June Zwan is a confessed nature lover and conservationist. As a young child growing up in Yuma, Arizona, near the Colorado River and the highlands. She spent a lot of time outside in the wilderness, exploring her environment and enjoying everything that nature has to offer. Nowadays, she spends her days educating people on the importance of creating a nature society that thrives. While much of her work is spent enjoying nature in the outdoors, she also likes to bring nature into her home. Here she explains some of the ways that you can do just that.
1. Choose Natural Pieces That Make You Feel Relaxed
“One of the reasons I love getting out into nature,” says Zwan, “is that I can feel truly at peace. I often leave my phone and camera in the car and just head out on my own. It’s incredibly relaxing to be away from technology. I recommend finding pieces for your home that invoke these same feelings. For some people, this could be a kitchen countertop that reminds them of the jagged rocks they experience on their favorite hikes. For others, it could be a rug or painting that inspires a certain feeling and a sense of wellbeing. It’s all about choosing pieces that are natural and that matter to you.”
2. Don’t Be Afraid of Natural Wood
“Natural wood can be a really great addition to any home, and it’s as durable as it is beautiful. I love seeing furniture made from natural wood, whether it’s a coffee table, an outside chair, or a fireplace. Just last week I was taking one of my favorite hikes and I noticed an old wooden fence that had succumbed slightly to mold. And despite its imperfections, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the beauty that surrounded me. This is how I feel about wood in the home. It may not be as perfect as the flat packed designs we see in Walmart or on the Shopping Channel, but in my eyes, that’s what makes it better. The Japanese even have a term for it: Wabi Sabi.”
3. Avoid Artificial Florals and Choose Something Alive
“We live in an automated, industrial age and a lot of people who add greenery to their homes opt for the artificial options so that they don’t have to water and care for them. I understand this, I do, but I really encourage people to consider bringing the outside in. I celebrate nature, and everything that lives among the trees, and just having part of that inside my home environment helps me to feel at one with the world around me. There are a number of house plants that you can purchase that don’t require a lot of maintenance, and some – like cacti – only need watering once or twice a year. If you’re at home every day, I strongly advise avoiding the artificial florals and choosing something alive.”
There are plenty of ways you can introduce nature to your home environment. If you have any others to share, please do so in the comments.