Design Buy Build Issue 38 2019 | Page 90

Going Green: How to Bring the Outside Into Your Home Going green has never been so popular. More of us than ever are ditching plastics in our daily lives and choosing to enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors. And when it comes to interiors, the trend for 'bringing the outside in' is also on the rise. Bringing botanical elements and natural materials into a scheme blurs the lines between garden and home, delivering bursts of colour, texture and vibrancy. work wonders to improve our mood and reduce stress levels. Greenery is thought to bring balance and harmony to a space, creating a calm and relaxed mood. When we surround ourselves with the beauty and tranquillity of nature, stresses disappear as we find comfort and reassurance in our natural environment.” THE NATURAL TOUCH House plants are all well and good, but what if you're somewhat lacking in the green-fingered department?! It's all too easy to forget to water plants, which is one of the reasons why sales of faux versions are booming. “Faux plants really are big news at the moment,” says Roselind. “There have been great improvements in quality, meaning that the best ones are now completely lifelike. They're also maintenance-free and safer for pets and people with allergies. It's easy to see why they're the ultimate way to add instant greenery!” We all know that a walk in the countryside is the ultimate stress buster, but it's a somewhat tricky thing to achieve if you live in the middle of a busy city! So, what's the solution? Instead of taking yourself into nature; bring nature to you. “We're naturally drawn to the great outdoors. Being around nature can help us feel refreshed and reinvigorated,” says Roselind. “So bringing natural elements into the home such as plants, flowers, and even indoor trees and ferns, can FAKE IT 'TIL YOU MAKE IT 90