That time I planted a tree inside my client's house

I remember that time last year when a client asked me if I was insane.

Why? Because I suggested planting a 10-foot (3 meters) tree in their internal courtyard.

Not a potted plant. Not a cute little ficus. A full-grown tree, roots and all, growing straight through their concrete floor.

Here's the thing about breaking design rules:

Sometimes you have to risk looking crazy to create something unforgettable.

That tree? It transformed their sterile modern house into something that felt ancient and alive; like the home had grown around it, rather than the other way around.

It got me thinking about how we've all become so... careful with natural materials.

We'll timidly put a wooden bowl on a coffee table and call it "bringing the outdoors in." (Nothing wrong with that, but come on – we can dream bigger.)

Nature and design belong together. It's not just about aesthetics – there's something about the peacefulness of natural elements that makes us feel at ease.

The warmth of timber, the softness of wool, the cool touch of stone... these aren't just materials. They're what makes a house feel like home.

Let me show you what happens when you stop playing it safe with natural materials:

1. Layer Everything (And Then Layer More)

Natural materials shine brightest when they’re combined thoughtfully. Look at the bedroom below – it doesn’t just have one type of bedding. They’ve layered white linen, brown cotton, and a cream wool throw.

Credit: AMA Studio Interiors (left) & McMullin & Co (right)

The result? Pure comfort.

The living room is just as clever. They’ve combined:

• A chunky wooden coffee table

• A pure wool rug

• A paper-shade pendant

• A handwoven bamboo chair

Pro Tip: If you want to elevate your space, always contrast soft textiles with hard surfaces like wood and stone. It creates balance.

🌱 Get the Look:

• Layer rugs over wooden or stone floors for added warmth

• Incorporate handwoven pieces to enhance texture

If you want to learn more about how to elevate your home through texture, you may be interested in this video:

2. Embrace Timber (Actually, Embrace More Timber)

There’s something magical about how daylight plays across warm wood. Look at this mountain house – they didn’t just add timber floors. They wrapped entire walls in reclaimed wood.

Credit: Photo by Manolo Yllera (left) & Shannon McGrath (right)

Too much? Not even close.

Wood helps create that enveloping atmosphere so many of us are after.

3. Living Decor

You can’t get any closer to nature than actually bringing nature into your home!

And they aren’t just for decoration–they bring life and movement.

Look at this amazing space on the right – they’ve gone way beyond the typical potted plant in the corner. Not only do they have Pothos dangling from a slatted timber ceiling, but they’ve planted a full-size tree on their ground floor!

Credit: Photo by Amelia Stanwix (left) & Lynden Foss (right)

🌱 Get the Look:

• Add statement indoor plants.

• Go bold by decorating with a potted tree.

• Use terracotta pots, rattan baskets, or natural stone planters to keep with the natural material theme.

4. Windows To The Outside World

Natural light transforms everything it touches. The best spaces I’ve seen maximize this by:

• Installing large windows

• Adding sliding doors

• Placing skylights strategically

• Using sheer curtains for soft diffusion

• Arranging furniture to maximize natural light.

Credit: Photo by Marnie Hawson (left) & Pablo Veiga (right)

5. Embrace Imperfection

The Japanese call it wabi-sabi.

These spaces embrace natural materials with their imperfections – cracked ceramics, worn wood, and asymmetrical designs.

Sam Frost

Credit: Annabell Kutucu (left) & Alexandra Rowley (right)

🌱 Get the Look:

• Embrace aged and weathered materials

• Choose handcrafted decor over mass-produced items

6. Go Green (Literally)

Color isn’t a natural material, but taking inspiration from nature and incorporating it in your color schemes can strengthen your connection to nature.

Check out this bold space below – they’ve covered their kitchen in deep green glazed tiles and added green beams. Makes the whole space feel vibrant and alive, doesn’t it?

You can always go more subtle with your natural palette, like the wabi-sabi interiors above. Either way works beautifully.

Which of these spaces inspires you the most? Reply and let me know how you’re bringing natural elements into your home – I’d love to hear your stories.

P.S. Want to learn more about transforming your space with natural materials? Check out my Practical Home Design course. We’ll dive deep into all of this, and I’ll show you how to layer these elements like a pro.