1) What are the benefits of bringing the outdoors inside?
I love being outdoors; it refreshes and re-energizes me. As a writer, I spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, and I find that if I get up a couple of times a day and take a stroll around the park, I come back with a clearer head and fresh focus. From what I’ve been reading, I’m not alone — there is all sorts of evidence now that being out of doors in the environment is good for our physical and emotional health.
2) Where did this idea originate?
It’s been around since the Garden of Eden, which is depicted as Paradise. Even the earliest cave paintings depict images that connect the dwellers with the natural world, and organic motifs can be found in everything from Grecian urns to toile du jouy to abstract impressionist art to plastic cups from the dollar store. As a species, we’re deeply and forever connected to nature.
3) How does bringing the outdoors inside complement décor and ambiance?
It warms it up, especially when the décor is modern and sleek. It adds depth, character, and interest because nature is never perfect — you see that in the varied tones of a piece of water-washed stone, in the raw edge of a piece of wood, or the subtle patina of aged metal. It’s rich, layered, highly tactile look, and it works with every type of décor – both as accent and anchor.
4) How does someone actually bring the outdoors inside?
In the end, it all depends on your personal taste and the room. But the focus should be on materials found in nature. If you’re unsure, start with small touches — add some stone tea lights, a slate bowl, or a sweet little fish carved out of Suar from Artemano.
If you’re ready for a bigger statement, choose a larger piece; perhaps a dining room table made from an exotic wood, or a coffee table that incorporates reclaimed materials.
I’m getting ready to do a home office makeover, and because I want to bring a little of that outdoor energy to the space, I’m starting with a desk from Artemano made from reclaimed wood that has metal accents.
5) What are your favourite concrete ways of bringing the outdoors inside?
You can never go wrong with fresh seasonal flowers, and it’s such an easy option. But it can get expensive, so don’t hesitate to cut interesting branches off a tree and group them in a large vase. I also love to see just a few flowers floating in a shallow vessel. If you have a sunny corner of a garden, sow a package or two of sunflowers seeds in the spring – you’ll have blooms all Fall.
Fill a vintage glass bowl with pretty stones you’ve found at the beach or a handful of chestnuts or pine cones (no spray painting, please!) Another no-no in my books –chemical-laden air fresheners that mimic outdoor scents. If the air inside your home is stale – open a window for a few minutes!
Try to bring in as much natural light as possible – add a mirror to the wall of a darker room to help bounce the light.
If you’re feeling ambitious, consider a living or green wall, or using a low rectangular planter filled with succulents as a space divider. I also love a fireplace – natural or gas — because few things are more elemental than fire.
*Vicky Sanderson: Home décor specialist
Over the past two decades, Vicky Sanderson has covered just about every angle of home and décor related news. These days, she writes about design and decor in a widely-read weekly column that appears every Saturday in The Toronto Star. Her work, including make-over projects, has appeared in such publications as Canadian Living, and Reno and Décor, for which she also writes a monthly column. She frequently shares tips, tricks and trends on such media outlets as Canada AM, Breakfast Television, CHCH Morning Live, and CBC Radio. Follow her on Twitter @vickysanderson.