Ask the Expert

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette natural design illustration.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette natural design illustration.

I enjoy spending a lot of my free time outdoors and am looking for new ways to incorporate my love of nature into the interior of my home to reflect my passion and would appreciate any design tips you could share.

"There are three major ways that I like to bring the outdoors into my interiors," says interior designer Tobi Fairley of Little Rock, whose work is often featured in national publications.

She says the first, and most obvious, method is to employ fresh flowers and greenery around the home any time of the year.

"I use whatever I have in my yard, mixing them in with a few store-bought items for a fuller look," Fairley says. "My friend P. Allen Smith says cutting your flowers in the morning makes them last longer, too."

Other more subtle touches of nature include bringing in stone, incorporating it into fireplace surrounds, walls and counter tops.

And while wood is a traditional material often found in the construction of houses in its doors, mantels, shelves, tables and chairs, it can also be used in less common ways such as candle holders. When treated in finishes other than paint that accentuate the wood's grain, it adds to the natural look.

Consider putting nature to use in unique ways such as transforming a small tree branch into a jewelry holder or using a more substantial one in the kitchen to hang kitchen pots or utensils. Also in the kitchen and in other rooms, potted herbs add a decorative touch and also serve a functional use for the cook.

In the nearby dining room, consider filling a decorative bowl with fruits or vegetables to serve as table decor or centerpieces.

Walls can be adorned with pressed plants, framed individually or gathered together in a collage. And then there's the rest of the house. The possibilities are endless.

"I also like to use floral or botanical motifs in my house, like a lovely vine-print fabric on draperies, or an abstract painting of a floral arrangement," Fairley says.

Don't forget that color, whether placed as paint on walls or found in the furniture, rugs and accent pieces, can also help bring nature inside.

"You can use the colors you love most from the outdoors

and bring them into your home's decor, like spring green, bright yellow or sky blue," the designer explains.

In addition to the plants and colors, don't forget about lighting. And in this case, she's not talking about lamps.

"Be sure to open up the window coverings to allow in as much light as possible so you can see out to your gorgeous landscape," Fairley suggests.

Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? We'll get you an answer from an authority. Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or email:

lhaymes@arkansasonline.com

HomeStyle on 08/23/2014

Upcoming Events