There’s something about being outside that makes everything better, so it’s no wonder we all feel better when we spend more time outdoors - it’s to do with the natural light and fresh air, among other things. The problem is that when life gets busy, you can’t always be out in nature as much as you’d like, but there is some good news - you bring more of that feeling into your home with just a few changes, and that’s definitely something you should try to do.
The truth is that when a space feels more open and connected to what’s outside, it instantly feels lighter and more inviting and it can lift your mood, make rooms feel bigger, and help your home feel more like a sanctuary. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Let More Light In
Natural light is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel closer to the outdoors, which is why it’s wise to swap heavy curtains for lighter fabrics, rearrange furniture to avoid blocking windows, and maybe also think about adding mirrors to bounce light around darker areas. It might sound simple, but that’s the beauty of it, and it’s a really effective way to make your space feel brighter and more open.
If you want to go further, features like French doors can completely change how a room feels because let let in more sunlight and they create a lovely flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces, making your garden, balcony, or patio feel like an extension of your living area. On warm days, you can throw them open and enjoy indoor‑outdoor living, and on cooler days, you still get the views and natural light.
Use Natural Materials
Bringing the outdoors in isn’t just about light; it’s also about texture and materials and wood, stone, linen, and woven fabrics all help to create that natural feel. We’re not saying you’ve got to totally start again when it comes to your interior design, but making a few changes when you’re ready, like switching to natural rugs, adding a wooden coffee table, or using woven baskets for storage can have a big impact that you’re sure to love.
And of course, adding greenery is one of the easiest ways to change the feel of a room, so a few well‑chosen plants instantly make a space feel fresher and more alive.
Open Up Your Layout
Sometimes homes feel closed off simply because of how the rooms are arranged, so if you can, create more open spaces between your living areas and the outdoors. Even small adjustments, like rearranging furniture to improve sightlines to the garden or creating a clear path to the patio, can make the outdoors feel like a natural extension of your home.
Blur The Boundaries
It’s not just about what’s inside - what’s outside matters too. Creating an outdoor area that feels like an extra living space makes the connection stronger, which is why it’s a good idea to add comfortable seating, string up some lighting, or bring out a few soft furnishings so your garden or balcony feels as inviting as your living room.