If you have been more cooped up indoors during our colder spells this winter, you may be looking forward to the changes that a little spring weather will bring. To turn over a new leaf in your home now that involves more than ensuring the Christmas decorations are all stored away, consider adding some earthy, outdoor touches inside when things start to warm up.
Some of the simplest ways to bring some spring inside is to mix in some outdoor elements to your indoor spaces. This could add a whole new twist to “the grass is always greener on the other side.” Buy ornamental grass decorations in small metal containers, vases, or table runner centerpieces. One of my favorites is a square or rectangular plot of faux wheat grass. Line up 3 to 5 containers down the middle of a dining, coffee, buffet, or sofa table for a striking, modern centerpiece or add to a kitchen or bathroom window sill or countertop for a touch of green without the maintenance.
Dried naturals are another popular and cost effective decorative tool to wield throughout the home. Tall vases with dried natural or curly branches in large bunches add height to dining, buffet, or foyer tables. Fill a decorative glass or wooden bowl with natural twig ball decorations that come in a variety of sizes and colors, and set it on a coffee table, or add a medium-size glass vase full to a guest bathroom. You can purchase a mixed set that also include small seeds, twigs, and decorative pieces. Use a colored set to pick up the shade of throw pillows, wall art, or accessories to add more pops of color to a room, or use white or natural for a retreat-like feel.
For larger impact statements, think big(ger). Area rugs come in natural weave jute and woven rush grass that add textural and natural elements that are eye-catching seating area anchor pieces. For something more whimsical in certain settings, a plush carpet grass rug really does bring the outdoors in. Top your tables with place setting chargers made from wooden beads, bamboo, or river rock stones, and there will be no need to head outside for a picnic setting.
Take things you like about nature and add their components into your decorations, tableware, furniture, and accessories to meld the division between indoors and outdoors. You might just put a little more than a spring in your step.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star February 6th.
