It’s simple — for us at Artemano being in nature and being surrounded by natural materials make us feel good.
Like us, decor and design expert Vicky Sanderson also believes nature is essential to creating a serene home. She recently visited our store in Vaughan, north of Toronto, to share her ideas for making every corner of the home relaxing, a nature-inspired escape.
“Natural, organic elements really remind people of the outdoors. They give them that calming feeling, but I also think that because these pieces are unique and they come from all over the world, they have a sense of story,” said Vicky.
The entrance: A transition to inside
We believe clutter is the antithesis to calm, so Vicky recommends finding a way to hide outdoor accessories like hats and mitts inside a cabinet.
On top of the cabinet she suggests using a stylish item like a bowl as a receptacle for keys and phones.
Vicky uses versatile bowls all around the house as a way to tidy and add texture.
For magical lighting, Vicky says a well-placed mirror will catch and reflect any natural light, brightening the space during the day. At night, it can reflect candles to echo the look of a starry sky.
The bedroom: An oasis of quiet and calm
Vicky suggests using wood and other natural materials to create a space where you’ll feel refreshed and revived.
She likes a wood bedframe that evokes the forest, and layers the bed with textured linens and pillows. She chooses a colour scheme that creates a rich, warm and cosy ambiance.
The kitchen: Where casual family meals come together
Vicky opts for a table made from reclaimed boat wood from Indonesia as the room’s focal point.
All the necessities should be accessible, she says. She puts cutlery in an antique can, and napkins, which add a pop of colour to the table, are set out in a bowl.
This relaxed table setting makes getting together and having a meal with family or friends really easy.
Grow herbs in your kitchen for a lovely touch of green. They’re a simple way to boost the fresh factor of any meal.
The dining room: A modern gathering place
Vicky’s dining room shows how she incorporates Artemano pieces, like a freeform edge table, into a contemporary setting.
The textured stools used for three of the six seats can easily be tucked under the table when not in use, which is especially practical in a smaller living space. For minimalists, these versatile items also work as a table or seat in another part of the home.
The contemporary feel is achieved with sleek tableware in a neutral palette, and touches of silver and crystal.
This is another space where Vicky likes to avoid clutter. A sideboard allows to have dishes and linens within easy reach while keeping the room neat.
The reading nook: Another zone of escape
Vicky defines her reading nook with a small eight-by-five-foot rug. To a comfy chair, she adds a faux-fur throw for texture and warmth. There’s an ottoman for putting her feet up and a side-table for books and a coffee mug or teacup.
She explains that good lighting is essential for both reading and creating an enchanting atmosphere.
When we choose pieces for our home that reflect nature, we’re able to create a calming sanctuary that gives us and our family the beneficial effects of a natural environment and transforms every room into a unique escape.
