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Writer's pictureGig Harbor Living Local

Interior Meets Exterior

Updated: Mar 1

Combining your favorite exterior elements with your interior makes for a beautiful, natural space



natural tone

 

By Elizabeth Ray


In the ever-evolving world of interior design, a captivating trend has emerged—bringing the allure of the exterior indoors. As homeowners seek to create spaces that seamlessly blend with the natural world, a palette of exterior elements finds its place within the sanctuary of our homes. Natural stones, with their timeless elegance, are no longer confined to outdoor spaces; they grace our living rooms and kitchens, infusing a sense of organic luxury. Mixed woods, reminiscent of sprawling forests, now find a home in our bedrooms, creating warmth and character.


Greenery, once confined to gardens, introduces a breath of fresh air within our living spaces, promoting not just aesthetic appeal but also a connection with nature. The industrial charm, once associated with outdoor architecture, now defines chic urban interiors, embracing the raw beauty of exposed materials. Molding, a hallmark of exterior detailing, now adorns our interiors, adding sophistication and depth.


Natural tones and colors, inspired by earth's palette, dominate modern interiors, fostering a sense of tranquility and serenity. This convergence of exterior aesthetics with interior design reflects a desire to create harmonious spaces that reflect the beauty of the natural world within the confines of our homes. Join us on a journey where the boundaries between inside and outside blur, and the elements of nature become integral parts of our domestic landscapes.


Natural Stones


Embarking on a journey to bring the outdoors inside, the timeless allure of natural stone emerges as a focal point in contemporary interior design. Beyond its traditional outdoor role, natural stone, with its unique textures and hues, now graces our indoor living spaces, adding a touch of organic sophistication. Whether adorning countertops, accent walls, or flooring, the sheer versatility of natural stone introduces a tactile and visual richness that transcends conventional design boundaries. From the rugged charm of slate to the elegant veins of marble, each stone variety tells a story of earth's artistry. Its cooling properties also make it a practical choice for spaces seeking thermal equilibrium. The integration of natural stone seamlessly connects our interiors with the tranquility and timelessness of the natural world, creating a harmonious sanctuary within the confines of our homes.


Cool Tones


Transform your indoor haven by embracing cool tones — serene blues, tranquil greens, and soothing grays. These hues effortlessly evoke a sense of calm, making your living space a haven of relaxation. From accent walls to furnishings, incorporating cool tones adds a touch of sophistication and modernity. Elevate your interior ambiance with this refreshing color palette, creating a sanctuary that reflects tranquility and style.


Green Green Green


Breathe life into your indoor spaces by embracing the invigorating presence of greenery. Beyond traditional outdoor realms, plants and foliage have become essential interior design elements, infusing homes with natural vitality. Whether it's cascading vines, statement potted plants or a lush indoor garden, incorporating greenery adds a touch of biophilic beauty.


Not only do these living accents purify the air, but they also contribute to a sense of well-being and tranquility. The dynamic interplay of textures and shades of green creates visual interest, transforming your living space into a verdant oasis. Embrace the trend of biophilic design and let nature flourish indoors, fostering a connection to the outdoors within the comfort of your home.


Industrial


Infuse urban flair into your indoor living space by incorporating industrial elements. Exposed brick, steel and concrete bring raw, edgy charm, creating a contemporary ambiance. Utilize metal fixtures, pendant lights and reclaimed materials to amplify the industrial aesthetic. This design trend not only adds a touch of urban sophistication but also celebrates the beauty found in the unconventional, transforming your home into a stylish and eclectic haven.


Molding


Elevate your indoor living space by introducing the timeless elegance of molding, a hallmark of exterior detailing. Traditionally an outdoor architectural feature, molding seamlessly transitions into interior design, adding sophistication and character. Crown molding can redefine ceilings, while baseboards and wainscoting contribute depth and texture to walls. The intricate patterns and classic designs of molding evoke a sense of craftsmanship and refinement, transforming your home into a haven of architectural distinction. This interior design trend embraces the marriage of exterior aesthetics with indoor elegance, creating spaces that are both visually captivating and enduringly stylish.


Mixed Woods



Transform your indoor sanctuary with the rich allure of mixed woods, a design trend that beautifully marries various wood tones and textures. Gone are the days of uniformity — today's interiors embrace diversity, blending light and dark woods to create a harmonious tapestry of warmth and sophistication. Whether in furniture, flooring or accents, the juxtaposition of oak, walnut and maple infuses spaces with organic charm. This eclectic approach not only adds visual interest but also reflects a connection to nature's diversity. Embrace the depth and character inherent in mixed woods, crafting an environment that exudes both timeless elegance and contemporary flair. The result is an indoor living space that encapsulates the beauty and complexity of the natural world.


Warm Tones


Update your indoor haven with the inviting embrace of warm tones — rich reds, golden yellows and earthy oranges. These hues infuse your living space with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, creating a sanctuary of comfort. From accent walls to furnishings, the incorporation of warm tones brings a touch of timeless elegance and a sense of homely charm. Elevate your interior ambiance with this comforting color palette, crafting a space that radiates both style and serenity.


Reclaimed Materials



Embrace a sustainable and distinctive aesthetic by integrating reclaimed materials into your indoor living space. Salvaged wood, repurposed metal and upcycled glass not only infuse your environment with a sense of history but also contribute to eco-conscious design. Each piece tells a story, adding a unique character that cannot be replicated by mass-produced alternatives.Reclaimed materials, bearing the marks of their former life, bring authenticity and warmth, creating a living space that transcends trends. By opting for these eco-friendly elements, you not only reduce your environmental footprint but also introduce a touch of craftsmanship and individuality to your home. Whether it's a reclaimed wood accent wall, a metal coffee table with a storied past, or glass windows repurposed into decorative panels, incorporating these materials fosters a connection to sustainability and the timeless beauty of repurposed design.


Rustic Elements


Elevate your living space with the inviting charm of rustic elements. Exposed beams, distressed wood and antique finishes infuse your interior with a countryside allure. These elements evoke a sense of timeless warmth and authenticity, creating a cozy retreat that pays homage to natural textures and rugged simplicity. Embrace the rustic aesthetic to transform your home into a haven of comfort and character, where each piece tells a story of bygone eras.


Natural Fibers


Envelop your living space in the organic comfort of natural fibers. Woven baskets, jute rugs and textured accessories bring the essence of the outdoors inside, adding an earthy and tactile quality. These elements not only infuse warmth but also connect your home to the natural world. Choose natural fibers for a touch of relaxed elegance, creating an interior ambiance that mirrors the serenity and authenticity of nature.


Terracotta Elements


Infuse your living space with the earthy allure of terracotta elements. Whether in the form of pots, tiles or accessories, these warm-hued additions not only introduce a touch of rustic elegance but also foster a seamless connection with outdoor landscapes. The distinctive reddish-brown tones evoke the warmth of sun-drenched landscapes, creating an ambiance that is both inviting and timeless. Terracotta pots housing vibrant greenery bring nature indoors, while tiles add character to floors and walls. Embrace this versatile material to sculpt an interior that mirrors the soothing embrace of the natural world, enveloping your home in a palette inspired by the rich tapestry of the great outdoors.


Bamboo Accents


Transform your indoor spaces into tropical retreats with the natural grace of bamboo accents. Whether through furniture, shades or other elements, bamboo introduces an unparalleled touch of elegance and tranquility. The light, sustainable material not only adds a breezy, organic aesthetic but also carries an eco-friendly allure. Bamboo's unique textures and earthy tones infuse your interior with a relaxed, coastal vibe.From bamboo shades gently filtering sunlight to furniture pieces echoing nature's curves, each element brings the essence of the tropics into your home. Embrace the versatility and timeless beauty of bamboo to create a sanctuary that radiates both natural charm and sophisticated serenity.


Outdoor-Inspired Textiles


Elevate your indoor ambiance with outdoor-inspired textiles. Opt for fabrics adorned with lively stripes, floral motifs or geometric designs to infuse your living space with the breezy, fresh essence of the outdoors. These patterns not only bring a touch of nature inside but also add a vibrant, dynamic quality to your interior décor. Transform your home into a haven that mirrors the vitality and beauty found in the great outdoors, embracing patterns that evoke the spirit of sunlit meadows and open skies.


Outdoor-Inspired Art


Turn your living space into a gallery of the great outdoors with outdoor-inspired art. Display nature photography, botanical prints or landscape paintings that effortlessly evoke the beauty of natural landscapes.These artworks not only bring the serenity of the outdoors inside but also serve as captivating focal points, infusing your home with a sense of tranquility and connection to nature. From vibrant florals to expansive vistas, let outdoor art be a window to the world beyond, creating an atmosphere that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the natural world within the confines of your home.


Living Walls


Living walls, adorned with lush vegetation, effortlessly blur the line between interior and exterior spaces, infusing homes with a breath of natural vitality. These vertical gardens not only serve as striking visual features but also contribute to improved indoor air quality by filtering pollutants. The presence of living walls transforms interiors into vibrant, organic sanctuaries, offering a constant reminder of nature's rejuvenating influence. As greenery thrives on the walls, residents enjoy a connection to the outdoors, creating a harmonious and refreshing ambiance within the confines of their home.


Floor-to-Ceiling Windows


Floor-to-ceiling windows serve as transformative portals that seamlessly integrate the natural world with interior spaces. By ushering in abundant natural light and panoramic views, these expansive windows dissolve the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments. The transparency of floor-to-ceiling windows creates a visual continuity, allowing inhabitants to revel in the ever-changing beauty of nature throughout the day. The interplay of sunlight, shadows and the surrounding landscape becomes an intrinsic part of the interior ambiance.


Moreover, these windows enhance the sense of spaciousness, making rooms feel larger and more interconnected. Beyond aesthetics, the incorporation of floor-to-ceiling windows promotes a connection to the outdoors, fostering a serene atmosphere that positively influences well-being and enriches the living experience.

 

The Whimsy of Wallpaper


Transform your walls with the timeless elegance of textured wallpaper. Elevate your space with depth and dimension, as each tactile surface invites touch and visual interest. From subtle linen weaves to intricate embossed patterns, textured wallpaper adds character and charm to any room. Whether you prefer a rustic, weathered look or a luxurious, velvety feel, embrace the versatility of textured wallpaper to create a unique and inviting atmosphere in your home.


Colors + Textures


Embrace the art of mixing colors and textures to curate a home that is as dynamic as it is inviting. Combine rich hues and contrasting tones to create visual interest and depth in every room. Integrate various textures, from smooth leather to plush velvet, rustic wood to sleek metal, to add tactile intrigue and warmth. Experiment with patterns and prints, layering geometric shapes with organic motifs for a harmonious yet eclectic aesthetic.


Water Features


Transform your living space into a sanctuary with the serene allure of indoor water features. Whether classic or modern, simple or elaborate, incorporating various styles such as elegant fountains, captivating waterfalls, falling water features or charming tabletop ponds, these features infuse your home with the soothing presence of flowing water. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern design to complement contemporary decor or a rustic, naturalistic style for a cozy ambiance, there's an option to suit every taste. Imagine the gentle sound of water trickling in the background, creating a tranquil atmosphere conducive to relaxation and reflection. Elevate your home's ambiance and aesthetic with the timeless beauty and therapeutic benefits of indoor water features.








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