Return of natural decor styles

Natural décor is making a comeback, as more and more people are feeling the need to distance themselves from the hustle and bustle of the world, and are trying to reconnect with nature.
Studies show that people have positive aesthetic, emotional and physiological responses to nature. Bringing nature indoors is one way of bonding with life. According to research, access to nature, even house plants, can help people cope with stress and adversity.

Natural wall décor surface
One of the striking and magnificent attributes that help in creating a natural effect on the walls is natural sea shell materials like Mother of Pearls.
Sea shell wall coverings make for an attractive decor element and can make your walls look naturally beautiful. Wall décor with stone sand bricks can also lend texture and add an ‘unfinished look’ to the room. Stone clad walls are making a comeback but instead of a single texture, blend varied textures.
One way is the combination of polished, rough and grooved granite.
In another example, the grains of pebble wash finish contrast with the smooth furniture surfaces to add an unusual touch to the room. To create that luxurious look, consider using onyx.

Wood is another classic cladding material. Large wooden panels can be put in place and trimmed with flat moulding to render a grid effect. A white textural room with elegant wood cladding can look great. Square panels of hard wood can be laid in a way that the grains mismatch to provide varied wood tones.
Wood panelling can be warming and give a warm, cozy look. If dark woods are used with lighter woods such as light oak, bleached teak or maple, it tends to be refreshing. If you are willing to stretch your imagination, other unique materials like copper and leather can be incorporated for your wall décor ideas.

Natural fabrics
Natural fabric coverings like silk can add warmth to a room and provide a new dimension to furniture. Natural materials such as wood, stone and tile, can be used for flooring too.
Rugs can be natural woven materials such as rattan. You can also provide a lush look to the floor with a faux animal hide rug. The fabrics and materials used for window curtains can be multicoloured cottons, linen or silk and even wooden blinds. Natural materials that are rough in texture can be used to cover seats and cushions.
Roughly woven fabric for making window curtains tend to go well with wooden furniture. Hand made pottery can be used to balance the wooden furniture. You can use natural fabrics like cotton and silk wool for furnishings.
The infinite variety and beauty of stones, rocks and pebbles placed in bowls not only connect us with nature, they also bring stability to our homes. 

Sunlight, water
Uplifting sunlight is such a necessity for the human body, mind and spirit.
So, push aside your curtains and let sunlight stream in. It isn’t difficult to create small fountains for our homes. The gentle sound of trickling water is soothing and allows good energy from nature to enter our homes.
Fill a pretty container with soil and use it to create a miniature garden in your home. Flowers bring instant cheer; bring them into your home. The next best thing to being close to nature is having a painting or photograph with nature-related themes.
Kitchens can tend to be full of cold and hard surfaces, but with the addition of bamboo cutting boards and rattan baskets, you can naturally bring warmth. The bounty of fruits and vegetables can also look warm and inviting. Branches and twigs hanging down from the curtain rods are so inexpensive and beautiful.
Framing natural elements such as sea shells or flowers can make a wall look great and fill up the space with nature. The best way to add a feeling of natural warmth is to use rustic material, like a hand carved wood piece can help to add a touch of natural warm coziness in your home. Also clay used in pottery with natural plants is a great idea to connect with nature. Tropical style décor is described as natural and exotic.
You can introduce an exotic jungle element through animal prints and palm. Natural colours such as greens, browns, gold and ivory combined with reds, oranges and yellows can connect you with nature and boost your spirits too.
When it comes to learning how to decorate with natural elements, keep in mind different seasons.

You can get all your clues from nature. So, when you are not sure what colours to use in your home, simply look outside.
Bring in pastel colours from spring in your homes like shades of yellow, mint green, pale pinks, lavender and light blue.  For inspiration, check out flower gardens like Lal Bagh. There is nothing as gorgeous as the way nature puts on the fall show of fiery reds, brilliant golds and copper browns.

Capture that show and bring it into your home.
Gather fall leaves in a basket to display on your table, and be sure they are completely dry. Some design styles that you can look at while decorating your home are as follows:
Traditional design: Classic, comfortable, no surprises, very predictable
Asian: Intricate detail, bold colour, natural influences, peace and serenity. Country-friendly and casual, earthy tones, often lighter woods, vintage inflection.  Rustic-charm, style, texture with wood, twigs and animal accents. You can create a sanctuary by merely introducing the symbols related to nature’s elements: earth, air, mineral, wood, water and fire to the decorating style in your space. Such simple ideas can guide you in creating a personal sanctuary –one that lends peace, harmony and balance for the mind; body and spirit.        

(The author is a designer with Modccon Interiors)