Enhance Your Home Naturally

Hurd & Honey

Hurd & Honey

Plants are all the rage lately: the bird of paradise, the fiddle leaf fig, the olive tree, all are being grown indoors. Plants are taking over the design world, and I do hope it's not a trend, because plants add value to a home in a way that ordinary objects never will.

Natural light, plants, and natural materials (wicker, wood, stone) enhance a home most beautifully. 

Decoist 

Decoist 

Light

Don't we all wish we could add some skylights to the darker rooms in our homes? We have a two story "box" home; adding more windows is the only option, and wouldn't I love to allow extra sunlight into our living room? If you have a one story home, there are several sky light companies to choose from, and they also handle the installation process. If you have a two story home, remember, some designs don't have a second floor above every room of the home, which could possibly allow skylights. 

If skylights are impossible for you, consider where the light comes in to your home, and take full advantage. For example, choose neutral colored curtains and blinds, keep the windows as clean as possible, and arrange the furniture to avoid blocking windows. This will allow more natural light throughout your home. 

Apartment Therapy

Apartment Therapy

Plants

When adding some plant life to your home try not to feel too nervous. There are many plant guides available that can help you choose which plants to begin with. Remember, plants help to clean the air, they add tangible life to your home, they work with you to create a better breathing environment. Not all plants require significant maintenance, like the ZZ plant, this plant is nearly impossible to kill. Plants also add layers of color and texture, and fill those awkward spaces better than most pieces of furniture.

If you're convinced that living plants aren't for you, consider artificial plants (here is a guide to fake plants ), they will add, in essence, a living feel to your home. 

Buzzfeed

Buzzfeed

The Glitter Guide

The Glitter Guide

Materials

Plastic, while inexpensive and convenient, is not the best material for making one's home feel natural and authentic. Even when it comes to your children's toys, consider natural, wooden, pieces. If you look around your home you'll notice that most of your items are probably made with natural materials. Avoiding purchases from big box stores for decor is always better. It's easier to find more natural decor at a thrift or antique shop. Look for old stoneware, metal or wooden picture frames, and antique wooden furniture.

Some of our favorite natural elements that we have in our home:

  • Jute rugs (inexpensive and excellent for layering
  • Vintage Wool Rugs
  • Wooden furniture
  • Wooden shades / Linen Curtains
  • Bamboo Lampshades
  • Wooden kitchen hardware
  • Wood frames for our artwork
  • Glass (mirrors)
  • Plants 
  • Leather Furniture
West Elm

West Elm

A home should resonate with what is natural and what is living to best connect with who we are as human beings. 

*This is a collaborative post.

Hurd & Honey

Hurd & Honey