Summer is coming and I am so happy to be able to work in my garden and have fresh herbs and flower bouquets around the house again. Who’s with me? Actually, do we really need to wait until the weather warms up to bring the outdoors in? Of course not! Any time is a good time to add vintage garden style or natural touches to our homes.  I love looking in magazines and Pinterest at bright, beautiful sun rooms and garden rooms that capture this aesthetic. Today I am sharing some inspiring photos as well as tips for natural interior design, regardless of the type of home you may have. *This post contains affiliate links.

 

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Let the sunshine in!

Have you ever been into a home that looks dark and dingy, or one that is only lit by artificial lighting? Compare that with homes that are wide and expansive with large ceilings, and plenty of natural light. The open and bright homes just seem to evoke a positive vibe and feel. You can hire an electrician or DIY any room with a beautiful light fixture to brighten things up on gloomy days. 

 

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But what if your home is shady, like mine? While you can’t change the shape and layout of your home, you probably have more capacity to let more natural light in than you might realize. If your blinds are permanently pulled a quarter of the way down, then pull them up— notice at how much more light there is! If privacy is an issue you can install privacy window film that actually has a faux leaded glass, vintage look. Even soft sheers will add a touch of privacy but will still let light in. 

 

 

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Mirrors also reflect light and can even mimic a window.

 

 

 

Ballard Designs

Style tip: Use beautiful mirrors around the house to make a space seem larger and brighter.

 

 

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If you have the option to do so, adding French doors (or at least a glass storm door) to the back of your home which can open up into the garden would be ideal.  In the summer, it’s great to be able to let the outdoors in and create versatile living spaces. While it’s nice to bring some of the outdoor nature-decor vibes in, no one wants to deal with 95 degree humid summer air (or mosquitos!) 

 

 

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Create larger windows and doors: To fully realize the indoor-outdoor relationship in your home, think bigger where open air is concerned. Try sliding glass doors, French doors, or bi-folded doors that open out lovely and wide to unite the two spaces effortlessly.

Add plants and greenery.

Plants are a great addition to any home! Even with small spaces, there is always the capacity to incorporate natural interior design.

Plants and flowers are great for improving your mood and the air quality in your home too. When I used to think of houseplants, I had visions of tropical plants and vines taking over a room, and that didn’t appeal to me and my vintage cottage style. Now I realize that there are many other types of plants that will look beautiful in romantic, French Country or farmhouse style homes and they can even capture a European essence.

 

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Herbs are lovely additions indoor, whether fresh or faux. Olive trees, succulents and delicate vining plants are perfect for adding natural touches as well.

 

 

 

 

Hearth And Hand With Magnolia 

Natural Materials

Of course, you can’t just rely on plants and natural light to bring the outdoors in. To really give your home that natural feel, you’ll need to include natural materials.  Look for wicker, rattan and cane chairs or tables for caputuring the feel of natural interior design. 

 

 

 

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Don’t stop with the furniture! When it comes to buying throws and blankets and rugs, keep the colors and textures as natural as possible.   Jute rugs are perfect for this aesthetic. 

 

 

Jute rug

 

 

Jenna Sue Design

 

A woven throw, wicker trunk and rattan window shades are beautiful natural elements.

 

Choose linen textiles to add even more natural touches. Don’t have a green thumb? You can still add some green to your room with this cute plant throw pillow cover.

 

Subtle Extras

Many people decorate with store bought accessories around their home, but why not incorporate some of nature’s free gifts from the great outdoors? Instead of searching home decor stores for accessories, use pine cones, seashells, moss balls, antlers and other natural elements in vignettes or in a bowl as a centerpiece.

Treasures Of The Sea

 

 

 

Beautiful Summer Vignette via Reinvented Collection Instagram

Using these items will give your home a subtle natural edge and you can change them seasonally.

 

Artwork and Other Accessories

Once you have your natural touches in place, bring the outdoors in through art and other accessories. Hang a beautiful landscape or nautical painting above the mantel. Aside from providing crucial focal points for your rooms, they’ll help to connect your home to the wider world. A gallery of vintage floral prints and paintings can also be stunning. 

 

 

 

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Eclectically Vintage

 

 

Vintage botanical and animal prints are lovely for bringing the outdoors in, and can also be easily changed with the seasons.Antique Farmhouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t forgot all of the cute vintage garden themed items that you can use to bring the outdoors in too. Search yard sales, vintage markets and antiques shops for old buckets, flower frogs, vintage tools and seed packets to add garden style indoors.

 

 

As you can see, it is easy to bring the outdoors in even if you don’t have a large, open garden room or lots of light. A natural, outdoor aesthetic promotes positive feelings and a refreshing look even in the winter months. By following these suggestions for bringing the outdoors in you can easily achieve natural interior design. I am certainly ready to add some green to the decor! How about you?

Amber

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