Simply Seasonal: Decorating with Natural Elements - Part One

The sun shining upon your face, the wind blowing through your hair, the ocean lapping at your ankles or the snow crunching beneath your feet - these are elements of nature we know so well that bring us energy, a refreshing, cleansing and grounding.

If we find ourselves relaxed and energized in the natural world, we are likely to feel similar feelings when exposed to stimuli which remind us of these settings. This is where decorating with natural and/or sustainable materials and seasonal decorating plays a major part.

Here are some relatively simple ideas:

• Planting indoor bulbs, or keeping low maintenance plants such as succulents, cactus, or just adorning your home office desk with a fresh bouquet can instantly cheer up any room

Image courtesy of http://www.allaboutyou.com/craft/knit-free/plant-a-bowl-of-bulbs-for-christmas-50482

• By using natural fibre rugs, window treatments, natural fabrics, you can achieve a rich and warm room without too much muss and fuss. 
• Natural things are so beautiful all by themselves in a bowl, you can’t go wrong!
• Depending on if you want to go formal or casual for your table, choose colours that reflect your home decor and the season.

Image courtesy of http://www.songbirdblog.com/vintage-grain-sack-table-runner/

• Tree branches and bark, acorns and pine cones, leaves and berries, beach pebbles and sea shells, dry flowers and drift wood are all excellent materials for decorating eco style.

Image courtesy of http://idavonkatthult.blogspot.co.uk/2012_11_01_archive.html

• Consider using candles, incense, or boil a pot of spices – cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg to instantly transport your home into seasonal mode.
• Put up nature photos or screen savers that depict nature vistas and seasons.

Sabine

How to create a simple and relaxed home - Part Eight

Sit down to eat.

Mealtimes are a wonderful way to slow down. Sitting down for meals rather than eating in front of the TV or on the go is important not only for connecting with our loved ones but also for digestion. The more comfortable and inviting your eating area, the more likely you will be to remain seated for a meal. Fresh flowers on the table, candles, comfortable chairs and other simple enhancements go a long way towards making your eating areas appealing.

Image courtesy of http://www.housetohome.co.uk/kitchen/picture/cream-country-kitchen-diner-1

Guten Appetit!

Sabine

How to create a simple and relaxed home - Part Seven

Remove stress triggers from your home and disconnect from the outer world.

There is nothing more stressful than walking into your home to a bad smell. Make sure you keep your house aired as much as possible or, when the weather is too cold, use subtly fragranced candles or diffusers. Adding instant cosy light, warmth and fragrance, they can set the mood, help you to unwind and are also a great interiors trick to add a final touch to your living space.

Image courtesy of https://zetamagazine.wordpress.com/tag/jo-malone/

Simple choices such as not watching the news or checking social media can drastically reduce stress levels. However, stress triggers can take the form of anything that makes you feel uneasy, such as an untidy desk, broken items or items that are disturbing to look at either because of their content or because they remind you of a subconscious memory or association.

This is especially true for the bedroom: our bedrooms should serve two purposes only - rest and romance. That means removing things such as televisions, computers, phones and workout equipment from the bedroom.

Image courtesy of http://myscandinavianhome.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Bedroom 

Have a relaxing day!

Sabine

How to create a simple and relaxed home - Part Six

Connect with nature

We often feel most relaxed in, or surrounded by, nature. There are many ways to bring nature indoors such as pulling back curtains and blinds to let in sunlight and fresh air, keeping plants or flowers indoors and decorating with natural materials. Try and reflect the changing seasons by using seasonal decorating ideas (more on that later). 

Image coursesy of http://www.thelilypadcottage.com/2014/09/fall-home-tour.html 

If you can, try to create an outdoor living space – even if it is as simple as having potted herbs on the window sill or a seat cushion on a fire escape. Look for items, which can be used in unexpected ways, will add individuality to the space. Terracotta saucers can become large candle holders and grouped on a table. Black plastic throw-away nursery planters can be sprayed painted and filled with mood-enhancing ferns. Wind chimes, pottery and unique sculptures add to the mood and compliment nature.

Image courtesy of http://homeideasfinder.com/small-balcony-design-ideas/nature-cool-small-balcony-design-ideas/

Enjoy creating your special place!

Sabine

How to create a simple and relaxed home - Part Five

Create focal points


Creating a fabulous focal point in a room is a great way to re-energize a space. It is also a great way to take the focus off the less attractive features of a room. Focal points can be as simple as a bowl of fresh fruit in the middle of a table, a fire or candles, a well-placed photograph or book.

Image courtesy of http://leecarolineart.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/wood-burners-stylish-designs.html

Surround yourself with objects that you love and make your heart sing. Beautiful and treasured belongings cause us to slow down and pause. As we take in these loved items, we connect with what is meaningful to us. 

Image courtesy of http://creoleindc.typepad.com/rantings_of_a_creole_prin/2013/09/coffee-table-tablescapes.html 

Create focal points with art, objects and pictures, or by highlighting beautiful views.

Sabine