today's ANGLE: Getting the ‘Feeling of Forest’ at Home

via

If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere you can stand on your porch and be surrounded by the great outdoors, you might not want your living room replicating an evergreen glade. For those of us in urban areas, where the only foliage around is your neighbor’s sickly rhododendron, you may want to consider the myriad of ways for integrating the feeling of forest into your home.

via

Okay, so I’ve heard that the indoor water fountain trend isn’t as popular as it once was – the miniature falls can smell funny and require frequent cleaning, but the sound of slowly trickling water still has the ability transport you to a woodland state of mind.

via

Interesting branches and chunks of driftwood are used artistically for everything from picture frames to hat racks, vases and curtain rods. Dead birch branches are especially decorative. The branches can be used whole, tucked into a corner - an excellent way to confuse your pets!

via

Whether you’re more of a hardwood or softwood type when it comes to flooring, starting from the ground up is always a good idea. While some tend to overdo the wood-on-wood-on-wood look, few things can bring the feeling of forest quicker than smooth, “used-to-be-a-tree” floorboards.

via

For those who think “antlers” and picture a bevy of trophy heads lining a den or Joe Schmoe Big-Game Hunter with his two dozen rifles – there are many other ways to incorporate antlers into your décor. Like an awesome coat rack! Just though I’d point out, for anyone who doesn’t know it already, antlers fall off. Every year. They can most certainly be “harvested” humanely.

via

This casual feline has the right idea. While not everyone wants such a literal look in their home, I imagine the woodsy mural would feel ultra-soothing every time you walk by. Scenic wallpapers are available in many shapes and patterns these days. Like the ocean? It’s all yours. Pine trees more your thing? Surround yourself in them! 

via

I’ll be damned if this completely synthetic “branch” chandelier isn’t the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. Designed by Danish artists Thyra Hilden and Pio Diaz, the components for this light were, apparently, created using a 3D printer. So, it’s basically the opposite of what I’m proposing. But, so what – look at those crazy shadows, man!

Interior design enthusiast Jonathon Ensor is a freelance blogger for Empire Today. When he’s not writing about home décor, you can find him playing marathon Scrabble sessions with his wife and inventing his own outlandish pasta sauces.