Get more green in your life

Green is more than just a color… it’s about sustainability, growth and health! In this edition of The Design Edit, our monthly newsletter, we cover some ways to incorporate nature into your space at home.

Ever dreamed of having a big open concept floor plan and then realized it’s kind of a nightmare to get right? I do love a good open space because they are bright, feel grande, have versatility, and the options are endless with a little creativity. But something I’ve noticed lately is that the majority of the consultations I’ve had have been with clients who have open spaces - spaces they love - but have been feeling frustrated. They’re struggling with ways to make their open spaces beautiful and functional. If you have an open space and are struggling with this exact same thing, before you get overwhelmed trying to figure it out yourself head over to our blog where I share some of my favorite tips on how to creatively divide your open space.

After seeing all the crazy things happening to our environment, sustainability is the name of the game. I am talking about natural, recycled, and upcycled materials. Not only do these choices reduce our environmental footprint, they make really cool statement pieces for your home.

Here are my three favorite ideas to incorporate this trend into your home decor:

1. Rattan furniture: Rattan comes from a plant and can be woven, reeded or braided making the options for what you can do with it endless. The thing I love with rattan is, the furniture pieces are as creative and unique as your mind can come up with. I recently used a lot of custom rattan pieces in a project and the result was stunning! Even if you don’t have access to a custom rattan artisan, you’ll notice a lot of furniture these days is made of this material, from baskets, to chairs, to side tables and even light fixtures. Use any of all of these to add some cool, natural texture to your home. 

2. Natural fiber lighting: From jute to abaca to rattan, natural fibers have become a hot material for chandeliers and lamps and other light fixtures. They offer texture and add a lot of architectural interest to spaces because they have the ability to be woven into many shapes and patterns, sometimes they even feel like a sculpture or piece of art floating in the air. For this reason, I love using a natural fiber light fixture in juxtaposition in a more formal space. While they are made of a casual material, when woven into a beautiful statement piece, they become an elegant piece of art. Whether you have a traditional, modern, or bohemian style, give natural fiber lighting a try; you’ll be surprised how versatile it is! 

3. Repurposed pieces: So naturally, you’re probably thinking of reusing furniture whether it’s getting reupholstered or given a new life with some refinishing. And that’s absolutely a great way to repurpose pieces. I do love a good antique or thrift find that can be mixed in with your newer items. I think this is a very important part of making your home feel well-rounded and comfortable. But, I'm also convinced that the key to making your home memorable is adding a touch of surprise. I’m always on the lookout for items that i can use in expected ways to give them a new life. Recently I found myself in a Finca store in Colombia (where the locals who have a ranch or farmhouse would go to get supplies) and was totally inspired by the textures and materials, so much so that I bought some and transformed them into art pieces. More on that later!

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “bring the outdoors in”, right? In Interior Design there is a term for this called biophilic design. It’s the concept of connecting your indoor and outdoor spaces to increase your connection to nature to create a more healthy and productive environment for you to live in. But it’s more than just plants; it’s about natural lighting, fresh air, natural textures, and other elements that stimulate your five senses. The ultimate goal is to create a space that re-energizes you. 

The last project I worked on was focused on this concept. The client loved plants, fresh air, and amazing views and wanted to make sure we designed the space around them. That’s exactly what we did! Today, I want to share with you some insider tips on creating your own biophilic oasis. 

• Let the light shine: Consider using sheer drapery or some kind of light filtering shade to cut down on harsh light during the day but still allow the natural lighting to shine in. This will ensure you’re getting some vitamin D boosting your energy and mood. 

• Mix and match plants: Diversity is the spice of life, and the same holds true for indoor greenery. Whether you’re looking to sprinkle a few plants throughout your space, or you want a big statement with many plants, make sure to mix and match. Look for varying leaf shapes, heights, and colors. This will add texture, color and dimension to your space. 

• Maximize views: Design your furniture layout around your windows so that you can enjoy the views of nature and the skyline while sitting in your spaces. This will help you feel more connected to nature. 

• Think outside the pot: Dried plants or natural fibers are a great way to use nature in a different way. Think about how you can use these in furniture or lighting pieces to layer in more nature into your home - a collection of baskets can be a funky light fixture display, a vase of dried reeds or pampas grass makes for a unique accent, or blankets tossed into a woven basket for added softness and comfort. These accents bring texture into your space and add variety to create interest. 

• Embrace fresh air: Consider a space where you can open the windows and let fresh air in. Whether it’s a great balcony or patio space, or you have the ability to open the windows of your kitchen to let fresh air inside, it’s been shown that 20 minutes of fresh air a day can boost your energy levels and improve your focus.