By: The Balance Design Team

Nature is the true origin of inspiration. Everyone at some point in their life has stopped in their tracks at the sight of something magnificent in nature. We are no exception. Find out what truly takes our breath away, and ways to incorporate that beauty into a nature inspired haven.

Stephanie’s Pick: Icelandic Texture

Photo by Christina Wedge

This ever aware sheep in Iceland is set amongst the beautiful and rugged Icelandic landscape. For me this photo evokes an independent spirit and a nod to simplicity.

Photo courtesy of Domino

This Scandinavian home employs the natural texture of the sheepskin rug, and its fresh simplicity inspires me to not only relax in this room, but also get to know the beautiful Icelandic landscape as well!

Elisabeth’s Pick: Punchy Poppy

Photo by Elisabeth Paulson

The Botanical Gardens is an enduring source of inspiration for me and this paper-fragile zinger of a poppy is one of my all time faves. The pod itself stands on its own but then surprises us with gorgeousness every spring.

Rubylite Side Table by Resource Decor

This “Rubylite” side table is punchy yet perfectly refined. Made with stainless steel in satin brass finish, pearlized Damson Mica shelf, beech solids with clear or smoked glass, I can’t wait to see this poppy-inspired piece installed.

Shelby’s Pick: Ocean Crests

Photo by The Poetry of Material Things Tumblr

If I were to choose a ‘spirit color’ it would be deep ocean teal. I have a similar painting in my living room to this picture, something about the varying shades of deep blue cut with the crisp white of the wave is perfection to me.

Photo by Mercury Mosaics

The depth of teal surrounded by crisp white is a nod to nature’s use of a deep color surrounded by a crisp neutral. This space evokes the ocean in a sophisticated way, punching up the bar with a beautiful hue but continuing to stay classic with white tile and a white countertop. Serene and beautiful!

Danielle’s Pick: Bird of Prey

Photo by Ray Barlow photography

I’m a total bird lover, and not just colorful, tropical, pretty birds. I like the fierce ones that have an intensity in their eyes.

Photo by Marco Matarese Photography

This golden yellow sofa against a textured grey and white wall mimics the yellow of the beak and eyes of the peregrine falcon against its layered feathers. In both cases, the boldness of the color is amplified by the neutrality surrounding it. Truly fearless design.

Melody’s Pick: Deep Sea Dive

Photo by Alexander Semenov

The depths of the ocean are largely uncharted territory. I have always had a deep love and curiosity for the ocean and its creatures of the deep.

Photo by Rue Magazine

So, when I see a space with rich dark bold colors like these, I cant help but be in awe. These hues create an immense calm that washes over you, and you feel as though you can conquer the deep.

Use whatever inspires you to create a space that brings you back to nature, and speaks directly to you.