How to bring more nature into your home? 5 simple ways

 

In the fast-paced era of city living, more and more people are looking for ways to reconnect with nature — even in the comfort of their own home. Greenery, natural materials, daylight, and carefully selected colours can completely transform the atmosphere indoors, bringing peace, harmony, and freshness.

Importantly, achieving a closer connection with nature doesn’t require a complete renovation. Sometimes, just a few thoughtful steps can make your everyday space more welcoming, balanced, and inspired by the natural world.

 

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Mental and Physical Benefits
3. Plants
4. Natural Cork
5. Wood
6. Natural Textiles
7. Light and Colours
8. Summary
9. FAQ

 

Mental and Physical Benefits

Bringing elements of nature into your home is not just about aesthetics — it’s also an investment in mental and physical well-being.

Reducing stress and improving mood

Contact with nature, even in a limited home setting, has a soothing effect on the nervous system. Greenery calms the mind, helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and promotes relaxation. Potted plants, natural colours, and organic materials can create a space that eases tension and helps combat mental fatigue.

Supporting focus and productivity

Being in a nature-inspired environment enhances concentration — something especially valuable in the era of remote work. Natural light and plants boost cognitive function, leading to greater efficiency and creativity both at work and in daily life.

Benefits for physical health

Potted plants are not only pleasing to the eye — some species can effectively purify the air from toxins, improving its quality and humidity. This in turn reduces the risk of respiratory irritation, skin dryness, or sleep issues.

Better sleep and circadian rhythm

Exposure to natural light during the day helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, resulting in better sleep. A nature-inspired colour palette (such as greens, beiges, and browns) has a calming effect and supports winding down before bedtime, which can aid in overcoming insomnia and improve the quality of nighttime rest.

Plants

Potted plants are one of the simplest and most effective ways to bring nature indoors. They serve not only a decorative role but also offer numerous health and environmental benefits, making them an invaluable part of any home.

The easiest species to care for

For beginners or busy individuals who are worried about demanding plants, hardy and low-maintenance species are the perfect choice. The most commonly recommended include:

• Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – a climbing plant with decorative leaves that thrives both in partial shade and bright locations. It requires little water and tolerates occasional dryness well.

• Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – virtually indestructible. It handles dry air well, needs infrequent watering, and tolerates low light.

• ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – features striking, glossy leaves and exceptional resilience. It grows slowly but steadily, even with minimal care.

All these species work perfectly in homes with different levels of sunlight, and their care doesn’t require specialist knowledge or much effort.

Natural cork

Natural cork is a material that deserves a special place in nature-inspired interiors. While often associated with a noticeboard or a wine bottle, its potential uses at home are much broader — both practical and aesthetic. Importantly, cork is not only functional but also environmentally friendly.

Properties of cork

• Biodegradable and eco-friendly
  Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak without harming the tree, making it a renewable and fully biodegradable resource. Its production has a low carbon footprint, which makes it an ideal choice for a sustainable lifestyle.

• Warm to the touch
  Unlike many synthetic materials, cork provides a pleasant feeling of warmth. Thanks to its structure, it offers thermal insulation, making it perfect for areas where you walk barefoot — for example, in the bedroom or a child’s room.

• Sound-absorbing and resilient
  Cork effectively absorbs sound, improving the acoustics of a room. It is also flexible and resistant to damage, making it a durable solution for everyday use.

Uses of cork in the home

• Walls and decorative panels
  Cork wall coverings are a great way to warm up an interior — both visually and literally. They can be used on an entire wall or as an accent, such as behind a bed or in a home office. They create a cosy atmosphere and improve acoustic comfort.

• Cork boards – practical and stylish
  Cork boards are a classic making a modern comeback. They work well not only in a student’s room but also in the kitchen, hallway, or home office — perfect for displaying notes, photos, weekly plans, or inspirations.

• Cork office accessories
  Laptop pads, desk organisers, coasters, or mouse pads made from cork are not only practical additions but also a subtle way to bring natural material into your workspace. They combine functionality with aesthetics and help with focus by reducing noise.

Wood

Wood is one of the most valued materials in interior design — natural, timeless, and versatile. It brings warmth, harmony, and cosiness into the home, while also serving as either a bold statement or a subtle backdrop. With its variety of species and finishes, wood suits Scandinavian, Japandi, rustic, and modern styles alike.

Solid wood vs. veneer

• Solid wood
  Furniture made from solid wood is a long-term investment. It is durable, resistant to mechanical damage, and gains character with age. Each piece is unique due to the natural grain pattern. Solid wood can also regulate indoor humidity — absorbing and releasing moisture depending on the conditions, which supports a healthy microclimate. The downside can be the higher cost and heavier weight of the furniture.

• Veneer
  Veneer is a thin layer of natural wood applied to a furniture board (such as MDF). It allows you to achieve the look of wood at a lower cost and lighter weight. High-quality veneer can be almost indistinguishable from solid wood while offering more design flexibility. However, it is less durable and more sensitive to damage, especially from moisture and scratches.

Wood in small apartments — how to avoid overdoing it?

In smaller spaces, it’s easy to create a heavy feel if large, solid wood pieces are overused. The key lies in balance and well-matched proportions:

• Focus on accents
  Instead of big, heavy furniture, choose one standout piece, such as a wooden coffee table, a sideboard, or open shelving. This way, wood complements rather than overwhelms the space.

• Combine wood with light colours
  Wood pairs beautifully with white, beige, light grey, or pastels — this palette visually enlarges the space and adds lightness.

• Opt for light wood species
  Ash, natural oak, pine, or birch are species with warm, light tones that make a room feel more spacious and inviting.

• Use wood as a finish
  Wooden flooring, skirting boards, countertops, or decorative elements (mirror frames, lamp bases) introduce a natural touch without taking up extra space.

Natural Textiles

Fabrics play a key role in shaping the atmosphere of a home interior — adding softness, coziness, and a unique character.

Linen

Linen is one of the most valued natural fabrics — noble in appearance and exceptionally functional. It is breathable, durable, and resistant to stretching. Thanks to the natural structure of its fibers, it regulates temperature well: cooling in summer and lightly insulating in winter. Its matte finish and raw texture work perfectly in Scandinavian, Japandi, or rustic-style interiors.

Uses: curtains, cushion covers, bedding, throws, tablecloths.

Organic Cotton

Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without chemicals and pesticides, making it safer for both the skin and the environment. It is soft, breathable, and versatile — perfect for everyday textiles. It is an excellent choice, especially for allergy sufferers, children, and those with sensitive skin.

Uses: bed sheets, towels, curtains, decorative fabrics.

Jute

Jute is a coarsely woven plant fiber with a distinctive, rustic texture. It is biodegradable, durable, and fits perfectly into an eco-style aesthetic. Its raw appearance brings naturalness and simplicity to interiors. As it is not very soft, it is most often used as a practical or decorative material.

Uses: small rugs, plant pot covers, table runners, blinds, DIY decorations.

Light and Colours

Light and the colour palette of an interior greatly influence our mood, perception of space, and the overall atmosphere at home. To get closer to nature, it’s worth consciously choosing colours inspired by the natural world and making the most of daylight.

Earth Tones – Harmony with Nature

An earth-tone palette forms the foundation of any nature-inspired interior. It has a calming effect, visually warms up the space, and creates a backdrop that encourages relaxation.

• Beige and sandy shades – neutral, light, and warm. They brighten interiors and serve as a perfect base for further styling.

• Greens – from sage to deep moss. They evoke associations with forests, gardens, and tranquility. They pair beautifully with wood and light textiles.

• Terracotta and rusty tones – the colours of clay and fired earth add character and depth to interiors. Warm and inviting, they work perfectly in accessories.

• Greys – neutral, cooler, yet elegant and versatile. They mimic stone, gravel, or rock, and balance out warmer shades of wood and fabrics.

Daylight – Your Natural Ally

Nothing enhances the beauty of natural materials quite like sunlight. That’s why, when designing a nature-friendly interior, it’s worth:

• Maximising natural light in rooms
  Avoid heavy, blackout curtains. Instead, opt for light linen or cotton sheers that let the light through while maintaining privacy.

• Opening the space to light
  Mirrors placed opposite windows reflect daylight and make rooms appear larger. Light-coloured walls and ceilings also help diffuse light.

• Adjusting furniture layout
  Positioning a desk, dining table, or reading nook near a window allows better use of natural light during daily activities.

• Paying attention to artificial light temperature
  In the evening, use lighting with a warm colour temperature (around 2700–3000 K), which works better with natural materials and colours, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Summary

Bringing nature into your home doesn’t require radical changes or major investments — just a few conscious choices can improve the quality of life and enhance your interior’s aesthetics. Houseplants, natural materials, textiles, daylight, and a muted earth-tone palette are simple yet effective ways to create a more harmonious, healthy, and sensory-friendly space.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are plants suitable for dark rooms?

Yes, many plants can thrive in low-light conditions. Popular choices include the ZZ plant, snake plant, and pothos. However, it’s best to avoid moving them around too much and keep in mind that their growth will be slower.

2. Which natural materials are suitable for allergy sufferers?

The best options include linen, organic cotton (not chemically dyed), untreated or oiled wood, and natural cork. It’s advisable to avoid synthetic materials and products with high formaldehyde content.

3. Is natural cork durable and moisture-resistant?

Yes — natural cork is resistant to moisture, mould, and mildew.