Interior Decorating Nature-Inspired

Nothing adds color and warmth as easily as flowers. Use flower arrangements for centerpieces on tables in the kitchen, dining room, entry or living room. Even a single rose in a simple bud vase will bring a touch of elegance and beauty.

Spring and summer bring the most opportunity for decorating with flower arrangements. One of the great rewards of gardening is that every day provides an occasion to decorate with fresh flowers. Create an arrangement on a whim by strolling through your gardens. Zinnia, delphinium, roses, asters, daisies, lavender, sunflowers and spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils are wonderful choices for a cutting garden. Dried flowers and seed heads bring new life to winter arrangements. Easy choices are lavender, hydrangea, statice, strawflower and perennial grasses. Force spring blooming shrubs, such as forsythia, and spring bulbs for late winter color indoors. Even something as simple as a bowl of fresh lemons will add color and fragrance to a kitchen counter or table.

If you are not a gardener, these same items are available at flower shops or even your local supermarket. Don't overlook inexpensive potted flowering plants that can brighten up a corner table. Orchids are relatively easy to grow and are an elegant accent in a living room or formal entry.

Artificial silk flowers are another easy option. Flowers, vines and foliage appropriate for any season can be found at craft stores and home goods stores. Change your artificial flowers and foliage with the seasons and no one will notice that they are not real. Add scented candles in a coordinating scent to complete the illusion.

Photo used under Creative Commons from dennistrigylidas.

Outdoor statuary can be brought indoors for an unusual touch to an entry or garden themed room. Add the dimension of sound with a table top water feature that can be displayed in a bird bath. Metal wall hangings that can be used outside can also be used on interior walls.

Almost any décor you enjoy outside can be brought indoors: Topiary, pottery, statuary and outdoor decorative items add a sense of drama or whimsy to your home.

If you grow herbs, dry some before the season ends for fragrance and color. Lavender is a perfect choice for bathrooms and closets and don't overlook culinary herbs, such as basil and sage, that can be dried and used for cooking throughout the long dull winter.

It's easy to grow herbs indoors any time of year with an herb growing kit, or begin with your own pots and packets of your favorite seeds. A sunny kitchen window is all you need to keep a fresh supply on hand that will add fragrance and flavor to your meals, and help you feel connected to nature any time of the year.