7 clever ways to bring the outside in, according to interior designers who love nature-inspired spaces

Nature is steadily making its way into interior design schemes in 2024, with the earthy look capturing the attention of designers and homeowners alike.

Defined by organic materials and a deep, neutral color palette, the nature-inspired look is fresh and inviting. And while bringing in house plants and opting for floral fabrics is well and good, interior designers are recommending other clever ways to get the natural look at home this year.

If you're looking to bring a bit more of nature's beauty into your home, you're in luck. We spoke with interior designers, who shared their top tips for getting the natural aesthetic in your space, without relying on clichés. These are seven out-of-the-box ways to bring the outdoors in, and channel the great outdoors at home.

7 ways to take decor inspiration from nature

Get a nature-inspired look at home with these seven clever strategies recommended by interior designers. With everything from bespoke furniture to light-enhancing mirrors, your home will feel like a serene escape in no time.

1. Opt for natural wood furniture

Natural materials are vital in any nature-inspired design scheme, and wooden furniture is one of the best ways to inject outdoorsy charm. Jan Hendzel, founder of Jan Hendzel Studio, says using furniture built with local timber is one of the best ways to get the natural look. It's also a sustainable choice that will endure the test of time.

'Incorporating expressive timber furniture and objects into an interior design scheme is an excellent way to blend the indoors with the outdoors. We embrace the concept of creating a sanctuary and fostering genuine nourishment in spaces through the use of natural materials, comforting forms, and calming objects. Wooden pieces not only have a pleasing aesthetic but are also enjoyable to touch,' says Jan.

In this bedroom, pictured above, a Pineapple Chunks table by Jan Hendzel Studio adds character and visual interest to an otherwise untouched corner. Its unique detailing mimics that found in the natural world, and when paired with a light green hue, it exudes earthy charm. He suggests 'sculptural and tactile' pieces that are also functional for a successful take on the nature-inspired look.

'A coffee table with a smooth curved edge, a monolithic dining table with aging cracks, or a chest of drawers with hand-carved scallops. It’s in these small details where the hand of the maker is most evident and emboldens the pieces with humor and a unique sense of style,' says Jan.

2. Stick to local sourcing

The most special part of Jan Hendzel's hand-crafted furniture is important throughout the rest of the home as well: local, sustainable sourcing. While Jan utilizes natural materials from nearby communities in his work, James Lees and Clémence Pirajean – co-founders of design firm Pirajean Lees – take inspiration from artists and materials available locally. This home, located in Marrakech, Morocco, is a stunning, hyper-local take on the nature-inspired look.

'Drawing inspiration from the surrounding farms, mud houses, ruins, and views of the Atlas mountains, we exclusively utilized traditional Moroccan materials such as pisé, tadelakt, dos, hand-cut local stone, bricks, and timber – all crafted by local specialists,' says James.

'In another project located in Marylebone, London, we introduced natural materials throughout, crafting bespoke furniture pieces from a selection of premium timbers such as walnut, oak and ash,' adds Clémence.

'Additionally, we designed a handwoven Danish cord headboard, adding a touch of artisanal craftsmanship to the guest bedroom. A reclaimed smoked oak floor was used throughout the property, further enhancing the connection to nature and adding warmth to the space,' she continues, referencing the room pictured below.

The importance of keeping furniture and decor local goes far beyond aesthetics. It's also a sustainable, planet-friendly approach that embodies the natural decor mindset, says Polly Bedford, director of Coppice & Crown.

'When bringing the outdoors into a home, it’s important to consider whether the materials you’re using have an adverse effect on the natural environment. There is a certain irony to achieving a home aesthetic that is inspired by nature while not respecting the surrounding environment itself,' says Polly.

'If you are able to use wood that has been sustainably sourced and ethically grown then this is always the best option. Not only is this beneficial for the planet, but it helps to achieve an aesthetic, unembellished connection to nature that is difficult to achieve using mass-produced flooring. Always consider the environment, and your natural home décor will come together seamlessly and with beautifully authentic results,' she continues.

3. Let mirrors direct natural light

Natural light is a non-negotiable when creating an all-natural look in your home, but not every space is furnished with plenty of sun. Louise Bradley, interior designer and founder of her eponymous firm, offers a couple of clever tricks to increase the natural light in your home.

If you have the time and budget to make some adjustments, expanding windows does wonders, even in the darkest or most shade-covered areas of the home. Alternatively, you can do a bit of rearranging to ensure your most-used furniture is placed in the light, airy areas. That way, you'll be surrounded by sun without making any major investments.

If neither option will do, Louise says that mirrors can act as an impactful alternative. 'Mirrors are a powerful design element to amplify the connection between indoors and outdoors. By strategically placing mirrors to reflect the outdoor views, you can create the illusion of bringing the outdoors in,' she says..

4. Incorporate hardwood flooring and cladding

'Hardwood flooring is the perfect way to bring the outdoors into your home, as the natural textures add warmth, character, and charm to any room,' says Polly. 'Wood is an incredibly versatile material and can be easily modified to suit any style. Try staining the wood for a darker hue that adds depth to your living space, or whitewashing to achieve a lighter, Scandi-inspired aesthetic. Experimenting with different hues, textures and finishes will help find the perfect fit for your natural home decor.'

Hardwood floors are classic, and an excellent way to bring a bit of nature inside. But the living room or bedroom floor aren't the only places for wood surfaces in the home. Polly adds that decks and garden areas also benefit from the material.

Plus, using natural wood outside provides 'a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor space.' By choosing the same style and finish for both spaces, Polly says you can 'create the illusion of there being no boundaries between your home and the outside, making it feel more spacious and connected to nature.'

'Wooden cladding can take your natural home decor a step further, enhancing the warmth that hardwood flooring brings and creating a cozy, cabin-like feel. Consider ash or chestnut for your interior wall cladding which guarantees durability and longevity over more commonly used softwoods,' Polly adds.

5. Go bespoke for sculptural details

According to Jan, another of his go-to's for nature-inspired spaces is bespoke furniture and decor. By personalizing your pieces, you can get a natural look that's truly perfect for your unique space, and tell a story through your design scheme. Whether you opt for wooden furniture or textile-based decor, the possibilities are endless when it comes to bespoke pieces. Make your home feel like you with one-of-a-kind pieces crafted by the professionals.

'Working closely with a design workshop, you can really hone in on the values that are most important to you, and benefit from the expertise on offer from a professional design studio and a workshop offering incredible craftsmanship,' says Jan. 'As a design professional, instilling a narrative around the materials behind what I create offers an honest approach to our products, allowing people to consider and understand before they make a purchase. Where, how and why does it fit in with your life?'

6. Don't forget about fragrance

The best design schemes incorporate all five senses, not simply relying on sight. And when it comes to nature, fragrance is undeniably important.

From freshly cut grass to pine needles, the scents of nature contribute loads to the feeling and atmosphere of a space. That's why Ayten Nadeau, founder, and owner of North Carolina-based I-TEN DESIGNS, recommends candles in nature-inspired spaces for both fragrance and ambiance.

'Picture this: fresh flowers bursting with color, greenery breathing life into every nook, and sunlight streaming through breezy window treatments, giving off those warm, cozy feels. And let's not forget about those natural scents – a hint of lavender here, a dash of citrus there, setting the stage for total relaxation,' says Ayten.

'And to top it all off, eco-friendly soy candles casting a soft glow and subtle fragrance, sealing the deal on that laid-back ambiance. By embracing these natural elements, we're not just decorating – we're creating sanctuaries of serenity and style,' she continues.

7. Allow for imperfections

'When working with natural materials, we embrace their imperfections, finding beauty in their unique patterns that tell a story and infuse a space with personality. For instance, the grain of a timber board and its unique character tell the history of the tree it came from. Timber grain or similarly marble veins, create distinctive patterns which make each piece of furniture unique,' says James.

Nature is inherently imperfect, and a nature-inspired space follows suit. Organic details and textures look lived-in and comfortable, not sterile and streamlined. Lean into earthy color palettes and visual interest without getting caught up in the details. Imperfections add charm – they don't take away from a nature-inspired design scheme.

'I love the idea of brining the outdoors in with pieces crafted from reclaimed wood, capiz shell, and natural stone,' adds Kathy Kuo, interior designer and founder of homeware brand, Kathy Kuo Home. In addition to organic materials, you can also embrace natural decor with silhouettes and shapes that are a little more free-flowing and full of curves and imperfections.'

Embrace nature's beauty all throughout your home by bringing in natural materials and letting their imperfections shine. Your natural oasis, reflecting the great outdoors with ease, awaits.