Creating a nature inspired bedroom

Creating a nature inspired bedroom

You’d say you’re the outdoorsy type. Nothing calms you down more than the sound of the wind in the trees, the scent of the woods after downpour, or the way the sun catches the forest floor. So why not create a similar peaceful environment in your bedroom? Even if you’re not actually sleeping under the stars, you can simulate the experience by creating a nature inspired bedroom theme.

Within your own home, you could transform your inner-city situation into a pleasing woodland glade. The following recommendations for designing a restful place are a must-read if you’re interested in creating a tranquil environment utilising green as one of the key hues in your colour scheme. Here are some of the top, nature-inspired bedroom design ideas to get you motivated for your next renovation.

Establish an aesthetic

For a nature lover, it feels as though green and brown were meant to be together. These two colours offer a genuine aesthetic that welcomes the outside in since they have origins that are quite literally in nature. Additionally, home-owners have the option to design a rich, dynamic area in their houses that promotes calm and quiet by using green and brown tones in the décor plan. Green’s ability to evoke a sense of calm is one of  the benefits of using it in a colour scheme. Green is the ideal colour to get a natural aesthetic, according to nature enthusiasts and those seeking to add more authenticity to their design.

Embrace natural materials

Use organic materials such as wood, wool and linen to give your bedroom a rustic feel. This not only brings nature into your house, but it also gives the impression that the room is larger than it actually is. You could add these with items of bedroom furnishing like a headboard, wardrobe, bedside table or ottoman, or you could even cover the walls of your bedroom with slatted oak or walnut. For an array of fantastic, nature inspired wardrobes visit https://www.wardrobedirect.com/.

Choose a bed that suits your style

The bed is the focal point of the bedroom, therefore it must be perfect! Here are a few things to think about:

  • What size bed will you need – a single, a double, a king or perhaps a super-king? To ensure that it will fit, don’t forget to measure your space.
  • Which bed frame material do you favour – upholstered, hardwood, metal, imitation leather or velvet?
  • Will you need under-bed storage? If so, an ottoman bed could be something to consider.
  • Will the bed be situated in the master bedroom, the guest room or the kid’s room?

Add decorative plants

By assembling a variety of tall stems in a sizeable rustic vase, you can create a decorative feature that’s simultaneously architectural and nature-inspired. With short stalks and a small vase, you’ll create the same effect on a more diminutive scale.

House plants are perhaps the simplest way to bring a little slice of nature into any space in your home. It can be easy to decorate with plants. Just be sure to choose the appropriate plants for the amount of light temperature variances your space receives and follow any watering recommendations specific to your chosen plants. You could enhance the look of your shelves with a display of cacti or put a peace lily in your bedroom to help filter the air while you sleep.

The best indoor plants for those of us without green thumbs are listed below:

  • snake plant
  • spider plant
  • palms
  • aloe
  • ferns
  • ivy

Introduce tactile fabrics

Rustic design incorporates handmade and craft items into the space being decorated. Simple additions such a wicker chair or chunky knit baskets help to construct that rustic feel. They can also have a lot more elegance than many typical bedroom storage solutions. For balance, combine these with other materials with a similar tonal range; bamboo, rattan or leather and complete the look by using white, beige and grey-hued bedding, textiles and accessories made from cotton, linen and wool.

Maximise natural lighting

It doesn’t mean you have to forego on having bright, well-lit rooms just because you don’t have the luxury of big windows, skylights or a south-facing garden. When mirrors are hung in deliberate and thoughtful positions, even the smallest or most dimly lit windows can reflect light from the outside, giving the impression of brightness. A similar result may be achieved by decorating your area with glass accents. If you want a natural aesthetic, wooden shutters, linen shades or sheer cotton curtains are the ideal dressing to any window.

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Designer Desire: Vicke Lindstrand

Montage of Vicke Lindstrand designs

Vicke (Viktor) Lindstrand (1904-1983) was a prominent 20th century Swedish glass artist, illustrator, textile artist and ceramic designer.

Vicke Lindstrand worked as a designer at Orrefors from 1928 until 1941 during which time his work was exhibited at the Stockholmsutställningen and Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne. His iconic Mingus martini pitcher from 1934, is still produced by the company to this day.

Lindstrand became artistic director at Upsala-Ekeby from 1942-50, after which he left to go to Kosta in the same capacity until 1973.

As well as studio glass and ceramics, Lindstrand created a number of monumental public artworks (two of which can be seen in our montage, above) including Grön eld in Umeå (1970), Prisma in Norrköping (1973) and Legend i Glas in Växjö (1978).

Vicke Lindstrand on the Periphery. Mid-Twentieth Century Swedish Design and the Reception of Vicke Lindstrand by Mark Ian Jones was published in 2016. Copies are currently available from Biblio and Book Depository.

Find original examples of his work at auction and for sale on online outlets such as 1st Dibs and Etsy.

Portrait of Vicke Lindstrandcredit

Additional image credits:
1st Dibs | Bukowskis

Price Points: Dog activity monitors

Dog activity monitors

Barley and I are currently taking part in the Dogs Trust 99km for Canines fund-raising campaign. It’s happening for the entire month of October, and you can keep up with our own personal journey on our Facebook page.

I’ve been using an app on my phone to track the number of kilometres that I’ve walked; however, Barley is walking (and running) way more than me! I’ve been contemplating getting one of these dog activity trackers that attaches to his collar to see just how much more exercise he’s been getting.

After reading about what each one does and doesn’t do, I think the Pawfit monitor (#2) fits our bill. Firstly, it’s waterproof for those sea and river dips. Next, it tells me the distances that Barley clocks up with all his darting through the trees in the woods and galloping along the beach. Another important function is that it gives me Barley’s exact GPS location – for any unforeseen times he wanders off so far that he gets lost and is out of earshot. For instances like that, the Pawfit is fitted with a microphone that would allow me to speak to Barley – perhaps calling his name for him to come and search for me.

  1. PitPat dog activity monitor: £39.00, Pets at Home

    Advanced “dogorithms” analyse those complex movements every 10 minutes to decide what activity your dog was doing during that period. They also allow an estimation of daily distance covered and calories burnt.

  2. Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor: £54.99, Amazon

    Flexible and affordable subscription rate starting from £3.39/month. Choose from a 1, 6, 12 or 24-month Premium or Basic subscription plan

  3. PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking: £116.99, eBay

    If you need to track your pets when you are inside the house with pets running outside, the performance could not be guaranteed, the connection could be very unstable due to massive obstructions between controller and tracker.

shop dog activity monitors

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
£116.99
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
£54.99
PitPat dog activity monitor
PitPat dog activity monitor
£39.00
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
£116.99
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
£54.99
PitPat dog activity monitor
PitPat dog activity monitor
£39.00
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
£116.99
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
£54.99
PitPat dog activity monitor
PitPat dog activity monitor
£39.00
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
£116.99
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
£54.99
PitPat dog activity monitor
PitPat dog activity monitor
£39.00
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
£116.99
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
£54.99
PitPat dog activity monitor
PitPat dog activity monitor
£39.00

Brain food what to eat for optimal brain health

Brain food what to eat for optimal brain health

Your brain is the most crucial organ in your body. It controls everything you do, from thinking, to speaking, to moving. That’s why it’s important to ensure your brain gets the nutrients it needs to function properly. This post will discuss some of the best foods to eat for optimal brain health. We’ll also provide tips on incorporating these foods into your family’s diet. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

1. Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and contain nutrients essential for brain health, including choline and omega-three fatty acids. Choline is vital for forming acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps with memory and learning. Omega-three fatty acids are essential for maintaining cell membranes which help to protect the brain from damage.

In addition to being chock-full of nutrients beneficial to the brain, eggs are relatively inexpensive, versatile and easy to prepare. Scrambled eggs or an omelette are quick and healthy options for breakfast or lunch. In addition, hard-boiled eggs make a great snack that can be easily taken on the go.

2. Fish

Fish is another excellent source of protein and omega-three fatty acids. Omega-three fatty acids are essential for brain health because they help to protect the brain from damage and improve cognitive function. For example, studies have shown that people who eat fish regularly have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related cognitive decline.

In addition to being a full of goodness for the brain, fish is a low-calorie and low-fat option that can be easily incorporated into any diet. In addition, you can buy Hake online for easy and convenient meal prep.

3. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are brimming with healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. In addition, they can help improve blood flow to the brain and offer protection against inflammation. Walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, flaxseed and pumpkin seeds are all excellent choices. Eat them on their own as a snack or sprinkle them over salads or yoghurt.

4. Leafy greens

Leafy greens are a plentiful source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate and vitamin K. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect the brain from damage. Spinach, kale, collards and Swiss chard are all excellent options. Add them to your favourite recipes or enjoy them as a side dish.

5. Berries

Berries of all kinds are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are linked to better cognitive function. Blueberries, in particular, have been shown to improve memory. So load up on berries when they’re in season or buy them frozen to enjoy them year-round.

6. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and flavonoids which can help to improve blood flow to the brain. Flavonoids also have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Choose dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao for the greatest benefit. Enjoy in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

You can’t go wrong by incorporating these brain-healthy foods into your diet. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods will give your brain the nourishment it needs to function at its best. So don’t forget to include eggs, fish, nuts and seeds, leafy greens, berries and dark chocolate in your next grocery list. Your brain will thank you!

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