Living with Nature

 

As the weather turns, I find myself flinging open all the doors and windows, dirt and bugs be damned. It's just too enticing to try to bring the outdoors in. I'm lucky in that my older Southern home was designed to integrate the outdoors with the indoors, maximizing airflow in the hot summer months. There are transom windows that allow air to move even doors are closed, windows that open from floor to ceiling, and side galleries (porches) that create airflow throughout the house.

But airflow isn't enough for me. Because I work from home, I need as much natural light and greenery as I can get. To some extent, it's easy - I have shutters on most windows, which are easy to open and close, and I've eliminated window coverings in my office altogether, allowing me to see the courtyard in bloom. It makes a huge difference in my mood.

To encourage such mood elevation, I've been thinking of other ways to bring the season indoors. Here are some visuals that inspire me:

 
Garden benches add an instant outdoor feel to a dining area.
Photo from Natural Style by Janet Sobesky
 

  

All it takes are a few simple touches to summon the outdoors. The antique garden urn, cut fern fronds, and the pastoral landscape painting all stand out in a serene living room.
Photo from Better Homes and Gardens

 

 

I adore the tropical vibe in this small guest bathroom and the way that the light is maximized with filmy curtains.
Photo from Gardenhouse by Bonnie Trust Dahan

 
 
A well placed mirror can heighten the impact of the outdoors when it reflects a garden environment.
Photo from Thrifty Chic by Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell

 
 
I love the dramatic statement these birch branches make in this airy living room.
Photo from Gardenhouse by Bonnie Trust Dahan

 
 
I never get tired of faux bois furniture, like this table and chairs.
Photo from House Beautiful

 
 
I'm crazy about this bathroom, despite its extreme masculinity. I want this mirror!
Photo from Domino

 
I almost installed a porch swing in my New York apartment. I still have some regret that I didn't do it.
Photo from Gardenhouse by Bonnie Trust Dahan

Title photo from Martha Stewart Living     

  

Comments

[Betty in Allen, TX]

Love all of these photos!
I tend to go the opposite way. In the winter I want the bright airy - ness in these photos. In summer I try to keep it as dark and cool as possible inside. So I hang dark curtains and I keep them closed most of the time. It's north Texas after! It gets into the 110s-120s here in July and August. We don't have the humidity that you get down in New Orleans, but it's hot and dry and makes it difficult to cool off because we don't get that sort of moistness with the wind that you guys get. :O)
Have a great day.