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