🙂

    • Reply
      Jelica
      May 26, 2016 at 10:14 am

      Thanks so much!

  • Reply
    Mary-the boondocks blog
    June 5, 2016 at 11:38 am

    Jelica there are so many great ideas here. And the best part is that most of them are free. No need to spend big bucks to make your home look beautiful. You have gathered up a great collection of inspiration. I just came back from the farm today with bunch of branches!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      June 5, 2016 at 3:51 pm

      Lol! That’s great Mary! Hope you share some decor projects using those branches. There are so many possibilities using the natural resources all around us 🙂

  • Reply
    sherry
    June 5, 2016 at 9:22 pm

    There are so many wonderful decorating ideas you have! Your home is stunning!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      June 6, 2016 at 6:09 am

      Thank you Sherry 🙂

  • Reply
    Erlene A
    June 5, 2016 at 11:10 pm

    These are great suggestions. I’m working on bringing more outdoor items into my home with some faux succulents and flowers. Thanks for sharing this on Merry Monday.

    • Reply
      Jelica
      June 6, 2016 at 6:07 am

      Thanks Erlene 🙂 It is surprisingly easy and inexpensive and, best of all, really makes a house feel cozy. Take care!

  • Reply
    Helen Fern
    June 6, 2016 at 9:04 am

    I love bringing natural elements indoors. Thanks for sharing on the DIY Party!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      June 6, 2016 at 4:45 pm

      Me too 🙂 The fun part for me was discovering all the sneaky ways I brought the outdoors in – without even realizing it 🙂

  • Reply
    Catherine @ ten thousand hour mama
    June 14, 2016 at 6:21 pm

    Oh my, I LOVE those pine cone ideas! They’re almost enough for me to long for fall and winter… almost. 😉

    • Reply
      Jelica
      June 14, 2016 at 8:19 pm

      LOL! I know what you mean Catherine 🙂

  • Reply
    Charlene Asay
    July 10, 2016 at 6:35 pm

    These are all really great ideas. Love the rocks in the shoe tray to keep the dirt out. Thanks for sharing with us at Family Joy Blog Link Up Party this week. Enjoy your week!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 14, 2016 at 6:35 am

      Thanks Charlene. The river stones in the shoe tray really have done the trick and continue to hide the splatters. It’s definitely made a difference in the mudroom – not so ‘muddy’ anymore 😉 Take care!

  • Reply
    Janet Vinyard
    July 16, 2016 at 9:37 am

    Hi Jelica, Great post! So interesting and full of so many ideas to try! I especially liked the section on gnarled objects as well as the one on antlers! Thanks for sparking some creative thoughts for me! Blessings, Janet

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 16, 2016 at 10:47 am

      I do love unusual touches in the home – ‘gnarly’ decor and antlers fit the bill for me in this regard! Blessings to you too Janet 🙂

  • Reply
    Ashleigh
    July 22, 2016 at 7:29 am

    Great decor pieces! I love the ombre pinecones the best!

    Thanks for sharing on Peace, Love, Link Up! Looking forward to seeing you next time! : )

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 24, 2016 at 5:52 pm

      They’re definitely pretty sweet 🙂 Take care!

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