Outside In: Easy Ways to Incorporate Natural Elements Inside Your Home

Do you have that one little spot in your home that seems to be missing ‘something?’  No matter how many stores you hit, you just can’t seem to come up with the right item to fill in the ‘gap?’ I have found myself in that situation quite a few times and over the years I have discovered that the solution can literally be right outside your back door! Simply using natural elements inside your home can sometimes add the perfect finishing touch and Mother Nature is abundant. She can help fill those voids on our tables and on our shelves.

I can remember, as a young child, finding a gorgeous feather in the grass or stumbling across the perfect seashell on the beach.  It was as if I had won a small lottery!  These treasures were cherished and admired for days! Even now – as an adult – I get excited when I find a perfect little gift from mother nature – especially when I can use it in my home.

BLOOMS

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Who doesn’t love freshly cut flowers?  I sure do and usually down here in Georgia you can find something growing in the backyard almost year round. Blooms are an easy and colorful way to add natural elements to your home. I like to get creative with my ‘vessels’ so often times you will find my blooms sitting in oil cans, copper pots, pickle jars, and old tins – just to name a few!  But I also love the feel of traditional glass as well. Here I used a small vintage Duraglas bottle to hold this perfect cornflower!

Come see how I used fresh blooms on my rustic fall porch here.

Quick Idea:

Try drying your blooms!  Above is a mix of dried florals and I dried these hydrangea blooms (the puffs toward the front) a few weeks ago. I simply cut them, hung them upside down using some twine and a clothes hanger, and waited a few days!  It was that easy!

STONES

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Stones seem to give me that ‘Zen’ feeling. I love their versatility and there are so many ways you can ‘use’ them. Simply showcase a few of your favorites in a bowl on your coffee table or put them in a jar on a shelf!  You can use stones to anchor a candle inside of a large vase or you can top off an indoor planter with some stones for an organic touch!  I personally love the calming vibe of a little stone ‘stack’ and recently my son, Cooper made one!  It the perfect little natural touch for this space!

Quick Idea:

Start a Memory Stone Jar!  When you go and visit a new place, grab a stone and bring it home.  Just clean it up, document where it is from, and toss it in a jar! 

FEATHERS

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I love decorating with feathers – especially for fall.  I love to pop them into amber bottles, ball jars, and ironstone pitchers.  You can even tuck feathers into the top of a simple ball of twine or into a plain drinking glass – it doesn’t have to be fancy because they really do speak for themselves! Feathers are an easy way to add a natural elements inside your home.

Quick Idea:

Mix feathers and dry grasses, such as pampas grass, for added interest.  

PINECONES

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Pinecones are so much fun to use in the fall. There are endless possibilities, but the first step (if using ones directly from your backyard) is to bake the bugs out!  Don’t worry, it is an easy process!  Simply pre-heat your oven to 200 and bake your pinecones for 45 minutes.  Just make sure you watch the ‘batch’ so they don’t burn!  Once the pinecones are clean, there are so many simple ways to sprinkle them in and around your home. 

Pinecones easily add a natural element to my table when incorporated into a centerpiece.  They look great on a mantle – just tucked in here and there or as a stand alone garland.  Every year I wire a few of them into my live holiday wreath that I buy for my front door!  Often times I simply throw them into a crock or onto a cupboard shelf for added texture during the fall months.  Pinecones truly are texture rich and very versatile.  

Quick Idea:

Try bleaching your pinecones.  Soak them in a bucket of bleach for a few hours up to a few days and then let them dry completely!  Once they try out, they will have a more weathered feel! Thanks to Hen and Biddies for these bleached pinecones!

BRANCHES

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This one is pretty self explanatory but often one that I forget. Adding simple long branches from the backyard into one of my old crocks takes no effort but packs a big punch! I also enjoy tucking branches into floral arrangements for added interest.  I tend to forget that these freebies are literally everywhere outside and are so beautiful and interesting in their own way.  

Quick Idea:

Take some white spray paint and give then a quick coat! I do this towards the end of fall as a way to transition into the holidays. You could also use brown glitter and some spray adhesive and make a magical forest for a special spot in your house. 

The next time you need a quick ‘filler’ just look outside and ‘shop your yard!” Adding natural elements inside your home will help you surround yourself with things that are not only free but that are also beautiful to look at!