BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN

Design your home with the warmth and freshness of the outdoors

Gardening is the number one pastime in America according to lifestyle experts. The feeling of the sun on your back and dirt in your hands can be rejuvenating and refreshing. But in a world of longer work hours and packed schedules, even the most enthusiastic gardener has less time to get outdoors.

People who love the outdoors but rarely get to enjoy it need not despair. Creative decorating techniques in the “garden style” can enable even those with a brown thumb to bring the peaceful feeling of the outdoors into their home.

The garden style is about bringing the outdoors inside by decorating interiors with elements of the garden and nature. You can create elements of nature reflected inside the home through furniture, floor covering, and accessories.

Natural designs in flooring are increasingly popular with today’s consumers – sisal, ceramic, and wood with colors, patterns, and textures that echo those of nature are all favorites. And with today’s new laminates, vinyls, and man-made fibers, you can combine a natural look with high performance and affordability.

One of the simplest things a home owner can do to bring the feeling of the outdoors inside is buy a few hardy potted plants – such as a spider or baby jade plant – and lay a sisal or jute rug on the floor. The green of the plants and the natural tones of the sisal fibers will echo the outdoors while making the space inviting and warm. If you don’t have a way with plants, wreathes of dried flowers or herbs, bouquets of fragrant eucalyptus, or botanical prints can create a garden feel.

Natural fibers such as sisal, jute, and sea grass are as old as time itself; these fibers are strong enough to make rope, so they make an incredibly sturdy floor covering. These rugs work for any home because they can be cut to any size and easily dyed to in a spectrum of colors, from natural golds and browns to greens and blues that echo the outdoors.

A natural extension of backyard brooks and winding stone walls, stone flooring has also made its way inside. Natural stones like slate, granite, flagstone, limestone, and travertine give a room a classic timeless feeling. They are also extremely durable and will last the lifetime of your home-- adding great value to the home itself. If you are on a budget, there are also many porcelain tiles available that have the natural look of slate like Cambodi from the Selectafloor collection at Carpet One Floor & Home. http://www.carpetone.com/ceramic/selectafloor/cambodi/600dune/13x13.aspx

Terra cotta ceramic tile can go from kitchen to family room to patio so you can’t tell where the home’s interior ends and the outside begins. This is also a great way to make your home seem larger.

In the bedroom, nature can find its place in subtle floral carpets and colorful area rugs that are both romantic and soothing. The great thing about the garden style is that it concentrates on a more casual lifestyle. Visit your local home and garden center is a great place to find affordable ideas and inspiration