Nature-Inspired Interiors: How I Bring the Outdoors In

I am often asked how do I bring nature into my home? Bringing nature into your home isn’t just about adding a few potted plants (though they’re always a great start). It’s about creating a space that feels calm, grounded, and connected to the outdoors – something we Northern Beaches locals value deeply. I truly believe that a home inspired by nature can enhance your well-being, making every day feel like a breath of fresh air. So, if you’re wondering how to infuse your interiors with the beauty of the natural world, here are some practical ways to do it.

1. Incorporate Natural Materials

One of the simplest ways to bring nature indoors is by using natural materials in your design. Think timber, stone, linen, rattan, and even cork. These materials not only add texture and warmth but also create a timeless aesthetic that’s both inviting and durable.

Stone and Marble: Natural stone benchtops in your kitchen or a marble feature in your bathroom adds depth and character, and with a plethora of colours and infinite number of unique slabs to choose from this is a great choice for adding a touch of grounded luxury.

Wooden Elements: From hardwood floors to exposed beams and custom joinery, timber instantly brings a sense of the outdoors inside. Opt for lighter woods like oak or ash for a breezy, coastal vibe, or darker timbers for a more grounded, earthy feel. Soft walnut tones are making a big comeback in design right now!

Textiles: Swap out synthetic fabrics for layered linen or cotton in your cushions, throws, and curtains. Not only do they feel better, but they also age beautifully, much like nature itself.

Wallpaper: Textural grasscloth wallpaper brings a wonderfully earthy element to a space, alongside botanical prints and murals.

2. Let There Be Light

Natural light is a design element in itself. Maximise the natural light in your home by opting for sheer curtains, larger windows, and skylights where possible.

Oversized windows and glass doors are in themselves the perfect means of bringing a sense of the outside in, with views to the garden and surrounding landscaping creating meaningful connections with nature.

Reflective Surfaces: Use mirrors strategically to reflect light and make your space feel brighter and more open.

Soft Colour Palettes: Lighter, neutral tones like soft whites, beiges, and greys can enhance the effect of natural light, giving your home an airy, spacious feel.

3. Bring in Greenery

Plants are the most obvious way to introduce nature into your home, but it’s all about how you use them.

Indoor Plants: Go beyond a single fiddle leaf fig. Mix and match different types of plants – from large statement pieces like monstera and rubber plants to smaller succulents and hanging vines.

Herb Gardens: If you love cooking, consider a small indoor herb garden in your kitchen. Fresh basil, mint, and rosemary not only smell divine but are handy too!

Dried Botanicals: Not blessed with a green thumb? Dried flowers and grasses, like pampas grass or eucalyptus, add a rustic charm and require zero maintenance.

4. Choose Earthy Colour Palettes

The colours you choose for your walls, furniture, and accessories can greatly influence how natural your home feels.

Earth Tones: Shades like terracotta, olive green, sandy beige, and soft blues are all inspired by nature and bring a sense of calm to any room.
Accent Walls: If you’re not ready to commit to a full colour change, try an accent wall in a deep green or warm ochre to bring a bit of the outdoors in.

5. Embrace Organic Shapes

Nature is rarely rigid or geometric, so incorporating organic shapes into your interiors can create a more natural flow.

Curved Furniture: Opt for round tables, curved sofas, or arched mirrors to soften the lines in your home.

Irregular Patterns: From rugs with abstract designs to hand-thrown ceramics, items that embrace imperfections feel more connected to nature.

6. Add Natural Scents

Scent is often overlooked in interior design, but it’s a powerful way to evoke nature.

Essential Oils and Diffusers: Scents like eucalyptus, lavender, and citrus can make your home feel fresh and invigorating.

Natural Candles: Choose soy or beeswax candles with natural fragrances for a subtle, cosy ambiance.

7. Celebrate Outdoor Views

If you’re lucky enough to have beautiful views of one of our stunning beaches, make the most of them!

Large Windows and Sliding Doors: Open up your space to the outdoors with floor-to-ceiling windows or sliding glass doors.

Outdoor-Indoor Living: Create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces with cohesive flooring, large openings, and complementary design elements.

8. Things to consider when choosing your houseplants

For busy professionals, or those raising a family or enjoying an empty nest, styling with houseplants is generally the go-to way to bring the outdoors in, so here’s a few tips to consider before heading to the garden centre:

Elegant, Low-Maintenance Greenery – Opt for timeless, resilient plants like fiddle-leaf figs, peace lilies, or snake plants that require little attention but make a statement.

Strategic Placement for Visual Impact – Frame a grand entryway with large planters, style shelving with cascading Pothos, or add a touch of life to a sophisticated kitchen island.

Air-Purifying & Wellness Benefits – Prioritize plants that enhance air quality and promote relaxation, perfect for home offices, ensuites, and retreat-style living spaces.

Bespoke Planters & Finishes – Elevate your design with artisanal ceramic, stone, or woven baskets that complement your home’s aesthetic.

Child & Pet-Friendly Options – For family homes, choose non-toxic varieties like Calatheas and Parlor Palms to ensure a safe, stylish space.

Effortless Care Solutions – Self-watering planters, moisture meters, or a dedicated plant service can help maintain your greenery with minimal effort.

Seasonal Styling & Fresh Energy – Rotate in seasonal greenery or sculptural branches for a dynamic, ever-evolving interior.

Blending Indoor & Outdoor Living – Integrate statement pots in alfresco areas to create seamless transitions between your home’s interior and exterior spaces.

By curating plants intentionally, you can achieve a refined, nature-infused home that feels both sophisticated and welcoming—without adding to your every expanding to-do list!

Why Bringing Nature Indoors Matters

Incorporating natural elements into your home isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating a space that feels harmonious, calming, and rejuvenating. As Northern Beaches locals, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful landscapes, and bringing that beauty into our homes can enhance our daily lives.

At Orli Interiors, we’re passionate about creating homes that balance aesthetics with practical functionality, while reflecting your unique personality. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just looking to refresh your space, we’re here to help you bring nature into your home in a way that feels effortless and authentic – get in touch here.