Interiors with nature-inspired colour palettes are growing in popularity in homes up and down the UK. Warm yet understated shades of green, blue and cream, natural wooden tones, and subtle, botanical-inspired colours (such as pink and lilac) all attribute to this look. It works in more maximalist homes too, with vibrant green tones reflecting exotic, tropical greenery.
So, why is this such a popular interior choice? It all comes down to the way your home can make you feel. Nature-inspired interiors (in particular, those with a nod to biophilic design) are well known for having benefits which include lowering stress and improving creativity.
'It's true that the hue of a room can have a genuine effect on a person’s mood,' says Helen Shaw, director of marketing (international) at Benjamin Moore. 'Sage green, lilac and light blue, for instance, are known to have soothing and atmospheric properties. They are reflective of those we see in nature, bringing about a sense of connection to the planet which many find calming.
'Muted hues can help relax our brains and entice creative thinking, making the perfect backdrop for a bedroom or home office. Layer with natural textures in throws, pillows and fabrics to create the ultimate relaxing sanctuary.'
Keep reading to discover 13 inspirational interiors that make the most of nature-inspired shades...
1
Use sandy shades in place of cold neutrals
If you prefer your home on the understated side of things, you're bound to be a fan of neutrals. However, it's a colour palette which can feel a little cold, which is where nature-inspired shades come in.
Opt for hues with a warm undertone, such as those reminiscent of sandy beaches and sun-baked clay. Then, add depth by adding brown tones in the form of wooden furniture, and colour by way of greenery.
Image: Brintons Bracken Grey Carpet in Flora and Fauna, Carpetright
Kibo Handwoven Narrow Side Table in Mango Wood
Kibo Handwoven Narrow Side Table in Mango Wood
£190 at housebeautiful.co.uk
The handwoven detailing on this side table gives it a richly textured finish, whilst the combination of natural wood and cotton rope makes it the perfect choice for neutral interiors.
2
Don't forget naturally vibrant shades
'Bright colours in the kitchen wake you up in the morning and send you into the world energised and positive,' believes colour and paint expert Annie Sloan.
We agree and think there's plenty of vibrancy to be found in nature that can be applied to your home. Tropical green tones are bound to boost your mood and add a playful feel to your interiors.
Use these bright shades sparingly though and pair them with neutral shades – this is key to keeping your space feeling light and bright, rather than cramped.
Image: Chalk Paint in Antibes Green, Annie Sloan
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If vibrant green walls are too big a leap for you, add artwork to your walls instead. Just pick a print with the same eye-catching shades and make sure to place it prominently.
3
Water-inspired shades can soothe
'There are several benefits associated with bringing nature-inspired colours indoors, with the biggest benefits being the calming and relaxing look and feel they can bring to any room,' says Farah, head of product at DUSK.
'We often associate shades of blue and green with paradise; clear blue skies and crystal-clear waters – so they will subconsciously help you relax without you even realising!'
Image: Dusk Blue Bedtime Bundle, Piglet in Bed
Fyn Geometric Cushion in Sea Green
Fyn Geometric Cushion in Sea Green
£43 at housebeautiful.co.uk
Made with meticulous detail in Portugal, this sea-green cushion features a white pattern for extra visual interest. We recommend styling with other pared-back cushions for a laidback look.
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4
Pair light and dark tones to create depth
Light, tranquil shades are all well and good, but if you don't add contrast, they can make your interior look flat.
Pairing nature-inspired shades with richer, dark hues is a great way to add depth to your home, and in doing so, makes the lighter shades more eye-catching.
Image: Kew Penthouse, Naked Kitchens
These dipped mugs are crafted from durable stoneware and feature generous chunky handles for a good grip. We love the combination of light and dark tones.
5
Rethink how you use colour
The most obvious way we update our homes with colour is by adding a fresh lick of paint on the walls. There's nothing wrong with this, but there's so much more you can do to make the most of colour.
Try creating detail by adding accent colours in unexpected places, or tier shades of the same colour to create a border effect. You could also add patterns – through soft furnishings or tiles – or, use furniture to create a colour contrast.
Image: Up Up Away and Grassy Claypaint, Earthborn
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Large Rattan Framed mirror
Large Rattan Framed mirror
Natural materials go well with nature-inspired shades, so you can't go wrong with a rattan-framed mirror. We love the sunburst design here.
6
Mix bolder shades with neutrals
The great thing about shades found in nature is that nature has a wealth of variety on offer.
An otherwise neutral room can be lifted through the addition of bolder colour choices – a blue sofa for example, or a rug interwoven with vibrant shades.
Image: Mimi 3 Seater in Aspen Blue, Sofology
We love the deep, moody shade of this velvet armchair – it reminds us of stormy skies and choppy seas. Add to that the chunky silhouette and you've got a real statement piece.
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7
You can't go wrong with green
'Natural, earthy and luxurious, willow green is a timeless hue that brings a natural feel to your home,' advises Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps. 'Its characteristics make it perfectly suited to both traditional and contemporary furniture ranges alike and is ideal for creating serene and harmonious spaces around the whole home.'
Image: Manhattan Bedroom in Willow Green, Sharps
Generous in size, this super soft throw is cosy as can be. The deep green shade is the perfect addition to add colour to your home and would look effortlessly stylish draped across your bed.
8
Use nature-inspired neutrals as a base
'I love grey-greens as neutrals, and so should you, because they’re a very forgiving base,' says Annie Sloan. 'To provide a wonderful first impression of just what a tasteful person you are, use it in your hallways and porches. Then, experiment in your kitchen!'
Image: Chalk Paint in Château Grey, Annie Sloan
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This budget-friendly side table is easy to dress up or down, just add your favourite decor and ornaments.
9
Choose shades with versatility
'Brown is one of the most popular colours chosen for living room furniture thanks to its unparalleled versatility,' says Patricia Gibbons, a design team member at Sofa.com. 'It doesn’t demand a lot of attention but still feels charming while beautifully complementary with other finishes or as the perfect colour foundation for a variety of tonal palettes – ideal for those who often switch up their home accessories.'
Patricia says there are two main ways she is seeing customers use brown furniture to create an effortlessly timeless and stylish aesthetic.
'Either sitting alongside other neutrals or paired with softer colours such as a pale blue swathed on the walls,' she says. 'When using a range of neutrals, adding accents of pattern and texture can create a rustic, bohemian-inspired look – think deep leather Moroccan pouffes, geometric shaggy Berber rugs, rattan accessories, macrame wall hangings and houseplants galore.'
Image: Iggy High Back Seat Sofa, Sofa.com
Anna Leather Armchair in Brown
Anna Leather Armchair in Brown
£575 at housebeautiful.co.uk
Woven leather and a solid wooden frame combine in this striking armchair. Not just a place to sit, this chair is definitely a conversation starter.
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10
Think seasonally
'Seasonally natural colours can create a light and airy ambience in the springtime and a cosy and warm one in the winter,' says Farah. 'Neutrals paired with seasonal colours are the perfect way to refresh and elevate your home throughout the year, but blues and greens will have far more longevity than your rusts and oranges.'
Image: Tones of Green Bedroom, Mustard Made
Soft Washed Recycled Cotton Flat Sheet
Changing your bedding is a quick and hassle-free way to keep your interior in line with the changing seasons. This rich olive shade looks equally as good in summer as it does in winter.
