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Back to Nature

by | Aug 30, 2007 | Decorating Inspiration

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Back to Nature

photo: room service home

Just knowing next week is September can give you that warm cozy feeling of Fall being just around the corner. Never mind that it is probably rather HOT outside and that is what is making your warm. This is the time of year when your mind starts to wander to your nesting instincts. Certainly you are not bringing out your fall blankets yet (are you?), but it is fun to start imagining the cool nights under the toasty covers and a crackling fire once again.

In our series on awakening all your senses by the things you put in your home, we are currently discussing the sense of touch. By adding texture to your home, you are adding a dimension that no color alone can achieve. You really find this displayed for us in nature. What could be better than being outside by the sea, in a bountiful garden, or gazing at the top of a glorious snow capped mountain or walking through a wooded forest? All of the textures are unique. The majesty of what God created for us in the world is an ideal place to gain inspiration for our homes!

Think about the authenticity of real texture taken from natural materials. Why not bring those inside, so on the dark dreary days of winter you can experience them year round? When paired in a weave of texture with contrasting materials, the beauty of natural materials inside your home can be remarkable.

Back to Nature

Sometimes our houses feel dull or as if something is not quite right, so we start re-arranging things hoping that will solve the problem. Before you start re-arranging, look at your room. Sometimes it helps to take a picture of it so you can really study. Is it full of soft fluffy things? Hard or rough things? Too dark or too light? Are things all the same? Once you’ve assessed the room, start to pair objects up with things of contrasting texture.

Back to Nature

If you have too much fabric and softness, try adding a basket, a shell or piece of coral, a beautiful natural wood side table, a sisal rug. If you have too much darkness or wood and you want to lighten things up, just add a lighter quilt, a pretty table runner, or a creamy porcelain pitcher to add some luster on a dark wood table. You will be able to appreciate the things you already have more when they have a contrast to play off of.

If nothing surprises people in a house, it can look too staged or decorated, stuck in a time-warp or not authentic. In a word, boring! Break out of your predictable mold by throwing in a natural element in a house overwhelmed by painted furniture. Or in a home full of natural wood tones, throw in greenery in the form of plants to soften things up. It is the mixing of materials that will make your home come alive with ambience! Try it, I bet you will be surprised by how much better things look.

Back to Nature

Photos from Pottery Barn, except where noted

8 Comments

  1. Terri

    Hi Melissa, sorry I have been away. I have many posts of yours to catch up on, and will promise to do so. Work is very busy and our new internet policy precludes me from surfing like I once did. I get my work done, but now I try not to spend my breaks looking at decor blogs. Dang! And evenings are hectic, so my blogging frequency will reduce. Still, I will be reading you especially. Your blog is awesome!!!

    Reply
  2. charlotte

    love the feeling of autumn here and all the beautiful tableware….those birds! lovely!

    Reply
  3. Becky

    Hello! I was just thinking about pumpkins today and then I see them in your blog. Yes, we nesters must be doing some serious nesting thinking. That table in the last picture is beautiful and I love the wood..reminds me a bit of antique Irish pine furniture. Have a wonderful weekend! Becky

    Reply
  4. pam

    Love all the pretty photos. Goodness knows I need some inspiration. I love fall too, and can’t wait for some cool air!

    Reply
  5. Mélanie

    I love the 1st picture . those pieces of ceramic are just wonderful . Great for my garden decoration

    Reply
  6. Oak Wind Farm

    Oh, how beautiful! Fall is my very favorite! I love all of your inspiration photos!

    Reply
  7. KJ

    Fall come quickly! We are under the broiler her in So. Cal.! These photos are definitely causing me to yearn for cooler temps and leaves dancing in the breeze. I might just click on the “Need a Snow Day.”

    KJ

    Reply
  8. KJ

    I love the songbird dishes! I sing, so these would be happy with me!

    Kj

    Reply

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