Bringing nature into your home can begin with something as simple as your paint colour. The most obvious choices are earthy greens and sky blues. I always find that oxygenated green tones such as Modern Organic and Mellow Green sit well in smaller spaces such as high-rise apartments that have views of blue skies. Blues tones such as Blue Mosel and Lupin will create a natural, dreamy environment in larger homes.

These colours will sit extremely well on their own in living rooms or kitchens but can be paired with bright blocks of colour to mimic your exterior space too. Pops of flowery shades including Crisp Cotton, Simple Lilac and Sunrise can be used on your walls with panels or stripes to bring your summer garden in.

You can get creative with your design by using stencils or unique artwork to bring the pops of colour into your space. Good quality replica flowers and potted plants are the perfect way to bring nature and life into your room without the dreaded up keep. If you are green fingered use real plants where possible and choose plants that will flower throughout the year.

One of the most effective ways to bring your garden inside is to have as much glass facing into your garden as possible. In many cases this requires structural changes so you will need an architect or builder’s input. While it may be costly, it can be the best way to bring light and oxygen into your home while giving you a fantastic view of your garden.

If you cannot afford extreme changes to your home, try using large free standing mirrors to introduce light and a reflection of your garden into the room.

If the room adjacent to your garden is a kitchen, living room or hallway use the same tile flooring outside as you do indoors. By simply using a few of the tiles on your grass area directly from your interior door you can create a seamless transition between the two rooms. This trick will be even more effective if your garden and house are on the same level.

My final piece of advice is to create an outdoor space where you can eat and drink. This can be on a tiled area, decking or even on the grass. Try to pick garden furniture that reflects your colour scheme and design indoors. If you have traditional features you can choose wooden tables and chairs and introduce colour with removable cushions and throws.

In a modern home, select outdoor furniture in exciting materials like metals and treated plastic. Here you can let your furniture do the talking and even use some of it indoors when the weather is bad to ensure you truly make the most of your rooms.

The finishing touch to your outdoor space should be lighting. There are lots of options for outdoor lights from gas torches to solar powered lamps. Lanterns are a great feature in a garden and can add an exotic touch to a design. Whatever option you pick, lighting will ensure that even when you are inside your home you will still be able to enjoy your beautiful garden.

Happy decorating,

Neville