A Home for Nature: Thoughtful Materials for Everyday Living

With summer in full swing and the days stretching out that little bit longer, many of us find ourselves drawn to the great outdoors. Whether that’s throwing open those windows from indoors or lingering in the garden a tad more than usual, summer is all about seeking out the simple pleasures that fill our hearts and lives with so much joy and goodness.

Bringing that same positive, nature-infused vibe indoors can help instil our love for the outdoors and enjoy it long after this glorious weather has been and gone.

With a few natural touches, our homes can feel lighter, calmer, less cluttered and more connected to the world around us. This means that while we can’t spend every waking hour outside (as much as we want to!), we can relish the feeling inside our homes. And it all starts with the introduction of relaxing, grounding and ever-inviting natural materials and textures...

The true comfort of natural materials

Snuggling up to natural materials carries a reassurance that you just don’t get from synthetics. It’s often difficult to explain or appreciate, but the woven texture of natural grasses, the warmth of wool, the softness of linen, and the character and charm of reclaimed wood bring a certain sense of authenticity that manufactured alternatives struggle to replicate.

There is so much to adore about natural materials. For starters, they’re perfectly imperfect with subtle irregularities only adding to their beauty and vivacity. Natural fibres also invite touch, softening a space visually and physically to ensure a lived-in look rather than an overly styled finish. Natural materials are comforting in many wonderful ways, with even science backing up just how any connection with nature (whether found indoors with the fibres you furnish your home with or out) can be beneficial. According to this report from the Mental Health Foundation, 70% of the UK adults surveyed agreed that being close to nature boosts their mood, with 49% of those admitting that this connection helps them to cope with stress.

Shaping your space with texture

When we think about interiors, colour often receives most of the attention. But, it isn’t the only factor that should be considered when redesigning your space with summer in mind. Texture has an equally powerful influence, shaping how a room looks, feels and is felt on a deeper level.

Natural textures add depth without demanding attention. A woven basket placed beside a sofa, a linen curtain moving gently in the breeze, or a wool throw draped thoughtfully over a favourite armchair can transform the mood of a space in several surprisingly subtle ways. These materials also absorb light differently to give a room a whole new persona.

Natural materials soften harder surfaces all while creating visual interest without the clutter. The result is often a home that feels calmer, warmer, more welcoming and, well, utterly human.

A lighter approach for summer

Our homes should naturally evolve with the changing of the seasons, but some seasons have more influence than others. During the colder months for instance, layers, rich colours and cosiness are our go-to's. Yet summer invites something altogether different, but just as incredible.

Lightness, simplicity and space are the buzzwords that make us think of summer, and natural materials are the perfect way to bring this in abundance. Choose linen for freshness that’s breathable and beautiful. Lean on woven grasses for an easy warmth and perfect harmony. Introduce pale woods to play with light and airiness.

Remember, to channel a little summer energy into your space, you don’t have to replace everything you own with each passing season! Small, simple changes have the power to alter the mood of a room, with a few carefully chosen natural elements having the most influence of them all.

Creating everyday moments of calm

One of the most appealing aspects of natural materials is that they encourage a slower, more intentional approach to everyday living. A carefully placed item can inspire the most beautiful daily rituals – think a basket by the door for gathering freshly cut flowers, a linen tablecloth for long lunches in the garden or a wool blanket kept nearby for draping on cooler evenings.

Natural materials have a way of bringing ease to a home, connecting us to our surroundings, and offering warmth, texture and a sense of comfort in return.

Bring nature home this season

Creating a home that feels connected to nature certainly isn’t about following trends or achieving a particular aesthetic. It’s about choosing materials that feel good to live with. Woven baskets, natural textiles, wooden furniture and other thoughtfully made pieces all play a part in shaping an atmosphere that is calm, welcoming and enduring.

Summer itself is the perfect reminder to slow down and spend more time in nature. By embracing natural materials and the beauty of texture within our homes, we can create spaces that feel lighter, softer and more connected to the world beyond our walls. What’s more beautiful than that? This guest blog comes to you from So Cosy, a Hertfordshire based independent who specialises in crafting the most beautiful homewares from the most natural, ethically sourced, renewable materials. Their collection of blankets, shawls, cushions and natural homewares is a what’s what of cosy comfort, consciously created designs woven thoughtfully for your home. They’re also the proud stockist of Frafra’s handwoven baskets, one-of-a-kind works of craftsmanship that inspire them to keep doing what they're doing!