When it comes to my humble abode, I want it to be a place where I appreciate the simple things and immerse all my senses in the luxury that nature brings. This means that I would very much want to reduce the amount of artificial scents, plasticky materials and consumerism clutter as much as possible. Instead, I only want to keep items that remind me of the simple life and constantly remind me to appreciate and enjoy all that nature brings.
The reason why being in nature, such as the mountains/gardens/nature parks/breaches, is so good for us is because nature helps us to feel grounded and at peace. Studies have shown that time in nature — as long as people feel safe — is an antidote for stress: It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.
Incorporating nature at home need not be expensive. Here are 9 ways to incorporate nature in your home.
1. Incorporate lots of natural elements like clay, wood and more
An easy way to always have nature around you at home is to incorporate elements of nature in your carpentry and furniture. Choose natural materials like clay, wood, concrete, or leather for your furniture pieces. Do not be afraid of textured natural materials as textured materials can bring alot of character to your home.
2. Use gas stove instead of electrical stove
With all the electronic gadgets that we have, it is refreshing to not have to be around any electronic item for a change. Therefore, If you want to make the conscious decision to be close to nature, it is good to keep as many natural elements in your home as practically possible. Eg, instead of an electrical stove, use a gas stove instead. N
ot only does a gas stove help you feel more connected with nature (because you are using fire to cook your food as compared to man-made electricity), studies have shown that a gas stove is much more energy efficient than an electrical stove.
3. Display art pieces of nature
The view from my windows is not the most scenic – it is basically a view of the apartments in my district. If you are like me and do not have the luxury of gorgeous scenic views of nature, the next best thing you can do is to display art pieces of nature instead!
The easiest way to do so is to display framed paintings or photos of nature on your walls. You can also consider displaying elements of nature such as seashells or natural rocks!
4. Have a color scheme that reminds you of nature
A cost effective and relatively easy way to bring nature to your home is to bring the colors of nature to your home.
Paint your walls in calming and grounding shades of gray, beige, or any other color that helps to keep you calm and feeling grounded. Choose carpentry furniture pieces that come in color tones that remind you of your favorite part of nature. There are countless ways for this color scheme – it is up to you to figure out what color scheme is best suited for you.
If you have no clue what color scheme to go for, think about what nature scene and/or experience you enjoy the most. Do you like the freshness of the sea? Do you like the solitude of the mountains? Or do you like the groundedness of forests? Think about what you like the most and incorporate that in your color scheme.
5. Minimize plastic items like plastic plates, polyester sofa
Sure, plasticware may be more practical than ceramic or glass ware, especially if you have children running around, but there is something that just feels cheap and unnatural about them. Concerned about your plates and utensils breaking? Some great natural materials you can consider are stainless steel, rice husks, bamboo and even coconut!
If you live in a hot and humid climate like me, not only do furniture made from polyester look cheap and tacky, they really do no favors to our skin at all. If you are afraid of your furniture getting stained, stay away from natural materials that absorb stain easily, eg linens or cotton. Instead, go for materials that you can easily wipe stains off from, e.g. leather or wood.
6. Have a garden (or at least grow some plants here and there)
I picked up gardening as a hobby since I moved into my own place and I am loving it! There is nothing quite like seeing the plants that you have nurtured grow to be healthy and beautiful.
7. Try out composting
Get closer and give back to nature when you compost in your own home. Composting at home allows you to observe the cycle of life from the comfort of your own home. When you compost at home, you also help to reduce the amount of waste that gets sent to our landfills.
8. Take measures to minimize waste (eg use soap, refillables)
Being close to nature is also about giving back to nature. It is good to be conscious about the amount of waste that you are throwing away and take steps to minimize waste.
Use refillables instead of buying new bottled shampoo, use soap instead of bottled body wash, use your own shopping carrier bag instead of using the plastic bags provided by the supermarkets.
9. Minimize processed food
Omit all the unhealthy processed food like sausages, luncheon meat, potato chips, frozen fried food and go for unprocessed groceries instead. Unprocessed groceries are a great way to enjoy nature on a budget at home. There is nothing quite like enjoying a meal you prepared, that is healthy yet delicious, giving you all the nutrients that you need, in the comfort of your own home.