What is Naturalism in Interior Design? (And how to get the look)

Naturalism in interior design represents a thoughtful shift from synthetic materials to natural elements. 

Basic examples include incorporating real, living houseplants instead of artificial alternatives, choosing genuine wooden furniture over manufactured grey pieces, and selecting organic textiles rather than synthetic polyester materials.

The naturalism movement draws its inspiration from natural and nature-inspired materials to create authentic, welcoming, and comfortable spaces that resonate with our innate connection to the natural world.

This considered approach to bedroom design makes your personal space more stylish, tranquil, and genuinely relaxing, helping you wind down more effectively and achieve better quality sleep in an environment that feels harmonious with nature.

We know from extensive scientific research that exposure to green spaces is strongly associated with improved sleep quality and duration. Studies consistently show that people feel more soothed, comfortable, and at ease when living and working in environments with natural elements, compared to sterile, technology-dominated spaces.

Simply put, incorporating elements of naturalism into your bedroom could significantly enhance your sleep quality and boost your overall happiness and wellbeing at home, creating a sanctuary that aligns with your body’s natural rhythms.

Naturalist design

While naturalism thoughtfully incorporates natural materials into existing interior designs to make them more organic and authentic, naturalist design takes this philosophy further by bringing the outdoors inside, with approximately 90% of materials, décor, and furniture being either organic or directly nature inspired.

You can think of naturalist design as naturalism elevated to its purest form – it demands a comprehensive approach, making every single element natural, from the paint on your walls to the flooring beneath your feet. This creates a completely immersive natural environment.

In other words, while naturalism enhances a space by making it more organic and nature-connected, the naturalistic style represents a unified, holistic approach that deliberately minimises or eliminates practically all synthetic elements in favour of natural alternatives.

Naturalism embraces biophilia

Biophilia represents the innate human instinct and biological need to connect with nature. Modern interior design increasingly incorporates natural elements into indoor spaces to create a visual and sensory connection to the outdoors, which is precisely what naturalism achieves in its thoughtful approach.

The key distinction is that naturalism extends beyond merely adding greenery and organic materials, comfortably embracing metals and nature-inspired elements, including some semi-synthetic materials when they serve to enhance the overall natural aesthetic.

It offers a less extreme and more flexible approach to natural design, allowing you to thoughtfully add organic materials without rigid structural constraints, making it more accessible for most homes.

 Pictured: Biophilic interior design banner, By Antony (Bedstar)

How to incorporate naturalism into your bedroom

Here’s how to effectively incorporate naturalism into your bedroom:

Add houseplants

The most straightforward and impactful way to make your bedroom feel more natural is by introducing carefully selected houseplants. With the exception of placement next to a radiator, most indoor plants will thrive inside your bedroom, provided they are hardy varieties and receive regular watering and appropriate feeding.

You can derive considerable enjoyment and satisfaction from nurturing flowering succulents, elegant bonsai trees, and graceful palms, particularly semi-seasonal varieties that require periodic trimming and care, adding an engaging element of interaction with nature.

Incorporate natural wood

Painted furniture typically doesn’t complement naturally styled bedrooms effectively. The most authentic organic material choice for furniture is natural wood, such as solid oak, pine, or quality veneer.

You have the flexibility to purchase either new or pre-loved pieces, or if you enjoy DIY projects, you can transform existing wooden furniture by stripping and sanding it to achieve the desired natural look (numerous helpful tutorials are available on YouTube). Weathered furniture pieces in the shabby chic style also integrate seamlessly with naturalism principles.

If you’re limited to replacing just one piece of furniture, prioritise your bed – a well-chosen wooden bed frame will provide your bedroom with a natural, stylish focal point that anchors the entire space.

Pictured: Nordic Mill Shake Low Bed Frame, Available from Bedstar.

Rustic metallics

Metallic elements can add a sophisticated dimension to a natural bedroom, provided they are carefully selected to maintain the organic aesthetic. Light fittings, switches, and decorative ornaments should feature natural, rustic, or weathered finishes that complement rather than compete with the overall naturalistic theme. These thoughtfully chosen metallic accents can serve as subtle highlights that enhance the room’s connection to nature.

When selecting metallic elements, it’s crucial to avoid overly polished or contemporary finishes like shiny metallics and stainless steel, as these can disrupt the natural harmony of the space. Instead, opt for metals that age gracefully and develop character over time.

Copper, nickel, and iron are particularly well-suited for naturalistic design, with copper being an exceptional choice due to its warm tones and natural patina development. Consider incorporating these metals through rustic mirrors, vintage-inspired lamps, and artistically weathered picture frames to create visually engaging focal points throughout the room.

Rattan and wicker

Rattan and wicker elements are experiencing a remarkable resurgence in interior design, and for good reasons. These versatile materials bring an unmatched natural sophistication to any bedroom space whilst maintaining authenticity and charm.

The possibilities for incorporating rattan and wicker are truly extensive. From intricately woven wall art and comfortable seating to practical storage solutions, these materials offer numerous opportunities to enhance your bedroom’s natural aesthetic. 

Consider adding wicker boxes for storage, rattan chairs for seating, or decorative wall hangings for visual interest. One of the most appealing aspects of these materials is their adaptability – they can be easily refreshed with paint to match evolving colour schemes whilst maintaining their organic texture.

Organic weave fabrics

Heavy textiles play a crucial role in creating a naturally comfortable bedroom environment. Curtains, rugs, and throws crafted from organic woven fabrics add both visual and tactile warmth to the space. These elements provide perfect opportunities to introduce rustic charm through natural textures and patterns.

For seasonal versatility, consider lightening the naturalistic elements during summer months. Crisp white bedding and carefully chosen colour accents can help balance the design whilst maintaining the room’s organic character.