I have a little challenge for you today. You know how our mood can change after going on a walk in a park or along a beach? I don’t know about you, but I feel such a huge sense of calm when I escape into nature and just slow life down for even just 20 minutes at a time.
But have you ever considered how you could use the effect that nature has on us right here in our homes?
Australia’s Beyond Blue found that “there is growing evidence that access to the natural environment improves health and well-being, prevents disease and helps people recover from illness”.
So we’d be crazy not to make an effort to bring a little of the outdoors, in.
One way of doing this is with timber. Walk into my place and you’ll see very few pieces of furniture built from man-made materials and instead a LOT of timber. How about trying a touch of your own DIY and making some ‘floating’ timber shelves for in the study or living room; a rustic farmhouse bench (great in the entrance hall for keys and umbrellas) or a minimal wooden clock?
Or why not choose some gorgeous pot plants for around your home (I have a small rainforest going on in mine!). You can also start to think about choosing natural fibres when you’re investing in throws, rugs and cushions.
Of course, you don’t have to limit timber to just inside your home. Timber decking provides such a warm and timeless aesthetic, it’s a fail-proof choice for your outdoor living space.
In fact, ‘freestanding’ decks are quite the rage now! Think of a floating floor, but in this case it’s outside and sits at the same level as your home, while your garden sits down below it.
Timber-made decks allow you to enhance the natural elements of your own backyard. And of course, companies like Thomsons Outdoor Pine Sydney can manage the whole project from design to installation OR you can choose their DIY options if you’re feeling ambitious.
And make sure you choose some timber furniture to match with not clash with your flash new deck!
So here’s your challenge: next time you choose a piece of furniture, decor or fitting for your home, consider whether it’s going to bring the outdoors vibe, in.
Image from here.
