A few isolated thunderstorms developing overnight. Low 72F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

A few isolated thunderstorms developing overnight. Low 72F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.

This coastal-inspired dining nook welcomes the outdoors inside. Cane chairs, woven accessories in rattan and wicker and the infusion of natural light are ingredients that contribute to a posh natural look.

This bedroom, above, features dark wooden beams and green ceiling, which brings the outdoors into the indoor environment. This is further enhanced with a plush throw, a botanical print above the bed and both bed linens and window treatments in neutral colors.

Art that brings the environment indoors is the final piece to tie a natural decorating aesthetic together. For the Golden Isles, that may mean oyster prints, shrimp boats, wildlife and other commonly viewed sights.

This coastal-inspired dining nook welcomes the outdoors inside. Cane chairs, woven accessories in rattan and wicker and the infusion of natural light are ingredients that contribute to a posh natural look.

This bedroom, above, features dark wooden beams and green ceiling, which brings the outdoors into the indoor environment. This is further enhanced with a plush throw, a botanical print above the bed and both bed linens and window treatments in neutral colors.

Art that brings the environment indoors is the final piece to tie a natural decorating aesthetic together. For the Golden Isles, that may mean oyster prints, shrimp boats, wildlife and other commonly viewed sights.

Decorating inspired by the great outdoors

I n the Golden Isles, we are immersed in a rich natural environment – from maritime forests and marshes, waterways and dune-fringed beaches, we are encompassed by Mother Nature’s handiwork. Of course, one can’t be outdoors all the time, but we can bring the outdoors inside our homes with a few easy-to-master suggestions. It’s important that your home be a place to relax because we humans spend between 80-90 percent of our time indoors, according to a survey by the Wall Street Journal. This makes integrating nature into the interior design aesthetic all the more important.

To accomplish this, interior designers and architects recommend bringing characteristics of the natural world into built spaces, such as water, greenery, natural light, certain textures and a full spectrum of colors.

Lori Harden, an interior designer at Pierce and Parker Interiors, on St. Simons Island, certainly agrees.

“Living in an area of natural beauty heavily influences the work of interior design. Realtors are not the only professionals who capitalize off ‘location, location, location’ – designers too must take into consideration what effect the outdoors will have on the indoors.”–Lori Harden

Harden explained further that when a home overlooks a natural region, it simply makes sense to incorporate those aspects into a home.

“Here on lovely St. Simons Island, the most common areas that houses overlook are marshes, ocean or green spaces,” she said. “Thus, motifs from these areas frequently appear in my work.”

Harden cites textures such as grasscloth and rattan as instant ways to keep a space casual, relaxed and beachy.

“A light palate with shades of spring green, aquamarine, creamy white and beiges, keeps any area lighthearted, open and fresh,” she said, adding that she frequently incorporates natural patterns like tropical leaves in prints or upholstery fabrics. A popular choice here, as in other coastal areas, is to bring in local wildlife, especially birds like herons, sandpipers and gulls.

Taylor House Interiors interior decorator Elizabeth Zachry agrees that the secret to bringing some of the outdoors into one’s home is easy if the correct colors and textures are chosen. Zachry also favors the entire spectrum of blues and greens along with neutrals and pops of bright color.

There are various ways to bring natural colors into a room, including paint and wall-coverings, floor coverings, furniture and accessories.

Bringing a bit of nature indoors just makes sense because of the Golden Isles’ climate and location. Most people spend a lot of time outdoors, and it’s only natural to want to bring a bit of it inside.

“It’s inspirational to bring the natural beauty of the outdoors, indoors,” said Zachry, touting the spectrum of colors that make up the ocean, marsh grasses and trees.

Bringing those textures into one’s home is easier than you think. Rattan, wicker and cane in particular are true nods to the Coastal South, she said.

One room in which it’s easy to adopt a natural look is the bathroom. Zachry says using mirrors trimmed in natural materials, along with paint and rugs, can make it easy. Tropical plants, especially in a well-lighted space, do well, and can add to the outdoorsy feel.

In the bedroom, look for furnishings that feature natural elements, such as a bed with a rattan headboard, and dressers covered in linen and grass cloth.

“Use simple window treatments to bring in the view,” Zachry said. She also suggested being careful when choosing artwork because sometimes the view out the window can overpower many pieces. “I cannot tell you how many times I have chosen artwork for a house and it won’t work … you really have to step it up.”

Adopting a natural look does not necessarily mean turning away from traditional design. Furniture that has withstood the passage of time – wingback chairs, classic couches and light fixtures – can all be given the coastal treatment and remain in good taste, as can Asian prints, gold-tone fixtures and lacquered pieces.

Zachry said one way to keep a traditional look but bring in some outdoor elements was to incorporate linen and other light throws into the living space, as well as replacing Oriental rug with one made of seagrass.

“Bring in lighter, more fun colors, knotted pillows, and coastal-related art and accessories,” Zachry said.

Another way to bring nature indoors is to display art that reflects the environment. For example, paintings that feature birds, fishing scenes and coastal vistas all play into the natural decorating tableau. A different approach is to use sculptural pieces – pieces of driftwood, defunct sea life, such as starfish, etc. – along with sea glass, rope, and other natural textures like wicker and rattan.

“Bringing the outside environment in is a timeless reflection of nature that elevates any space, adds a relaxing air to a room, and gives the occupant the sense that they are already enjoying the relaxation of island life.”–Lori Harden