Bringing Nature Indoors: 10 Ways to Create a Greener, Calmer Home

Spending time outside is vital for our well-being, but sometimes we can’t get outdoors as much as we’d like. Or we'd simply like to bring even more nature into our lives. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to bring the benefits of the outside into our homes. Surrounding ourselves with plants, natural materials, and reminders of the outdoors can help reduce stress, improve focus, lift mood, and keep us feeling connected to the natural world even in city apartments or smaller homes.

Even small, intentional steps, like letting fresh air into every room or brewing a whole-plant herbal tea, can make a difference to your physical and mental health. Feeling closer to the natural world helps charge up our well-being batteries so we've got the energy we need to live a meaningful life that makes a positive difference to people and the planet. Here are some simple ideas to help you bring nature indoors.

1. Houseplants

Bringing plants into your home is a lovely way to connect with nature indoors. Research shows that simply having greenery around can help lower stress and support focus and wellbeing. Claims that houseplants significantly improve indoor air quality are often overstated, because in real homes, you would need hundreds to notice a difference. But they definitely make a space feel fresher and more inviting.

Low-maintenance options like pothos or snake plants are great for beginners. If you would like something useful as well as decorative, try growing herbs such as rosemary or basil on a sunny windowsill. These are perfect for cooking with.

You do not always need to buy new plants, either. Many can be started from cuttings shared by friends. Plants can also be surprisingly generous. Even if one looks like you have totally killed it, with a bit of care, it often bounces back and sprouts new growth from what seems like a dead pot.

Caring for houseplants mostly comes down to balance: the right amount of water, light, and plant food. Ivy, for example, is famously tough and forgiving. It is also fun to grow in hanging pots or on high shelves, where its vines will spill down dramatically toward the floor. Most plants also appreciate a little attention now and then, such as snipping off dead or manky leaves to keep them thriving.

2. Whole plant teas

Herbal teas made from whole plants, such as chamomile, nettle, or peppermint, are a simple way to bring more nature into your kitchen.

Nettles are one of the easiest plants to forage. Pick the young tops in spring, and avoid plants growing near busy roads or sprayed fields. Nettle is rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which makes it a nourishing addition to your diet.

If you have a garden, planting perennials for tea can be rewarding for both you and local wildlife. Lavender, for example, makes a calming tea often used to support relaxation, and its flowers are loved by bees. Mint is another excellent choice. It grows quickly with very little care, and a cup of mint tea is traditionally enjoyed after meals to aid digestion and freshen the palate.

If you do not want to grow or forage your own plants, you can simply buy dried herbs for tea. Add a spoonful to a diffuser, steep in hot water for a few minutes, and enjoy.

3. Dried flowers and herbs

Drying flowers, herbs, or grasses is a simple way to preserve them for year-round enjoyment. They can brighten your home in vases, be tied into small bouquets, or tucked into sachets to scent drawers and cupboards. Dried plants give you lasting colour and a gentle natural fragrance without the need for constant care.

You can use plants from your own garden, buy a fresh bouquet and dry it, or start with a ready-made dried arrangement. You could even swap with friends by gathering flowers from their gardens in exchange for sharing a dried bouquet.

To dry plants yourself, cut stems when they are fresh and at their best. Tie them in small bunches and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated spot out of direct sunlight. Different plants dry in different ways, so expect varied results. Some will keep their shape and colour beautifully, while others may fade or become more delicate. Experimenting will help you discover which flowers and herbs work best for you.

4. Small water fountains

A tabletop water fountain brings the gentle sound of running water into your home, creating a calm and restorative atmosphere. Studies show that listening to water can help reduce stress, lower heart rate, improve mood, and support focus, making it a simple way to add a soothing, restorative element to your space. Even a small fountain can echo the background sounds of streams or rivers, helping a room feel more peaceful.

When choosing a fountain, consider looking second-hand on sites like Vinted or eBay, or at charity shops. This is not only more affordable but also reduces waste. If a fountain is not practical, you can achieve similar benefits by playing a playlist of nature sounds, such as trickling water, birdsong, or rustling leaves, especially in the morning to start the day gently.

5. Bird feeders and bee baths by windows

If you have a balcony, patio, or windowsill, consider placing a small bird feeder or bee bar to support wild animals with food and water, and in return, let them support your wellbeing.

Watching birds, bees, or butterflies visit can be surprisingly uplifting. To keep it safe and pleasant, refill feeders regularly, clean them often, and position them so that food or water does not spill indoors or attract unwanted pests. You could even combine this with a nature journal to note the different species you see over time.

6. Fresh air and air purifiers

Opening windows in every room for at least 15 minutes each day lets fresh air circulate, helping to reduce stuffiness and bring a small taste of the outdoors inside. The best times to air your rooms are usually early morning or late evening when outdoor pollution is lower and temperatures are comfortable. Regular ventilation also supports a healthier indoor environment by diluting indoor pollutants and improving overall air quality.

Air purifiers can be helpful in spaces with limited ventilation or higher levels of dust, pollen, or urban pollution. They can reduce allergens and some airborne particles, but their effect on overall indoor air quality is often modest compared with simply opening windows regularly. In other words, they are helpful in certain situations, but they're not neccessary for most people.

7. Essential oil diffusers

Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from plants, capturing their natural aroma and some of their chemical properties. Using them in a diffuser is a simple way to bring these natural scents indoors and is one example of how nature can support both physical and mental health.

Research suggests that certain plant scents can influence mood, stress, and cognitive performance. For example, lavender oil is well known for its calming properties and can help with relaxation and improving sleep quality. Rosemary oil supports focus, concentration, and memory, while sweet orange is uplifting and may help reduce stress and improve overall mood.

To get the best results, use a diffuser in a well-ventilated space and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for water and oil amounts. A few drops of essential oil are usually enough. Essential oils can complement other natural elements in your home, like houseplants, herbal teas, or the sound of water, to create a wonderful sense of calm and well-being.

8. Identification posters and prints

Posters or prints of plants, birds, or insects can bring a touch of nature to your walls while helping you learn species names. Many children and adults today struggle to identify common animals, birds, or flowers, a phenomenon sometimes called “nature deficit disorder,” where limited exposure to the natural world affects knowledge, curiosity, and well-being.

Choosing posters that feature local species you are likely to see outdoors is especially motivating. It encourages you to keep spotting and checking them in real life, which reinforces learning and makes the process more engaging. Identification posters are both decorative and educational, and you might be surprised how often you reference them. Beyond their practical use, they can brighten a room with colour and detail, turning your space into a mini natural history gallery that sparks curiosity and conversation.

9. Display nature mantras

A mantra is a word, phrase, or short sentence that you repeat or reflect on to focus your mind and energy on a certain idea. Putting up quotes or short reminders about connecting with the natural world can be a simple but powerful way to bring this practice into your home. These mantras can act as gentle prompts to pause, notice your surroundings, or take a few mindful breaths, helping you cultivate calm and awareness even during a busy day.

You might choose lines that resonate personally, celebrate seasonal changes, or highlight small everyday joys in nature. For example, my favourite nature mantra is:

"I take care of myself, I take care of the earth".

It's a great reminder that you don't have to suffer to make a positive difference.

You can display mantras on your walls, fridge, or workspace, or keep small cards in your bag or on your desk. The key is to make them visible so they can act as tiny nudges to reconnect with the natural world and bring a sense of peace and presence into daily life.  For mantra ideas and inspiration, see my article on nature mantras for reducing climate anxiety.

10. Nature altar or seasonal corner

A nature altar or seasonal corner is a small, dedicated space in your home where you can collect natural objects such as pinecones, feathers, stones, or seed pods. It’s a simple way to bring the outdoors inside while creating something both beautiful and meaningful. Your altar can reflect the changing seasons, showing subtle shifts in colours, textures, and forms, and adding a decorative touch to your home.

This practice encourages mindfulness and observation, helping you slow down and appreciate the natural world. When you’re ready, items can be returned to nature, making it a gentle, cyclical way to engage with your surroundings. Your altar can be as minimal or elaborate as you like, and even a small corner or windowsill can become a meaningful seasonal display that is both decorative and deeply personal.

Bringing Nature Indoors Can Be Simple

Even small touches like letting in fresh air, adding a single potted plant, or putting up nature mantras can make your home feel more connected to the natural world. By bringing nature indoors, you create a living space that supports wellbeing, curiosity, and a sense of belonging to the Earth, no matter the size or location of your home.

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I have included some affiliate links to products mentioned in this article. I always take time to check the quality and never recommend something unless I think it would really help you. If you use these links, I'll get a small commission. But don't hesitate to look out for second-hand options on websites like World of Books, Vinted, GumTree, or Freecycle.