No doubt you have seen the design trend, the neo naturalist interior, creeping into design magazines and shop catalogues and couldn’t quite figure out what it all meant or how the items could be incorporated into your own home. At first glance it’s part laboratory with a light dusting of Victorian details tossed in for good measure. There is pure nostalgia associated with the neo naturalist interior and here is how it rolls. Slowly there is the introduction of antique ceiling lights in industrial metals like brass and bronze, which were usually found during the industrial revolution. Then, those elements are paired with warm glowing filament bulbs that offer an antique glow to everything. Shortly thereafter, in creep more romantic touches like butterflies in cloche (those blown glass bell-shaped domes), and before you know it your home can have the look of a Nineteenth Century botanist. It’s a fascinating look, combining rough and tumble masculine metal and scientific elements with more domesticated touches for comfort. This style is perfect for offices, libraries and even kitchens.

This home office is a perfect example of this look. A nod to the past is achieved by incorporating antique-styled lighting with cloche and feminine seating and a romantic desk. 

Here is another cozy office that displays the neo naturalist aesthetic. I love the metal and wood counter stool. It swivels to just the right height and the worn leather wing back chair compliments the worn metal of the lamps and abundant wood.        

Can’t you just feel the onset of the industrial age in this room? Like a cabinet of curiosities, the office mixes warm woods and metal. This look could be an amazing scrapbooking space or wrapping room. Much of what you see here could be found at flea markets or local antique marts. Old office cabinets could be repurposed as storage for trims, paper, yarn and buttons. The sky is the limit with this design.

This grand living space has just enough quirky elements to characterize it in this hi-lo design scheme. The bare light bulbs glow in an industrial way though draped and experienced by way of an elaborate pulley system. The factory-grade metal railings are softened by the warm wood floors and the leather furniture below.

You can easily recreate this look in your own home by simply swapping out existing light fixtures with something like this bronze, wire-guard ceiling light. I love this look in a mud room, pantry or kitchen. 

If you’re not ready to spark a full-blown industrial revolution of your own, you can dip your toe in the water, so to speak, with a more romantic Victorian  display in your bath. This bathroom is set in a more industrial room, but is totally feminine. The chandelier and Venetian mirror soften the cold walls and lines of the room, while the metal-plated tub is a direct nod to the Nineteenth Century without being literal. Trends, are just that, trendy. If you choose wisely you can, however, incorporate design touches that remain chic. Industrial items and lighting will always look good in work spaces. Interesting stools and benches will always have a home at a desk or island and then ultimately in a cute gardening shed when it’s time to redecorate!

Photos courtesy of Pinterest