By Sarah Fertsch
There’s no mistake – we all have too much stuff. From overflowing closets to tens of knick-knacks, we spend too much money and time absorbed in our possessions. We decorate our homes with so many little trinkets that it can bog down your lifestyle. You end up feeling cluttered and cramped. This summer, instead of hitting the department store and buying seasonal decor, practice some creativity and create decor from the world around you. Here are my recommendations for ways to make your home feel like a warm, tropical, natural home:
Shell Art
If you are an avid beach goer like myself, I am sure you hide mountains of collected shells in junk drawers and baskets. Make use of these natural beauties and put your own creative spin on the graceful curves and edges. With some simple cleaner, wash out the shells and let them dry. Use acrylic paint and design the shells to your liking. Paint a wave of the side or etch your monogram. Place the dried shells in your garden, on your window sill, or even in a beautiful bowl as a centerpiece. You’ll be hunting for shells with a crafty eye soon!
Wild Bouquets
Celebrate the loveliness of the season and bring flowers and plants inside! Check out a local farmer’s market and pick up a bouquet of wildflowers and set them around your home (in the kitchen, on the coffee table, or even in the bathroom). Collect flowers grown outside (tiger lilies, daisies, or hydrangeas) from around your porch and lay them around your mantle. You could even press the flowers into a book or send a dried flower in the mail to a friend (I recommend lavender!). Your house will smell fantastic, too!
Refurbish Driftwood
If you find some driftwood on the beach, keep it! Clean it off with some soap and water, and lay it around your home. The smooth wood will bring calming, natural vibes to your space. Look for more abstract shapes to create artistic interest! Place the driftwood on your table, in your garden, or beside your pond! Make the most of our beachy neighborhood and collect the sea’s bounty!
Plants, Plants, Plants!
If you love the natural look, pick up some plants to spruce up your home (pun intended). Invest in a lemon tree and enjoy its beauty, and drink lemonade all-year-round! Add lemon zest to recipes and you’ll love that extra kick of citrus. Grow aloe and when sunburn strikes, break off a segment and save your skin! Start your own herb garden and make some pesto with basil, iced tea with mint, and tacos with cilantro! Plants even help you concentrate (the extra oxygen in your home is good for brain health). Bonus: connect with friends and propagate plants to save money and share a sweet gift!
When we decorate our homes with natural beauty, we can relish in the glory of the world around us, and be encouraged to spend more time in the Great Outdoors! Invest in creativity, frugality, and your own personal pleasure!
