Now that Fall is here, the unique organic shapes and patterns of nature come into sharper focus. Fall means cooler weather, warm spiced pumpkin lattes and being cozy inside our homes. Just because the weather is getting cooler outside does not mean you cannot enjoy the visual appeal and feeling of being outdoors inside!
We here at TDF Interiors believe in using natural elements, such as woven sisal or jute rugs, grasscloth wallcoverings, sculptural plants, rattan backed chairs, and even, tile, as a way to bring subtle references to the natural world into our designs. These organic touches will ground and relax you at a subconscious level, providing a feeling of comfort and calm as well as an eye-catching aesthetic appeal year round.
1: Use a statement wallpaper with a pattern inspired by nature
In this award winning bedroom design, we used a wallpaper with a stunning tree pattern to create a feature wall behind the bed. Who doesn’t want to go to sleep feeling like they are looking up into the trees!
I love the way this Cole and Son wallpaper, which is an old favorite, is used up this staircase wall. It is such a wonderful way to add interest to an entry foyer.
2: Add a raw organic element to your furniture with a “live” edge
Live or raw edges are very reminiscent of the outdoors and this can used to great effect with stone fireplaces or even for dining tables, which is trending now. In this fireplace I designed, we used a reclaimed piece of wood for the mantel over a ledgestone tile. The hearth stone also had a raw edge.
3: Use grasscloth wallpaper to add warmth and a wonderful textural feeling to your walls
Grasscloth is my favorite wallcovering for its textural appeal. It is a natural material with a paper backing so it is easily installed like wallpaper on your walls. Grasscloth envelopes a room with a wonderful feeling of warmth.
It comes in many different shades and can be patterned as well as shiny or metallic. If you don’t want the real thing there are wonderful vinyl wallpapers available that give the authentic grasscloth look (as long as you don’t get up too close!)
4: Choose a neutral color scheme for your room
Using neutral colors or earth tones in our homes can be very rejuvenating and refreshing as long as you layer in lots of texture. Neutral colors remind us of the earth, sand, stones and tree bark. Add depth to the design by layering lighter and darker neutral shades but be very careful to keep to the same undertones of color. One of the biggest mistakes people make is to mix cool neutrals with warm neutrals.
Selecting neutral earthy colors for your larger furniture pieces, window treatments and rugs is a sensible investment decision and does not have to be boring. Neutral tones will look fresh all year round allowing you to play them up with fun colors as the seasons change.
5: Bring in flower power with colorful floral prints.
Floral prints in loud and boldly scaled patterns and colors are very popular now. In 2016, we have seen them on the runway and we have seen celebrity designers use them on furniture pieces. At TDF Interiors, we love to use these beautiful floral patterns in our design schemes. They can be made to look contemporary and fresh depending on how you use them.
Floral pillows, as shown below, in bright fresh colors paired with a neutral toned sofa fabric do not look old fashioned.
6: Plants as accessories that live and breath in your home
Tall sculptural plants, like the fiddle leaf fig I featured in one of my earlier blog posts, create a bold design statement in any room. They are very effective at adding height in a space and filling difficult corners.
It brings a room to life if you have living plants as decorative accessories. They do not even have to be watered if you use an air plant or very little if you use succulents. This can take the stress out of caring for potted plants. Plants can be put in terrariums or under glass cloches to add interest.
