'The Great Outdoors, Indoors'

Bring the outdoors, in

Find inspiration in the changing colors of the leaves and rediscover your love for the great outdoors by incorporating materials, finishes and fabrics into your home. This fall, find earthy influences in wood, wicker, faux fur, and colors like gold and brown.

All natural

Fauna print pillow in a neutral green

Color is what sets the mood; what actually creates the impression that you have just walked into an indoor forest. Look for nature-inspired prints such as botanicals and fauna-themed toile. Textures like jacquard or stripes in earthy shades of ochre, amber and sky blue can be found in the form of pillows, slipcovers and blackout curtains.

Think soft English garden-style with green leaf print pillows or hunting lodge with a faux fur pillow in chinchilla. Or if you’d like to calm it down it bit, opt for colors like terracotta, sand, gray or taupe. Do note: Green is the most versatile because it naturally blends with cool hues in the same way as it does dark or warm-tones.

Fully furnished

Faux rabbit rug adds texture to flooring

Look for furniture that can enhance the earthy tones and textures such as those made of wicker, wood, stone and copper. Chairs, ceiling fans, bowls, baskets and coffee tables made of natural materials have that old-fashioned charm that cannot be found in plastic and synthetics.

Pay special attention to your flooring and how you might be able to enhance the outdoorsy décor with area rugs. A floor rug like this rabbit faux fur rug is an unexpected choice, but ties in with the textures and colors of the elements around it. If you already have your floors carpeted, use the fur rug as a centerpiece underneath your coffee table to draw attention.

Wicker, for example, is returning to the décor forefront since its simplicity and lightness make it able to adapt to any room and move if need be. While stone is undoubtedly heavier, it is also sturdier and lasts for some time. Copper and wrought iron in the form of headboards and railing are particularly popular because its curlicue patterns are feminine and elegant.

Light it up

A little candlelight is always a good choice

When it comes to lighting your outdoorsy-inspired abode, remember to stay as neutral and as natural as possible. Sunlight during the day and candlelight at night is by far the most relaxing and environment-friendly. But if you must incorporate decorative lamps, search for those with the following qualities: tree-like shapes, made of wrought-iron, with earth-toned lampshades, wooden beads, or with stone bases.

S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of elitechoice.org; decorinnovation.com