In today’s increasingly hectic and mass-produced world, many people seek a more natural way to live. And it’s not just about the food they eat or the clothes they wear—it’s also about how their homes look and feel. That means that most properties need a touch of nature to be complete.
There are endless ways to do this, from designing gardens to creating ponds or installing trees. Let’s explore some ideas for making your house more beautiful with the simple addition of natural elements!
Invest in plants and trees
If you have the space, either in your garden or out on the streetscape surrounding your property, investing in plants and trees is one of the most effective ways to enhance a home. Not only do they provide aesthetic value, but they also clean the air, provide shade and shelter from winds, produce oxygen for us to breathe, absorb carbon dioxide and pollutants and provide homes for wildlife.
The best plants for urban environments are those that aren’t too fussy but will still provide the right amount of impact without causing too many problems. There are some great options out there, such as arborvitae (Thuja), barberry (Berberis), and Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), which are all trees that are tolerant of arid conditions. If you don’t have a lot of space, many plants can also be grown in containers or hanging baskets on the walls or even the roof of your home.
Hiring an arborist also ensures the plants will thrive on the property. The professional can also provide recommendations on the plants you can grow in your home.
Install a pond or stream
If you have space in your garden or on your property, installing a pond or stream can be another great way to enhance the natural beauty of your home. Depending on where you live and what kind of weather you’re most likely to experience, different types of water features will work for you.
For example, if you have a small space, you can opt for a tabletop water fountain. These are great because they’re easy to maintain, don’t consume too much energy, and won’t become overgrown or require additional steps to keep them free of algae or other unwanted plants that might cover the surface.
A pond or small lake is an excellent option if you have more room. In general, these should be no more than 1.5 meters deep, and you’ll need to get a permit from your local government to ensure that the water feature doesn’t affect any existing infrastructure in the area. If you have a larger space to fit a natural pool, these are growing in popularity as a more exotic way to have water on your property.
If you live in colder areas or want to create a water reservoir for hotter times of the year, you can also install a rainwater tank. This is particularly effective if it captures and reuses runoff from time to time, helping you save money on your water bill.
Put in an outdoor fire pit to make the perfect space for roasting marshmallows
If you have an outdoor area around your home, it’s almost guaranteed to be the most-used space over the year. Putting in a natural fire pit or creating one out of some pre-existing rocks is a great way to ensure that this space is used for years to come. If you live somewhere with a lot of rain, consider building it slightly below ground level to help catch any runoff.
Make sure you have plenty of seating and clear a space that has some nice natural features around it, such as a hill or a few trees with low-hanging branches. There’s nothing more romantic than sitting around the fire on a summer evening. You can also use it during the colder months, especially if you have a chiminea or some other kind of fire pit that makes good use of natural ventilation to direct heat and flames downwards where people are seated.
If you’re planning on roasting anything over an open fire (it would be sacrilege not to), make sure you always have an outdoor fire extinguisher on hand and keep safety in mind while enjoying your outdoor space.
Use bamboo mats on the floor, wallpaper, and carpets with natural elements like animals and flowers
Bamboo is a sustainable resource that’s not only good for the environment but also provides an attractive natural element to your home. You can use it in countless ways around the house—as floor mats, wall covering, or even carpeting. It comes in many colors and styles that can suit any room.
If you want to add plants without having them take up a lot of space in your home, consider using an indoor planter. There are several options out there—from hanging baskets for kitchen counters to wooden boxes that can sit on the floor next to furniture or even inside cabinets. Many people choose air plants because they require minimal care and don’t need any soil.
