Bringing the Outdoors Into Home Design

[Lori Baker]

Reflecting Nature with Color, Accents, and Furniture
Incorporating elements of Florida's enticing outdoor living into your
home can be challenging as temperature rises, windows and sliding
doors close for the season, and the steady hum of the A/C becomes your
constant companion. This problem however, is not an
uncompromising situation. With a few solutions inspired by the
great outdoors, you can create your indoor oasis.
Color - Think Green
Look around and get inspired by the splendid colors of
nature. Create your lush green roomscape starting with one
or several of the vibrant green hues that abound - lily pad green,
juniper, basil, deep kiwi, lime green, grasshopper, artichoke and
jasmine, just to name a few. Paint an accent wall, or mix colors
in by adding accessories.
Incorporate Other Variations in Nature


From the Beach - Shell, beach sand, egret, pearl, azure blue, deep
ultramarine, reed, lightest sky, powdery white, bright cobalt, sea
foam, surf spray, bottle green
From the Garden - Jacaranda, lavender, violet, dahlia purple,
bougainvillea, phlox pinks, buttercup, lemon, primrose yellow, tender
shoots, camellia rose, morning glory

Accents - Think Green
When it comes to accents and accessories, go green with eco-friendly
and natural materials. Fabulous furnishings and products made from
bamboo, reeds, grasses, recycled and reclaimed materials not only
bring the outer environment in, but also do so in a way our collective
environment will appreciate.
From the floor up - Swap out area rugs with indoor/outdoor or sisal
rugs. New styles and patterns are introduced every day, offering
bright splashes of color transforming your indoor space into an
extension of your deck or lanai.
Trade heavy window treatments for light and breezy sheers or crisp,
summer linens. Tie back curtains and draperies with raffia, seashell
trim, or floral garland.
Change out artwork and picture frames, capturing the outdoor look of
your dreams with touches of the sea, a garden, or backyard retreat.
Frame portraits with bamboo or natural weave frames.
If lanterns, fountains, and plants are some of your favorite things,
don't restrict them to the outdoors. Lanterns with candles and
seasonal string lights provide instant indoor party
lighting. Fountains and their relaxing waters create an oasis
sense of calm. Bring in plants, container gardens, and fresh-cut
flowers. If you don't have a green thumb, glass containers filled
with objects from the outdoors offer an excellent natural decorative
touch.
Add weathered and rustic pieces from outside, such as a bench or
wicker rocker. Or go for simple wood or rattan pieces, such as an
accent chair or table, to lighten up your furniture
grouping. Hang or lean aged, weather worn wood and iron gates on
your interior walls before closing the doors to your outdoors-in
design season.

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