Big city living has an undeniable allure—vibrant cultural events, historical landmarks, thriving art and music scenes, and bustling business hubs all contribute to its appeal. However, the fast-paced energy of city life can quickly shift from exciting to overwhelming, leaving us craving a slower pace and a break from sensory overload. In an ideal world, a peaceful walk in the countryside would be the perfect remedy for mental fatigue. But what happens when a quick escape to nature isn’t an option, and you’re in the heart of a busy city?
The answer: If you can’t go to nature, bring nature to you.
At Roselind Wilson Design, we believe that homes should be sanctuaries—places where we can feel calm, comfortable and at ease. As a London-based design studio, we are dedicated to creating serene havens in the heart of the city expertly tailored to suit our clients’ unique needs.
Throughout history, humans have relied on the natural world for survival, growth, and healing drawing on its rich tapestry to sustain and support us. This is the inspiration behind our design philosophy, which centres on incorporating lessons from nature into the heart of our work.
Incorporate natural elements
Our deep connection with nature is a powerful force, and research shows that incorporating natural elements into our living spaces can significantly enhance our well-being. Here’s how a nature-inspired approach to interior design can benefit you:
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Exposure to natural environments has been scientifically proven to lower cortisol levels, our primary stress hormone, and reduce anxiety. By bringing plants into your home and filling your terrace, balcony, or windowsills with greenery, you can create a calming oasis. Linking indoor living areas with outdoor spaces to create a seamless flow between inside and outside further enhances this tranquil environment.
- Enhanced cognitive function: Studies suggest that spaces in which nature is actively embraced can help to boost focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Incorporating raw natural materials, plants, and other elements of the outdoors into your interior can stimulate the mind, helping you approach challenges with renewed clarity.
- Better sleep: Natural light and calming materials are key to creating a sleep-friendly environment. Use layered window treatments to smoothly transition from day to night and opt for natural fabrics like cottons and linens for bedding. These choices can help you achieve a deeper, more restful sleep, leaving you refreshed and energized for the day ahead.
Embrace ‘Daylighting’
Daylighting is the practice of maximizing natural light levels in your home for the combined benefits of naturally enhancing mood, reducing r
eliance on artificial lighting and having a planet friendly dip in energy consumption. So how to get onboard and make the most of natural light in your home?
- Increase and harness natural light: While increasing the proportion of glazing in your home could appear to be the swiftest way to achieve this, it’s not always structurally feasible and almost always costly. Instead, focus on exposing the access to the existing glazing by removing window dressing, where possible and relocating light blocking items such as furniture. Where window treatments are necessary, opt for a mixed approach where layers of sheer fabrics work alongside and heavier layers to allow for privacy and a flexible transition between day and night.
- Reflect, reflect, reflect: Make the most of the natural light that enters your home by placing mirrors strategically to reflect and amplify light throughout the room.
- Let the colour palette radiate: Just as nature uses colour to reflect and radiate sunlight, you can do the same by choosing light-reflective shades like whites and creams. Complement these with soft greens, calming blues, and earthy browns to create a tranquil atmosphere. Adding vibrant accents through flowers or artwork featuring natural scenes can introduce a pleasing contrast and visual interest.
Details that deepen the natural connection
A nature-inspired design goes far beyond adding a simple Fiddle Fig or Cactus. Elevate your natural haven with these sophisticated touches:
- Living Walls: For those with a green thumb, vertical gardens are a fantastic way to bring the outdoors in. Not only do they enhance aesthetics, but they also purify the air, allowing you to relax and enjoy the benefits of nature within your home.
- Soothing Water Sounds: The gentle sound of trickling water is renowned for its calming effect. Consider adding a small tabletop fountain or a water feature integrated into your wall to create a soothing, meditative atmosphere for you and your guests.
- Natural Accents: Incorporate elements like gnarled driftwood, smooth pebbles, or a collection of shells throughout your space. These tactile accents add visual interest and offer a sensory dimension to your décor.
- Biophilic Lighting: Invest in adjustable lighting that mimics the natural light cycle. Warmer tones in the morning and evening can help regulate sleep patterns, while cooler tones during the day can boost focus and productivity.
Embracing the beauty of the ever-changing seasons
Incorporating seasonal touches into your nature-inspired haven keeps you connected to the ever-changing rhythms of the natural world. Here’s how to embrace nature’s bounty throughout the year:
- Spring: Celebrate the season by bringing in vibrant bursts of color with fresh spring foliage and bold florals.
- Summer: Swap out heavy curtains and throws for lighter fabrics, exchange rugs for airy options like woven straw, and add diffusers with refreshing scents like citrus or lavender.
- Autumn: Embrace warm, earthy tones with accent pieces such as cushions, throws, and ceramics. Soft candlelight can create a cozy, intimate ambiance as the days grow shorter.
- Winter: Introduce rich jewel tones into your decor and layer plush, textured cushions and throws on seating to create a warm, inviting space perfect for snuggling during the colder months.
If you have a home redesign on the horizon contact our talented design team and find out how we can help you to create your very own oasis of calm and comfort.
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