Make your Home More Zen with the Use of Natural Materials

We all look at our homes as on oasis of peace and pleasure, but not many people realize that this healthy home energy exudes from the materials we incorporate in it.

Truly natural materials are so far the best ones you can include into your interior and exterior, not just because they create an irresistibly inviting spirit and utterly beautiful appearance, but because they connect with nature, relieve from stress and fulfil the living space with pleasant warmth. Besides, they reflect pristine peacefulness and harmony, and as such create a radiant Zen ambient which positively affects your mood and state of mind.

So before you redecorate your home the Zen way, let’s see which natural resources you should embrace:

Stone

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Natural stone, which is known for its extraordinary longevity, alluring natural shades and diverse texture, can be generously used both in interiors and exteriors.  You can start by wrapping your walls into mosaics made of multicolour veneer stone, pave your living room with pastel marble stones or warm up the entire space with classic stone fire-pit.  

River pebbles which come in beautiful shades of brown, gray and beige are great for stylish table countertops, floors and decorative flower pots, mats, hot pads, etc. Stone is great for exterior surfaces too, so you can try energy efficient exterior wall cladding based on natural stone or inbuilt rocks into your patio, exterior staircase or garden paths.

Plants 

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Turn your home into a tranquil, peace- exuding nook by decorating it with elements made of leaves, reeds, grass and natural fibres such as hemp, flax and jute. A great option is to invest in a green wall, which will bring a feel of the outdoors in your home. 

You can top your tables with naturally coloured jute tablecloths, replace carpets with seagrass or coir rugs and make lovely grass-cloth wall decor to increase space serenity and warmth. Fill your living room with rattan sofa and armchairs which you can pair with straw deco baskets, flax throws and jute upholstery. 

Natural materials have been used in homes for centuries, but once you understand their energising, calming and healthy features, they become an unavoidable element in the homes of all people who seek  serenity in their homes.

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Wood

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Each piece of wood you bring into your house is a spectacular touch of nature, and as such, one of the most precious elements your home can host. You can install authentic barn wood kitchen cabinets, beautiful deck-style beech floors, use driftwood to create rustic headboard or extravagant staircase railing, and even turn an entire wood slab into truly natural table of any kind. 

To warm up the space, place reclaimed timber beams over the ceiling and decorate walls with naturally brown wooden shelves covered with a patina finish. Wooden decor exudes an eco-friendly spirit and looks amazingly fashionable, where you bring anything from wooden dining sets to lovely mahogany sconces and mirror frames.

Natural cotton

Due to its pleasant texture, softness and positive impact on health, cotton is among the best natural materials you can welcome in your home. Think about comfy bed linens and match them with transparent cotton canopies to achieve calming and laid-back ambient within the bedroom. 

Fluffy cotton cushions go well with living room couch topped with smooth cotton upholstery, while romantically embroidered curtains and soft cotton rugs can accentuate soothing atmosphere. 

This is a guest post by Kate Flannery. You can find more of her work at highstylife.com