Bringing the outdoors in
Organic elements aren’t just for the garden. Here’s how Nolan welcomes nature inside.
Go big with houseplants. Nolan prefers just one or two almost-too-large plants per room. “I go for a plant that is slightly bigger than what I think I need,” he says. “In the end it’s worth the investment and it makes more of a statement.” Frame greenery. Nolan loves palms, cactuses and unusual plants, and the art in his home reflects that. “My favorite is the framed South Carolina flag, which has a palmetto,” he says. “I hung it in my kitchen where it watches over me while I cook really unhealthy Southern food.” Decorate with books. Nolan has a weakness for garden design titles, and puts them on display. “As much as I love glossy coffee-table books, a lot of my favorites are older books that I picked up at yard sales and secondhand bookstores,” he says. “When I’m traveling, I’ll even make a point to stop and pick up a book on the gardens of that area.” Bring home found objects. Along with plants and books, Nolan is drawn to shells, rocks and coral. “I love to pick up a piece or two when I’m traveling or on a hike — it’s a really easy way you can bring nature into your home,” he says. “I keep them in collections and vignettes around the house, and they look way better than any accessory that you could buy.” Use a living centerpiece. Nolan is a fan of cut flowers, but they’re short-lived and pricey. After tossing his last expensive bouquet, he bought the most dramatic houseplant he could find and set it in a favorite pot on his dining-room table. “I was totally shocked by how cool it looked, and that I didn’t need a huge arrangement that looked like it should be in a hotel lobby,” he says.