Rental-Friendly Ways to Bring the Outdoors In  

Nature has a way of making us feel grounded, energized and at peace. With a few intentional design choices, you can capture the beauty of the outdoors in your home and create a living space that nurtures your soul.  

Here are five easy (and rental-friendly!) ways to bring the essence of the outdoors in:  

One of the simplest ways to introduce nature into your home is through houseplants. Not only do they add a lush aesthetic, but they also improve air quality and boost your mood. Plus, with so many plant varieties out there, there’s something to suit every gardening skill level and lifestyle. 

• If you’re new to plant care, start with low-maintenance options like pothos, snake plants and peace lilies which all thrive in various light conditions and require minimal attention. 

• More advanced plant parents might enjoy caring for monsteras or ferns, which bring stunning textures to a space but need more moisture, light and upkeep.  

• For a functional touch, consider a vertical garden or small potted herbs in the kitchen. Fresh basil, mint or rosemary can elevate both your cooking – and your decor!  

• If maintaining live plants isn’t your thing, high-quality artificial potted trees and greenery can still add a refreshing, natural look with zero maintenance.  

2. Listen to Nature Sounds  

Nature isn’t just about what we see, but also what we hear! The gentle rustling of leaves, crash of ocean waves or soothing patter of rain can instantly transport us to a peaceful place in our mind.  

You can easily access a variety of nature-inspired soundscapes on music streaming platforms, YouTube or dedicated apps. If you prefer an offline experience, a sound machine with pre-set nature sounds lets you enjoy it anytime, anywhere. 

3. Maximize Natural Light  

Nothing makes a space feel more open, airy and connected to the outdoors than natural light. To brighten up your space, use light, sheer curtains that allow sunlight to filter through while still maintaining privacy. If your rental home has limited natural light, strategically placing mirrors across from windows can help reflect and amplify brightness throughout the room.  

For an extra dose of warmth, open your windows to let the fresh air carry the scents and sounds of nature into your home.  

4. Use Natural Materials  

Wood, stone, rattan and linen are all elements that can help create an organic, grounded feel and nature-inspired ambiance in your home. Look for furniture and decorative accents made from these materials such as wooden picture frames, woven rattan baskets for storage or stone coasters. A jute or sisal tug can add warmth and texture, while linen or cotton throw pillows create a soft, breathable touch.  

Artwork that features botanical prints, landscapes or natural textures are another wonderful way to visually bring the outdoors in. You may also want to incorporate personal touches such as seashells, driftwood or stones collected from travels to add an earth charm while also serving as a beautiful reminder of your adventures.  

5. Bring in Fresh Scents  

Scent has a powerful ability to influence our mood and evoke memories. Infusing your rental home with nature-inspired fragrances can instantly transform your living space.  

Try using essential oil diffusers or wax melts in fresh, earthy scents like citrus, eucalyptus or pine. These aromas can mimic the feeling of strolling through a garden or walking through a forest. If you prefer an all-natural approach, dried flowers like lavender or eucalyptus can offer a gentle fragrance while doubling as decor. 

Embrace Nature in Your Rental Home  

With plants, light, sound, materials and scent, you can create a space that feels closer to nature, no matter where you live. These rental-friendly ideas will help you cultivate a calming, refreshing environment that keeps you connected to the beauty of the outdoors, all while enjoying the comfort of your home.