All summer you’ve enjoyed your outdoor space as a place to relax and entertain. Thanks to a gloriously extended season of warmth, your porch, deck or yard have been well used and loved. But the days are getting shorter, the light is fading, and evenings are downright cold. Layers of flannel shirts and collection of lap robes aside, it’s undeniable; autumn is closing in and it’s time to move inside. But just because you’ve shifted your life back inside the house doesn’t mean you have to close the door on that outdoor atmosphere. Here are 5 ways you can bring the outdoors inside.
1) Gather ‘round the fireplace or indoor fire pit
Fireplaces are cozy and they definitely take the chill off a cold room. But unless you’re a stickler for wood burning, may I suggest a gas fireplace or fire pit?
Gas is quick and efficient and there’s no ashy mess to clean up. As someone who endured a lot of bugs sneaking into my house when I carried in fire wood, gas is now my jam. In my various homes over the years, I’ve had woodburning fireplaces, two gas fireplaces, and two different styles of wood-burning stoves, one style very sleek and contemporary and very Swedish.
For efficiency and instant gratification, gas can’t be beat. The newest trend in gas fireplaces is not a fireplace at all but a fire pit. They are smokeless and mostly run on ethanol and there’s a vast selection of permanent, temporary and even portable designs on the market to choose from. And they come in a wide span of price points. In my opinion, this is an item to splurge on, even if it’s just for the wow factor.
2) Let it rain…in the shower
Rain showerheads project the effect of natural rainfall as opposed to the vertical spray pattern of traditional showerheads. Not only are they fun to look at and a nice upgrade to your bathroom, but once you’re under them, you have to appreciate how they keep your whole body warm and create more steam in the shower.
A rain showerhead is a spa experience you can have at home every single time you bathe. Hydrotherapy, by the way, is a legitimate tool for “washing away” discomfort and pain. Thanks to new pump technology, rain showerheads keep the water pressure up while easily allowing you to alternate spray patterns.
3) What’s underfoot?
Stone flooring is a naturally beautiful element to bring the outdoors in. You don’t have to commit to stone-flooring the entire house, but I will say if I could’ve, I would’ve. Consider starting with stone flooring in a master bathroom or entryway. Stone flooring is dramatic and if you can, go all the way. There’s a lot of stone to choose from. Marble is the most expensive. Granite is considered the most durable.
Other options include sandstone, flagstone, and limestone which are all stunning. There’s also stone tile to consider, including slate and travertine. Depending on the artistic ability of your installer, you might consider incorporating a mosaic. While delightfully cool in warmer weather, stone flooring isn’t difficult to warm up inside the house. Think about installing radiant heat underneath your stone if that works with your budget. Otherwise do what I’ve done and toss around some wool kilims or a cowhide or a trendy sheepskin rug.
Another outdoorsy flooring option for inside the house is cork. Unlike stone, it’s more forgiving and warm under foot. Did you know cork flooring is literally made from the bark of cork oak trees? It’s a sustainable option because the bark is harvested without hurting the tree. Cork flooring provides a nice layer of thermal insulation and has the added benefit of absorbing sound. I have it right now as the flooring in our master bedroom, which I believe was once an attached garage.
4) Let there be light
Skylights are a wonderful way to bring the outside in. They provide natural light on even gray days. They also offer natural views (I’ve gazed at the moon through mine) and for a room with otherwise low ceilings, give the illusion of height.
Skylights that open provide ventilation and let fresh air in. Natural light is an energy saver and a way to let more light in without sacrificing privacy. Got an outstanding outdoor view? Consider making your windows larger or add a wall of insulated glass French doors.
5) Go Green
Indoor flora can dramatically change the vibe of your home’s interior. Unless you’re lucky enough to have a real sunroom, take care to select plants that flourish in indirect light or low light.
While some obvious choices are philodendron, potted ficus, elephant ear and begonias. Don’t overlook that some plants normally chosen for outdoor use do quite well indoors. Boxwood and myrtle do surprisingly well indoors, as do trailing vines. English Ivy is ornamental and hard to kill. Ask any ivy gardener.
Really bad at houseplants? I’ve never killed the one they call “Mother-in Law” tongue, aka “snake plant,” despite serious neglect. Trending right now is the “living wall” which is a vertical garden attached to an interior wall. Sometimes called a “green wall,” these large and often complex displays of greenery can be created in multiple shapes and sizes, including a veritable jungle. Before embarking on this endeavor, be honest how much time you want to commit to upkeep. At the very least, choose plants with similar requirements for water and sun. An easy way to create a green wall is to display a variety of ferns. Need a pop of color? Add a peace lily. Want no maintenance at all? Try succulents. Jade only should be watered once a month, they say.
I hope this autumn there will be plenty of gatherings around the fire in my cottage living room. I expect we’ll be sprawled out in Adirondack chairs I’ve moved inside from the porch. For the season, I’ve made them cozy with Pendleton blankets and sheepskin throws. We’ll snack on hearty appetizers I’ll serve on the small metal cafe tables that also were on the porch. After dinner, we’ll sit by the fire sipping Mexican hot chocolate, which is hot chocolate laced with cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cheers. Here’s to you and yours.
If any of these ideas sound interesting to you, but you’re not sure where to start, contact a HomeSquare professional today!
Eve Marx
Eve Marx is a national journalist and book author. Follow her reflections on home design and interior style on Instagram at the hashtag #funkybeachhouseseasideror.