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Start Your Journey 🚗

Creating a fresh space works for both indoor and outdoor rooms. Whether that means adding more plants, using lighter colors, or creating an oasis with sounds, it can work for either setting. The word 'fresh' can have a different meaning depending on the designer, so we wanted to see all sorts of ideas and gain inspiration from this challenge. 

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📷: <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">dixie</a>

We challenged our users to create spaces that are open, fresh, and light. We gave them spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc. Check out some of their beautiful designs!

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📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">@queenofspadez63</a>

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📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">nzia</a>

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📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">@lenadalin</a>

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📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">designs_by_m</a>

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Design Challenge: Fresh

Spring is approaching. Fresh and fun interior design games live in-app. Try now! 

Tree Shadow 

#daily #challenge #luxegreen #bedroom #green 

Carol Sakaguchi

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Midnight isn't just a time of day, in the world of interior design, a midnight black calls for a cool, sleek and elegant space. Using a dark black as the main focus of the room, can be an incredibly difficult task, especially if you tend to lean towards lighter and brighter colors. Midnight covers colors like black, dark blues, and grey tones.

📷: <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">karenharris</a>

We challenged our users to create spaces that follow a midnight color palette. We gave them spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc. Check out some of their beautiful designs!

📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">@nasa75</a>

📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">cindyjean</a>

📷: <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">@nanabear</a>

📷: <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">charliejm</a>

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Design Challenge: Midnight Edition

The term biophilia has been defined in many ways, but essentially it’s an affinity or love for all things living. Humans have been living in and evolved with nature for as long as we’ve been here. Being surrounded by nature is quite literally in our DNA. We are wired to respond positively to natural environments.

📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/studiowust/" target="_blank">@studiowust</a>

When we find ourselves in nature, we automatically feel more relaxed. Did you know that<a href="https://www.beingbetterhumans.com/benefits-wood-therapy/" target="_blank"> touching wood for 90 seconds</a> lowers the release of stress hormones in our body? Biophilic design can affect the human body in other fundamental ways. It helps regulate how your body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It can keep inflammation levels down and lower blood pressure. It can even affect your sleep cycle.

Western architecture was introduced to biophilia in the 1980s, but the concept is far from new. For more than 2,000 years, Asian cultures have valued striking an equilibrium with the surrounding environment and cherished the healing potential of nature-inspired design.

📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/k8theearthling/" target="_blank">@k8theearthling</a>

It’s only in the past few years that the principles of biophilia have made their way into the realm of home décor and interior design. At this point, you may be thinking, “I’ll buy a few more house plants and plant flowers in my back garden – job done!” While that would be a good start, it’s not so simple. 

Environmental psychology research suggests that physical spaces are the most beneficial for us when they echo the scale and tone of the natural environment. How can we bring the majestic beauty of Mother Nature indoors? Here are a few biophilic design principles you can employ in your approach to home décor.



Natural light that is. We tend to depend on artificial light in enclosed spaces or during those dim, grey winter months. The task here would be to maximize the amount of sunlight coming through your windows. Be sure to clear away anything that might prevent natural light from coming in, both inside and outside your window. Throw open your blinds and curtains, give the windows a good cleaning, remove any furniture, decorations, or plants that could obstruct the natural light from shining through and entering your space. A simple change in layout might be all it takes to employ this biophilic design principle.

📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kellymacplants/" target="_blank">@kellymacplants</a>

Now consider what’s outside your windows. How green is it out there? Are you looking at a busy street full of passing cars? Studies suggest that close proximity to plants slows our breathing and makes us feel more relaxed. But viewing greenery from a distance actually lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. You can’t control what’s outside all the windows in your home, but in spaces where you can, you might do well by reordering the placement of things like sheds or lawn furniture if what’s behind them is a view of a forest or rolling hills.

Being around wood is good for your health. Treated wood is okay, but natural untreated wood is better. In a<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXZzsty5BGY" target="_blank"> TED Talk from 2021</a>, renowned architect Matthias Olt references a scientific study where participants performed written tests in furniture settings with white plastic and wooden surfaces. Organizers found that taking tests in rooms constructed with a moderate balance of wooden surfaces dramatically reduced participants’ cortisol levels to 38 percent – making them calmer and more alert. Wooden surfaces affect our mood, motivation, stress levels, and even fear. In the same study, Olt said they found that heart rates dropped significantly when the participants touched wood while they took the test. This is a biophilic design principle that you can easily incorporate in your home—and gives new meaning to the phrase “knock on wood.”

Ever notice how so many modern office buildings have water fountains or shallow pools of water flanking the main entrance? It’s no accident. It’s a sign that the architect who designed the structure was interested in utilizing another key biophilic design principle: proximity to water. Research into green spaces has shown that the presence of water prompts greater improvements in one’s mood and sense of self-esteem than in green spaces without the presence of water. Using this biophilia principle in your home will depend on several factors, including space availability and budget. If a decorative pool or “water sheet” is out of the question, then maybe a small water fountain, indoors or out, could be more feasible.

Biophilia is more than a design paradigm; it’s a philosophy. It can be considered a celebration of the natural world and its innate connection. Making the conscious decision to employ just a few of its principles can dramatically enhance the way we feel and perform in our lives. Incorporating nature into our interior design approaches can improve our physical health in real, measurable ways and help us develop an overall sense of wellbeing.

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The term biophilia has been defined in many ways, but essentially it’s an affinity or love for all things living. Humans have been living in and evolved with nature for as long as we’ve been here. Being surrounded by nature is quite literally in our DNA. We are wired to respond positively to natural environments. When we find ourselves in nature, we automatically feel more relaxed. Did you know that touching wood for 90 seconds lowers the release of stress hormones in our body? Biophilic design can affect the human body in other fundamental ways. It helps regulate how your body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It can keep inflammation levels down and lower blood pressure. It can even affect your sleep cycle. 

Biophilia: The Hot New Trend in Interior Design

If there's one woman who knows a thing or two about design, it's Mother Nature. One step outside, and it's abundantly clear that she knows which colors contrast perfectly together. Her work even triggers us to feel emotive reactions in response. We've spent centuries basing our home interiors on her art and utilizing elements to bring inside.

📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hoppshouse/" target="_blank">@hoppshouse</a>

Nancy Hooff, of <a href="http://www.carterkayinteriors.com/" target="_blank">Carter Kay Interiors</a>, an Atlanta-based design firm, says: "We find that by keeping a room wrapped in quiet earth tones, the rich natural colors of Mother Nature, right outside the window, are allowed to be more visible and more pronounced than if they are fighting stronger colors used on interiors."

So, if you're ever in a color funk, we recommend the first thing you should do is get out of the house and take a long walk outside. Witness what's strung together in the world around you. Depending on the season, you could witness soft, green grass contrasting with warm, brown soil or various shades of orange from fallen leaves

With earthy tones all the rage this spring, here are a few tips on how to bring the outside in.

Opt For Natural Materials Straight Straight From Your Local Walk

Long before artificial materials, we only utilized the natural sources around us. Bowls, plates, and mugs were made from clay, and decor was made with terracotta, bringing warm, earthy elements into our home. 

📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tatiana_home_decor/" target="_blank">@tatiana_home_decor</a>

On top of instantly creating a natural aesthetic throughout your home, hardwood floors can help ground us without even stepping foot outside. This helps cultivate a calmer and present state of mind with every step – it’s <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding#the-science" target="_blank">proven</a> that being grounded by walking on natural materials can improve your overall mood.

📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/smnstr_/" target="_blank">@smnstr_</a>

If changing your flooring or kitchen crockery sounds like quite a jump, start by turning to wood or wicker accessories in simple places like your living room, or upon a mantlepiece, to add light changes to the decor in your home. 

What on Earth Is Better Than a Couple of Green Leafy Plants? 

House plants are the quintessential ideology of bringing the outside in. A punch of real life, breathing greenery will liven up any room. For example, lavender and chamomile bring a breath of fresh air and their gorgeous smells dispel any stress and liven up any room. 

📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shellsloft/" target="_blank">@shellsloft</a>

Even if you are the <a href="https://www.company.decormatters.com/post/you-may-be-the-resident-plant-murderer-of-your-house-but-here-s-how-we-change-that" target="_blank">resident plant killer in your home</a>, don't jump straight to plastic plants as they can look cheap and even negatively affect Mother Nature herself. Hanging ferns or English Ivy are affordable, low-maintenance greenery that we would recommend you start with if you’re new to taking care of house plants.

📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hothouse.jungle/" target="_blank">@hothouse.jungle</a>

Alternatively, you can make a Sunday morning visit to your local farmers market, find some bright daffodils or tulips, and place them in a vase on your table or mantlepiece to add a freshness to your home.

Choosing the Right Color Palette When Lifting the Paint Brush 

If you pick earth-like tones for your walls, your house will almost immediately become reminiscent of the outdoors as these design elements have an all-encompassing nature. 

Utilizing warm colors like burnt orange, for example, can bring a grounding and calming feeling to your space. It sits nicely against beige and terracotta furniture or accessories, thus mimicking the style of a warm and intimate retreat. 

📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lonefoxhome/" target="_blank">@lonefoxhome</a>

Picking a beige wall paint with grey undertones can make an incredible accent wall backdrop without being too overpowering. 

Studies show that our time outdoors reduces anxiety drastically; bringing the outside in can deepen our connection to nature and ground us in the comfort of our own space. Emulating the same chemical responses in our brains that we feel out in the wild creates a more natural ambiance. 

📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/decormattersapp/" target="_blank">@decormattersapp</a>

If you’re someone who struggles when venturing out of your comfort zone with new color palettes, we’d recommend using our augmented reality design app. That way, you’ll see how your new earthy vibes fit together before spending. 

For more tips on creating the perfect home decor for this spring, hop on over to <a href="https://www.company.decormatters.com/blog" target="_blank">DecorMatters</a>.

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If there's one woman who knows a thing or two about design, it's Mother Nature. One step outside, and it's abundantly clear that she knows which colors contrast perfectly together. Her work even triggers us to feel emotive reactions in response. We've spent centuries basing our home interiors on her art and utilizing elements to bring inside.



3 Tips for Inviting Mother Nature Into Your Home This Spring

Green is a bold choice of color for some. It's most commonly used as an accent or a bold statement color. If you suggested to someone that they should add green into their space, plants would most likely be the initial response. We felt that green is a color that could be a challenge for most to use as a focal point so we decided to make that this week's challenge. 

📷: <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">nasa75</a>

We challenged our users to create spaces that focus on the color and different shades of green! We gave them spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc. Check out some of their beautiful designs!

📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">@angelablueeyez</a>

📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">cat2022</a>

📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">@whiteroses1118</a>

📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">craftywitch</a>

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Design Challenge: Green

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">In the world of interior design, blue is a common color when trying to create an environment that provides peace and serenity. With blue being such a versatile color, it's perfect for any room, whether it's as a statement wall or just simple decorations.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷: <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">lynell</a>

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">We challenged our users to create spaces that used the color blue! We gave them spaces such as living rooms, entryways, bedrooms, etc. Check out some of their beautiful designs!

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷 <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">leasurelafitte</a>, <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">newmsdecorxo</a>

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷 <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">nonaa</a>, <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">b_ducharmey</a>

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In the world of interior design, blue is a common color when trying to create an environment that provides peace and serenity. With blue being such a versatile color, it's perfect for any room, whether it's as a statement wall or just simple decorations. We challenged our users to create spaces that used the color blue! We gave them spaces such as living rooms, entryways, bedrooms, etc. Check out some of their beautiful designs!

Design Challenge: Fresh

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