For some, it’s that magical time of year when the days grow shorter, the nights longer, and we start to welcome all the coziness the season has to offer —whether it’s with hot cocoa (adult libations included), a comfy blanket, or, of course, beautiful decor! But here’s the thing: decorating isn’t just for December. Yes, for those who don’t enjoy the holidays or winter, there are still options for getting nature-inspired decor into your interior design motifs.
Nature-inspired home decor can bring warmth, joy, and the natural world to your holiday gatherings and throughout the year. Any frequent reader of mine knows that I’m all about blending seasonal vibes with timeless design. With this piece, I want to show you how natural elements can make your home glow during the holidays and enhance your biophilic design year-round!
When I think of holiday decor rooted in nature, I imagine fresh greenery, brisk pine, pinecones, branches, wintery berries, and wooden accents. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about design accents from the great outdoors in festive spaces.
Fresh greenery is undoubtedly the quintessential holiday decor. Wreaths made from pine, fir, or cedar are an easy way to welcome the outdoors into your home.
You can go all-out and adorn your front door with a stunning, large wreath or create smaller versions to hang throughout your home. If you want to extend the vibe beyond the holidays, consider transitioning to eucalyptus or bay leaves, which lend themselves to year-round elegance, or at least until spring returns. Garland made from these same materials can be draped over mantels and railings or used to create a simple yet elegant tablescape for your holiday and everyday decor. Think of greenery as your neutral asset; it can truly pair with everything, whether you are holiday-focused or not.
For me, nature-inspired home decor is incomplete without wood elements. Wooden ornaments, rustic picture frames, or wooden serving platters instantly warm up a space. For the holidays, consider natural wooden tree decorations, like stars, hearts, and snowflakes; these simple touches carry over into the new year, too! A set of beautiful wooden bowls, a solid wood coffee table, or a wooden bookshelf brings the outdoors in, creating that sense of peace and calm you’ll enjoy all year. Exposed woods without too much treatment for stain are a base around which to build the rest of your design strategy.
Red berries (think holly or mistletoe) bring a splash of color to your decor, while the earthy tones of the pinecones add texture and balance. After the holidays, pinecones can still fit seamlessly into your space, whether sprinkled into glass jars or added to a rustic centerpiece for your dining room table. For a nature-inspired holiday look, use beeswax or soy candles for that enchanted season glow and earthy feel. Think of placing them in clusters on your mantle or scattered around your table for intimate holiday dinners. After the holiday season, these same candles can be kept out to give your home a soft, warm glow. Candlesticks made of wood, stone, or metal with a natural finish can be long-lasting pieces for year-round use.
The natural world offers endless inspiring color palettes suitable for the holidays, deep winter, and beyond. Go back to the core earth tones; think of the deep greens of the forest, the browns and tans of tree bark, the rich reds and oranges of berries, and the silvery tones of frosted branches. During the holidays, combine these earthy tones with some metallic accents. Silver and gold accents can complement the warmth of natural hues! After the holiday season, you can continue to use these hues because they are earth-centric, and as long as you remove the holiday accent colors and trinkets, they will feel appropriate no matter when they’re used.
While holiday decorations are often temporary, biophilic design creates spaces that reflect nature year-round. Once the holiday decorations are tucked away, think about how to continue incorporating natural elements into your spaces.
Incorporate stone, glass, linen, and wool into your home. These tactile, nature-inspired elements can be used in everything from furniture to linens.
Perhaps the most important tip is to bring in more plants! Create a lush, green environment. Not only can plants improve the air quality in your home, but they also provide that connection to nature that consciously and unconsciously makes us all feel better. Even if you’re not an avid gardener, low-maintenance plants like succulents, snake plants, and peace lilies will add vibrancy to your space.
Biophilic design thrives on maximizing natural light. If you can, let the light pour in! Opt for light curtains, large windows, or strategically placed mirrors to reflect daylight, bringing the outdoors into your interior. In winter months, daylight lamps can also simulate sunlight to keep your home feeling bright and flush with natural light.
Ultimately, nature-inspired holiday decor can make your home feel grounded, peaceful, and connected to the natural world. It celebrates the natural beauty most of us don’t get enough of.
As you decorate for the holidays, think beyond December and bring these natural elements into your home throughout the year. It’s a simple way to create a calming, therapeutic environment you and your family can enjoy no matter the season!
Enjoy the magic of the season, and create a home full of warmth and natural beauty! From my home to yours, I wish you the very best!
