A NATURAL SPACE
QOur kitchen and living room are in the basement and I struggle to create a connection with nature as it feels so enclosed. What can I do to bring the outdoors in?
Ellie Baines, Birmingham
ACreating direct and indirect connections with nature in our homes has been shown to have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. Direct connections can include real plants, water, sunlight and animals.
To start with, make the most of any natural light in your basement by placing plants that prefer low levels of light around the windows – ferns and ivy are great options.
Even if there’s no access to light, your foliage can still thrive. Several companies, including Ikea, have designed all-in-one growing systems for houseplants that include full-spectrum LED bulbs to support plant growth.
When direct forms of nature aren’t an option, indirect forms such as natural textures, materials and shapes can be effective. Incorporating timber with an obvious natural grain on worksurfaces, walls or floors, and real stone surfaces, plus wallpapers and fabrics with natural or textural prints, can all have an impact in enhancing nature within your home.
If your space is lacking in natural light or would simply benefit from more, sun tunnels can be used as a structural solution, pulling natural light down into dark rooms. Don’t forget that mirrors also work well, bouncing light around a room and making it feel more open and airy.
One final trick is scented candles – the movement that a flickering flame provides is natural, unpredictable and calming, and many brands now offer natural scents, such as sandalwood and even earth, to help you feel more connected with the outdoors.